|
Whilst
Kimberley has a proud history of its citizens working in the surrounding
collieries of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, there has been no active pit
in Kimberley since 1897. However, it would be fair to say that finding the
town's old colliery shafts would be an easier task than locating Welfare's
Digby Street Ground.
Tucked away as
it is between extended housing developments behind Digby Street on the westerly
outskirts of Kimberley, it reminds of that feeling of intrusion one feels when entering the away
turnstiles at Luton Town's Kenilworth Road. A rusting sign await those who
eventually find the barb wire protected entrance gates reading,
"This is Kimberley Miners Welfare Football Ground & it is not a
public right of way. Any person causing damage to the fencing or ground
will be prosecuted". No welcome, no messing. One suspects the Club
have experienced one or two problems with vandalism over the years and
have decided to protect their sacred ground, and rightfully so.
Whilst their
facilities might not be up to the same standard as their big brother
Kimberley Town down the road, the Club have done particularly better in
recent years when it comes to success on the pitch. In 1997 they won the
Notts Alliance 2nd Division and by the turn of the century had added the
1st Division title to their collection. In 2004 they became founder
members of the Nottinghamshire Senior League.
The Digby
Street Ground is a pretty basic affair with unfortunately offers no
sheltered accommodation for supporters. The majority of the pitch is
sectioned off by a series of flimsy rusty metal stakes carrying a lazer
blue rope. However, the Club have erected a more sturdy metal barrier
around the quarter of the pitch in front of the Clubhouse, presumable in
case any of the spectators get a bit too excited. Sited in the north-east
corner of the ground is the Club's porter cabin style changing rooms,
brightly painted in Club colours of Red & Black. Besides these is an adequate
wooden Clubhouse which handily provides spectators with somewhere to
shelter should the heavens open, and no doubt of pint of the town's famous
export, Kimberley Ale.
Behind both
ends of the Ground, the Club have erected large metal fences to prevent
the loss of precious balls to the busy A610 to the south, and the
household waste centre to the north. At the Gilt Farm End there are two
rusty, two cluster floodlights overlooking the pitch, though these have
clearly seen better days.
There
are two well built concrete dugouts on the Digby Street side of the
ground which have a seemingly elevated view of events on the pitch. Whilst
Digby Street is one of the less glamorous venues on the Nottinghamshire
circuit, it has to be said that the
Club are clearly very conscious of maintaining the tidiness of the venue
judging by the numerous wheelie bins positioned alongside of the pitch on
the Digby Street side of the ground. If
you can find it, a visit is recommended. It a worthy alternative to a
five hour stroll around the neighbouring IKEAsuperstore.
|
From M1 Jn.26 - Take third exit off the roundabout
for the A610(Ripley). After 3 miles take the sliproad exit for Awsworth
(you will see a large IKEA just ahead on the RHS). Take third exit
off the roundabout for B6010 (Eastwood). At next roundabout take the
third exit for Kimberley. Take the second on the right into Digby Street.
The Ground is tucked away 120 yards down this road on your RHS. A short graveled
path will lead you to the ground.
TrentBarton
- Rainbow 1 (Nottm Victoria Station - Eastwood/Alfreton/Ripley)
& No.125 (Derby Bus Station - Hucknall Library) both run regularly,
and pass by Digby Street.
Langley
Mill - 3.1 miles