Hethersett Hawks flying high after Persimmon donation

A cycle speedway team are putting the finishing touches to their new club base thanks to a grant from Persimmon Homes Anglia.

We awarded a grant of £2,000 to Hethersett Hawks to help them finishing a major project to create new facilities at their track in the village, close to Persimmon’s Kett’s Meadow community. 

The volunteers at Hethersett Hawks have now raised £32,000 for the project, which has enabled them to create a trackside facility with a kitchen and toilet for use by the team and visitors. 

More than 60 riders train at the track, with 30 riding at competition level, including Nyla El-Labany, who is the Under 10s Girls British Champion, and Austin Brailey, who was also previously part of the Hawks Under 10s British Team Champions. 

Mel Perkins MBE, Chairman of Hethersett Hawks, said: “Thank you to Persimmon for awarding us this grant to help us work on the final stages of our building. Having facilities on site allows us to better cater for our members and those visiting us for competitions. 

“We have a national-standard track and host regular events and competitions here in Hethersett – in September we should have riders from Poland and Australia here .” 

Cllr David Bills, South Norfolk Councillor for Hethersett, said: “We are delighted to see Persimmon supporting the local club and playing an active role in the community here in Hethersett. 

“The club has worked hard to fundraise for this project and raised £15,000 under their own steam before applying to the council for a grant. The team of dedicated volunteers have worked hard to give the riders these first-class facilities.” 

Jorden Knell, Sales Director for Persimmon Homes Anglia, said: “It is an honour to meet such talented riders here today and see the dedication the whole team at Hethersett Hawks have for the sport. 

“We are delighted to have been able to provide this funding, and any further support we can, to a group who offer such rare opportunities to riders of all ages.”