Many of you asked what was said. We thought you’d enjoy reading it.
A few things in Vaughan’s speech are worth highlighting. The reminder that the Recreation Ground itself was bought in 1922 through a collective community effort – servicemen, farmers, local businesses, residents – feels particularly apt today. More than a century on, the same spirit is still here.
And this, near the end of the speech, says it all:
“Less than a year ago, in August 2025, a group of young people sat together in a workshop and were asked a simple question: what would you want? They drew pictures, built hills out of sand, and talked about what would make a pump track worth riding… What you see before you today is the answer to what they asked for.”
“Reuben, Sebastian, Jack, Harry, Miguel, William, Barney, Casey, Charlie, Jamie, Tommy, Joey and Theo – it is yours.”
[Full speech below]
Photos with thanks to David Marsh
—
Cllr V Humphries’ speech at the ribbon-cutting:
Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to the official opening of the Harwell Pump Track+.
Looking around, I suspect there are quite a few riders, young and not quite so young, who have been waiting rather impatiently for this moment.
Before we cut the ribbon, I want to say something about where we are standing. Many people know this simply as “the Rec.” But in 1922, this land was bought through a genuine community effort: former servicemen, local businesses, farmers, and residents, all contributing to something they believed would serve Harwell long after they were gone. They chose to create something living, a place people could actually use.
More than a century later, it still serves us. Today, we add another chapter.
The Harwell Pump Track+ is an investment in healthy activity, confidence, and enjoyment, and it belongs to this community. I hope it will be used by children taking their first tentative rides, by experienced riders honing their skills, by parents and grandparents cheering from the sidelines, and by generations not yet born.
I would like to thank our officers, particularly Louise Edmonds our Deputy Clerk who was the project manager. I want to thank our councillors, our project partners OX Trails, who brought their incredible expertise and enthusiasm to make it happen. And thanks to those who have given so much to turn this pump track idea to reality: Brendan Lacy and his company Lacy & Sons, MAC Traffic Solutions, M Group, Heidelberg Materials, Drayton Construction, and Atomic Precision.
And I also want to thank the residents of Harwell. When the track faced some setbacks in recent weeks, your response showed just how much this place already means to the community. That enthusiasm came from young riders eager to get started, but also from parents, grandparents, neighbours, and volunteers who understand what facilities like this bring to a village. That is exactly as it should be.
There is one more group I want to acknowledge today. Less than a year ago, in August 2025, a group of young people sat together in a workshop and were asked a simple question: what would you want? They drew pictures, built hills out of sand, and talked about what would make a pump track worth riding. They asked for rollers and berms, for jumps at different levels, for routes that could challenge you or just be fun. They asked for somewhere that was exciting, and yes, a little bit scary. What you see before you today is the answer to what they asked for. Reuben, Sebastian, Jack, Harry, Miguel, William, Barney, Casey, Charlie, Jamie, Tommy, Joey and Theo: this is yours.
Before I let you loose on the track, a quick bit of housekeeping.
On the track: ride within your ability, read the safety signage, and wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear. Leave space between yourself and other riders — ride one at a time, never side by side. If someone goes down or is receiving first aid, pause and give them room; if you fall yourself, move clear of the track when you safely can. Please don’t cut across the track or walk up it.
Parents are welcome on the blue track to supervise and assist younger riders, and the agility course is for supervised children only. Please listen to the marshals at all times. The blue track queue runs along the perimeter footpath; the red track queue runs along the mound. Mechanics are on site if you have any concerns about your bike before you ride.
Around the site: anyone in a hi-vis vest is from OX Trails or the Parish Council — flag them down if you need anything. If you see our vehicles moving around, please give them space and follow marshal guidance.
Refreshments and toilets are in The Harwellian — with the weather set to be warm, do pop in and drink plenty of fluids. First aid is in the parish staff building next to the playground. Please use the litter bins provided. Dogs on leads, please, and parents, keep little ones well clear of the track.
The event wraps up at 4pm, and the far field car park closes at 4.15pm — please have your vehicle out before then.
Now for the important bit. This project has always been about the next generation, so rather than the Parish Council opening the track alone, I’d like to invite some of our young riders to join us.
[Young riders to the ribbon.]
It gives me great pleasure to declare the Harwell Pump Track+ officially open.
(This update was originally shared via the Parish Council Facebook page.)