On Sunday, 26th October 2025, the doors of the Poppies Community Centre will officially open to the public — the culmination of a remarkable journey that has seen this beautiful building brought back to life through the passion, dedication, and collaboration of the local community and Kettering Town Football Club.
This story began more than sixteen years ago when Bill Parker and Lesley Thurland recognised the need for a true community facility in the north end of Kettering. Their vision sparked a campaign to find a space where people could come together, connect, and thrive.
In 2012, the closure of the former Orchard School (later known as Maplefields) presented a unique opportunity — the chance to transform the site’s sports hall into a community venue. Thus, the Maplefields Community Centre campaign was born.
Between 2012 and 2018, the dedicated committee — Bill Parker, Kevin Thurland, Lesley Thurland, Colin Webb, and Ashley Davies — worked tirelessly, lobbying the former county council and ultimately securing a lease for the hall. Fundraising, led with energy and creativity by Lesley, brought the community together through events such as line dancing nights at the Midland Band Club. These efforts led to planning permission being granted in 2019, paving the way for the hall’s transformation into a thriving community hub. Around this time, the familiar yellow gates were also installed to secure the car park.
When the world came to a standstill in 2020, progress on the project was forced to pause. Tragically, the community suffered a devastating loss in November 2022 with the passing of Kevin Thurland, who had been ready to lead the building work himself. His absence was deeply felt by all who knew his passion for the project.
Between 2022 and 2024, several appeals were made for volunteers and local support to carry the vision forward. During this period, the builders working on the neighbouring homes used the hall and car park, ensuring the site remained active and cared for.
The final, inspiring chapter began in summer 2024, when George Akhtar, owner of Kettering Town Football Club, joined forces with the community centre committee. Together, they reignited the dream and brought it to life. Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of KTFC staff, community volunteers, and generous contributions from local businesses, the building underwent an incredible transformation — complete with new toilets, a kitchen, upgraded electrics, fresh paintwork, and a complete refurbishment.
Our deepest thanks go to the businesses who supported this vision with donations and discounts, including City Electrical Factors, Pochin, Jewsons, Walls and Floors, Jamie’s Butchers, Baileys Skip Hire, Howdens Joinery, CJW Scaffolding, T James Electricals, and Glazing Trade Supplies. They will be our honoured guests on opening day.
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the former Maplefields School has been reborn as The Poppies Community Centre — a vibrant, welcoming space ready to serve generations to come.
The grand opening promises to be a wonderful celebration for the whole family, featuring a special appearance by Sean Dyche, who will officially open the centre alongside Lesley Thurland. There will be live music from bands, DJs, vocalists, and a choir, plus delicious food, a licensed bar, a bouncy castle, sweet stalls, and more — a true community celebration of what can be achieved when people come together.
We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the rebirth of this cherished building and the spirit of unity that made it possible.
“In loving memory of Kev Thurland — a true Community Champion.”
