A NEW housing development has named roads at its Ram Gorse Park development in Harlow after stalwarts of the town’s rugby club.

Guests from Harlow Rugby Club, Harlow Council and St Mary’s Church were joined at Ram Gorse Park, off Elizabeth Way, by family representatives of those named on the signs.

The roads have been named after Ron Bracewell, Dr Cliff Bishop, Dr John Huntley, Dean Read, Chris Locke and David Taylor.

Ram Gorse Park is a collection of two, three and four-bedroom homes with easy access to Harlow town centre and within walking distance of Harlow Town Railway Station. The site was home to Harlow Rugby Club and its sale funded a new £6 million development at Latton Park off Howard Way. The club now boasts a facility which includes four pitches, two mini-pitches, training pitches, floodlights and a two-storey clubhouse.

Ian Mitchell, planning director of Kier Living, said: “We are delighted to be able to mark our long-term community involvement in Harlow with this road naming ceremony to recognise the contribution Rugby in Harlow made by these outstanding individuals.

“I am very proud to have been involved with this project and deliver 125 new homes as well the fantastic new facilities for the rugby club. It has turned out to be an excellent example of how local residents, a forward-thinking council and a determined and experienced developer can work together for the benefit of the community.”

Alan Brooking, chairman of Harlow Rugby Club for eight years who oversaw the move to the new ground, said: “This is a fantastic day for the club. This brings to an end our involvement at Ram Gorse and we pass the ball to Kier Living and Ram Gorse Park! We are all very happy that today’s naming ceremony is a fitting tribute to people who were an important part of our club.

“This club is now a model for future rugby clubs. A few days ago we welcomed 120 people from the Rugby Football Union and they were absolutely amazed at our facilities here. We would like to thank everyone.”

Leader of Harlow Council, Councillor Mark Ingall, said: “I am absolutely thrilled that the roads at Ram Gorse Park have been named after people from the rugby club’s history. Ram Gorse was the club’s spiritual home for many years and the club’s legacy will be part of Ram Gorse for many years to come. The development is attractive and well laid out and we need the new housing in the town for future generations. Harlow is a great place to live and a great place to play and enjoy sport.”

Brenda Taylor, who has run the Brenda Taylor School of Dance and Performing Arts in Harlow since 1965, was present with her daughter Kathryn, son Nick and granddaughter Gemma to see a road named after her late husband, David. David Taylor was a captain of Harlow Rugby Club and architect who met his future wife at the club. Mrs Taylor said: “I can’t put into words how I felt when they said about naming a road after David at Ram Gorse Park; the whole family were so thrilled.”

Kathryn Taylor added: “There is a synergy to the fact Dad was an architect and that he is remembered at a housing development. We are delighted.”


The ribbon-cutting ceremony was followed by a celebration at the new Harlow Rugby Club.