Lindow Cricket Club have welcomed in the new season with the unveiling of their redeveloped clubhouse.
On Friday 16th April, Ian Watmore, Chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board, cut the ribbon to officially open the building and paid tribute to the work being done by the club's volunteers. He commented "It is a privilege to perform this duty for Lindow, a club which continues to impress me with its engagement in the community. I've seen the huge growth in participation numbers, the development of the club's female section and the continued investment in facilities for everyone to enjoy."
The clubhouse work was made possible thanks to a £52,640 grant from FCC Communities Foundation, a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community projects through the Landfill Communities Fund.
This money has enabled the club to convert the current bar area and foyer into one large function room. This includes an expanded and re-fitted bar, new flooring throughout and the installation of heating units so that the clubhouse can be enjoyed all year round. Additionally, the kitchen has been modernised with new equipment and appliances and the redecorated function room has new furniture and audio systems.
Further donations from members and local residents has also allowed the club to install new slider doors and build a new patio.
As part of his speech at the opening event, the Club's Chairman, David Kendrick, paid tribute to the community effort in delivering the project, "This opening marks a very proud moment for the club and it simply would not have been possible without the generosity of donations and volunteer time from so many individuals and businesses in our local area. Having achieved this during such a difficult time makes it even more remarkable and I now hope that everyone comes down and enjoys the new facility."
As part of the evening's proceedings, long-standing Lindow member Ben Gedroge was made a Life-Member of the club, recognising his volunteering efforts over many years. Most recently this has included him helping to deliver the redeveloped clubhouse, the building of artificial nets and the installation of a new electronic scoreboard. The lead builder on the project, Derek Henson, was also awarded social membership for life as recognition for his efforts of going well beyond his contracted duties to deliver such an impressive finish and within the project deadline.
The clubhouse will be available for drinks on Friday evenings and weekend afternoons throughout the cricket season, with Covid measures in place to meet government regulations.
Photographs by John O'Brien.
Comments
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As an active member in the late 1960s and early 1970s it is amazing to see this. My wife used to help with tea preparation and could not believe what you have done.
Your work on the cricketing side of the club has also been impressive to watch from afar. We left the area in 1972 for the US, then to Asia and eventually back to the US. Frequent visits back to visit my mother allowed me to drop by and see the club's development over the years. Well done to all involved.
Alasdair Carmichael, South Carolina
Mighty oaks do grow