CRICKET


One of the things you quickly develop when fundraising is a thick skin, and also learn not to take ‘no’ for an answer. On several


” occasions, we were turned


down by a funding source but took on board their objections, amended our plans accordingly and


approached them again when the next round of funding became available


local residents and business sponsorship, have all helped to swell the funds. The clubs themselves have also worked hard; hosting events and fundraisers to support the association in reaching its match funding target, which sits at over £100,000. At the time of writing, the charity had just secured a £250,000 grant from the FA; taking the entire sum raised to date to in excess of £600k and bringing the target £750k even closer.


The future’s bright


With funding in place, plans fully approved, contractors appointed and materials sourced by TTS, work on site began in August 2017. The priority of ‘Phase 1’ was the construction of the new twelve wicket natural turf cricket table, with the aim of the


square being ready for action in the 2020 season, until which time the club is able to use its existing ground. TTS oversaw all works on site; ensuring contractors followed the detailed schedule of works and assessing work for quality at every stage. A maintenance plan was also provided for the club to follow, which saw members mucking in to water the newly laid square on long summer evenings. The mild winter of 2018 has seen the pitch come on well and, with excitement building locally about the new development, the target of playing the first season of cricket on the new square in 2020 looks well within reach. Alongside work on the cricket table, much attention has also been given to the aesthetics of the ground to ensure it sits well within its rural setting. Trees have been planted to the perimeter and will be fitted with nesting boxes aimed at several bird species, including owls, whilst 'balancing pools', constructed to draw


water from the pitch as drainage, will feature reed beds to provide a habitat for newts, fish, frogs and birds.


Phase 2, due to start in spring/summer


2019, will involve the construction of the junior and senior natural turf football pitches to FA performance quality standards, again under David’s expert guidance. Attention will then turn to the new synthetic tennis/netball courts and infrastructure, like parking, with phase 3 - the construction of a new £250,000 clubhouse - set to be the cherry on the cake. We’ll be back to visit Abbots Bromley in summer 2020 to see how the project has progressed - and hopefully see some cricket in action on the new square. To find out more about the project, head to www.absasport.co.uk.


Artist’s impression of the new clubhouse (right) and plan of the new development. Images © Crestline


84


PC April/May 2019


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