Woodbank Cricket Club receives cash windfall to transform clubhouse

Woodbank Cricket Club has been awarded a grant of almost £90,000 to extend the building, which will create extra space for members and the public to meet.

The cash, awarded by Valencia Communities Fund through the Landfill Communities Fund, will enable the Stafford Street club to become even more of a community hub.

Club chairman Martyn Ward said: “I was really pleased to be able to announce to our fantastic players and supporters that our plans for a new members’ lounge can now go ahead.

“We have an amazing community here at Woodbank and this is a reward for everyone’s hard work, both on and off the pitch, over the last few years.

“We’re at the heart of the Brandlesholme community and we want our neighbours to know they’re welcome to use our facilities and share in what we’re building.”

The club, which is already used by groups including a rounders team, drama group and schools, hosts its own events including a bonfire, Christmas gatherings and fundraisers, as well as being available for hire for private events.

Senior player Olivia Kay, club chairman Martyn Ward, committee member Wayne Jackson and (front) junior players Jack Boulton and Joey Brookfield (Image: Woodbank Cricket Club)

Building work on the new members’ lounge and disabled toilet facilities will begin this year.

A number of environmental measures have been planned as part of the extension including a system to collect rainwater from the roof to water the ground.

Martyn added: “When we welcomed a representative from Valencia Communities Fund to the club, he was really impressed with the fundraising and hard work that has gone on at Woodbank to make sure the club is self-sufficient.

“That’s a testament to the amazing people we have at the club and I’d like to thank everyone involved in bringing this grant application to a successful outcome.”

The club caters for more than 130 members and has nine competitive cricket teams with players aged eight to over 60.

Woodbank is currently preparing for the new season and is welcoming new players who would like to attend senior indoor training, which starts on Thursday, February 8 from 7pm to 8pm at PA Cricket Centre, Britannia Mill, Bury.