BUILDING work is well underway on Lewdown?s new sports pavilion following a huge community effort to raise funds over the last ten years.
The £40,000 project should be completed by May and will provide the village with a building three times the size of the original hut which it is replacing.
In the meantime Lewdown Recreation and Youth Sports Committee is trying to raise a further £5,000 to fit out the new pavilion.
After spending the last 40 years using a building which did not amount to much more than a large garden shed, the village sportsmen and women and up and coming young talent will be able to take full advantage of a large clubroom, two large changing rooms with showers, a kitchen with cooking facilities and a plentiful storage area with lockers.
One of the most exciting features of the new build, which is being constructed with voluntary labour from the community, is a balcony area running the full length of the pavilion offering wonderful viewing and relaxation opportunities for players and spectators alike.
Secretary of the recreation committee Colin Harris said the new pavilion would be the best thing ever to happen to sport in Lewdown.
?It is going to be brilliant,? he said.
?For a little village we have a large amount of people involved in sport ? there are 60 kids playing cricket for a start.
?This project has been ten years in the making and as a community we have raised £25,000 so far ? it is a much needed facility and everybody has worked hard to make it happen.?
West Devon Borough Council and the Lottery Awards for All scheme both gave £5,000 towards the cause.
Lewdown is currently experiencing a rapid increase in both the playing and the success of football and cricket.
The village football club is enjoying one of its best seasons for many years and the cricketers have finished a credible fourth in the E Division West after playing in the Devon League for the first time.
The popularity of cricket has been enhanced by top quality practice facilities and qualified coaches and a new ground entrance and scoring box have been provided.
Lewdown can now boast two adult cricket teams, three colts teams and two evening league teams.
?The new sports pavilion will only further enhance and build on the existing sporting and recreational culture in the community,? added Mr Harris.
?The new facility will be available to anyone in the community and can be used for various events and functions, not just sporting.?
Anyone who would like to make a donation towards the final £5,000 is asked to call Colin Harris on 01566 783336.