FOUNDED in 1906, Lewdown Cricket Club is entering a new and exciting part of its history, with the sports pavilion extension at The Recreation Field due to be completed in time for the new season.
Thanks to an award of £32,060 from Biffaward, work has started on extending the current structure, allowing for increased changing facilities, storage and a much needed club room.
This will help the club to become more self sustaining, with the introduction of more social and income generating events. The project has been funded by Biffaward, a multi-million pound environment fund managed by the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, which utilises landfill tax credits donated by Biffa Waste Services.
Brenden Worth, the club's development officer, said: 'We are an ambitious and successful sports club with a membership in excess of 200, with 10 teams competing in various Devon and Cornwall leagues, the club holds the prestigious England and Wales Cricket Board Club Mark and Focus Club accreditations, demonstrating our commitment to quality junior sports provision.
'In addition to this we are committed to being at the heart of the local community and working closely with local schools to encourage their pupils to participate in sport. In 2009 we were awarded a Nat West OSCA (Outstanding Services to Cricket Award) for our 'Community Engagement Programme' whereby a Club member was invited to an awards ceremony at the home of cricket 'Lords'.
'We have forged a strong relationship with the Devon Cricket Board and regularly host regional and district representative games at the ground. We have junior members representing Devon at Under 15 level and many members represent West Devon, North Devon and East Cornwall. We are fortunate to have ex England player and ex England fast bowling coach 'Peter Lever' as our head coach.'
Players of all ages, sex and ability are always welcome; with indoor training for juniors and seniors now underway at Parklands, Okehampton from 4-6 p.m. every Sunday.
If you are looking for a place to play competitive cricket, we have three senior teams playing on a Saturday, one of an evening and 1 throughout the winter. three U11s teams, including a girls' team, as well as U13s and U15s.
For more information please contact Brenden Worth at [email protected]">[email protected] or 0777 355 0823 or 01566 783 313.