On Saturday (29 April 2017) Rebecca Harris was invited to the first match of the season being played at Benfleet Cricket Club’s ground on Woodside Park, Manor Road.

This was special match to celebrate the completion of an overhaul of the clubhouse, the installation of a new score box and scoreboard, and a revamp of the club’s practice nets.

Rebecca was invited to cut the ribbon at short opening ceremony, to mark the completion of the £50,000 project.

Rebecca said: “It was a great match and now all the players have a lovely new clubhouse to enjoy. We are so lucky that we have this brilliant space for Cricket players in Castle Point.”

Funding for the project came from The Veolia Environmental Trust who awarded £39,997 through the Landfill Communities Fund. The club made up the shortfall from its own reserves.

The scorebox was originally part of the clubhouse so moving it freed up some space. The bar area was extended into this space. New doors have been installed to enable direct access to the patio. New windows have been installed and these, along with new shutters and the new doors, will improve security and reduce heating costs.

The clubhouse’s entrance lobby has also been redecorated, new carpets have been laid throughout the ground floor and on the stairs to the first floor function room, and a new ceiling and lighting has been installed to make public areas more presentable for members and guests. The club’s net facilities have also been upgraded, making them easier to maintain.

As well as club members and players, the club’s ground and its facilities are used by local schools, community and sports groups. The clubhouse is also used for parties, meetings and events such as award ceremonies. The club anticipates that use will increase now that these improvements are complete.

Club Secretary Deryck Povey, says, “We are very grateful to not only The Veolia Environmental Trust for their financial support but also all the contractors, suppliers and especially the volunteers who have given their time to get everything completed in time for our first match of the 2017 season.”

The Executive Director of The Veolia Environmental Trust, Paul Taylor, adds, “It is great to hear that this important work is now complete. It is a great example of how the Trust and the Landfill Communities Fund supports sport at a local, grassroots level.”