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Newdigate Cricket Club new nets are formally opened

Newdigate Cricket Club new nets are formally opened

Karen Fordree20 Jun 2022 - 09:28
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A historic day for Newdigate Cricket Club as their new nets were formally opened by Richard Thompson, Chair of Surrey County Cricket Club.

The day started with the Newdigate All Stars giving a demonstration of their skills and - as over a hundred people, boys and girls, men and women aged from 5 to 85, gathered around the nets - Chairman James Penfold welcomed everyone. He spoke about the five years' work in raising the necessary £50,000 funds, and he particularly thanked the Surrey Cricket Foundation/ECB, Sport England and the Newdigate Parish Council for helping with funding. But the key element was crowd-funding, when members and the village came forth to support the project in vast numbers, which meant installation could start in May.

The nets are used seven days a week throughout the summer and are a gathering point for young and old. The original nets were installed in 1994 and were just not safe. With so many young people at the club the committee realised that something had to be done, so this was a great achievement.

We were delighted that Richard Thompson could spare the time to come along. He is a great advocate for grass-roots cricket and has turned the county club into a highly successful business. He was accompanied by David Gill, trustee of the Surrey Cricket Foundation, Vice Presidents Lord Saville of Newdigate and Andrew Wates, and it was good to see former Surrey and England off-spinner Pat Pocock joining in the festivities. Councillor Helyn Clack - who had been delayed due to an appointment at Guildford Cathedral - joined us later to lend her support. A number of former players also came along.

Richard Thompson cut the ribbon and in reply to the Chairman's speech, he praised the way the club has developed within the community and how - despite being far away from the Oval - the club is very much part of the Surrey Cricket Family. He announced that the Oval will be giving the club 100 tickets for the Vitality Blast 20/20 quarter -final as a thank you. He couldn't resist mentioning the fact that Surrey are unbeaten so far this year!

Anna Lewis bowled the first ball and Stephen Kehl batted. The barbecue was then lit and an inter-club game started, people finally leaving the club as rain settled in during the late evening.

A thoroughly happy day.

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