We aim to repair the damage caused by winter storms to our clubhouse roof and restore our changing rooms to a usable state
by Clive Jones in Newport, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
Extra funds raised beyond our initial target will be used to to advance our existing club development plans. We will start by replacing the lighting system in the main function room with low energy LED spotlights and re-board/re-plaster the dilapidated ceiling. Beyond this, all additional funds will go towards replacing our existing heating system with new, state-of-the-art energy efficient electric radiators.
Forton Cricket Club is a small community cricket club founded in 1948 on the outskirts of the village of Forton, near Newport. We operate as a not-for-profit Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC), providing playing opportunities and coaching in the game of cricket to the local community and surrounding rural areas. The club has a longstanding reputation in providing youth and women's cricket in the region, as well as a commitment to making our facilities available for community use.
Having celebrated our 75th anniversary last year, we developed a set of ambitious plans to renovate our clubhouse to ensure that Forton Cricket Club remains accessible to all and create an improved environment to be enjoyed by players, spectators & other club users. Access to the club was severely restricted due to the presence of a wall located in front of the pavilion, a narrow entrance and a non-level threshold, which caused problems for families and those with restricted mobility or disability when accessing our facilities. Our project sought to re-develop the front elevation of our clubhouse, including the installation of bi-fold doors, replacement of roof-support pillars and creation of a large family-friendly patio area. Having been successful in acquiring a grant of £10,000 towards our accessibility improvement works through the Rural England Prosperity Fund, the Club have committed significant investment from club reserves towards this project, which is due for completion this Spring.
Unfortunately, winter storms have caused unforeseen damage to the fabric of our building, with high winds damaging the clubhouse roof and resulting in significant water ingress into the changing rooms. Due to our seasonal cashflow and the investment we have committed, our reserves are currently in a diminished state, meaning we have little option but to turn to crowdfunding in order to repair the damage caused and ensure our long-planned improvement works are able to reach their full potential.
The money raised will be used to repair the clubhouse roof and restore the changing rooms to a usable state, replacing water-damaged plasterboard and funding the necessary re-plastering. Dependent on the amount raised, we will also look to advance our existing development plans to upgrade the existing heating and lighting systems within our main function room, making the clubhouse a more usable space - particularly in the cold, dark winter months. We will start by replacing the dilapidated ceiling, fitting insulation and installing low energy LED spotlights, helping to reduce our energy consumption and alleviate some of the cost pressures caused by higher energy bills. Beyond this, all additional funds will go towards replacing our existing heating system with new, state-of-the-art energy efficient electric radiators.
Our facility is used by approximately 1,000 people each year, comprising 130 members of Forton Cricket Club, 750 players & spectators of visiting cricket teams, ~70 players in the Newport District Winter Dominoes League, as well as local individuals/groups that hire our facilities (including All Saints Church in Forton who regularly use our facilities for funeral & christening arrangements).
Our repair works will directly benefit these users, ensuring that the clubhouse remains functional. Improvements to the lighting will make the pavilion a more usable environment, especially during the cold, dark winter months when it is primarily used by elderly members of the community. Long-term, we hope that our improved facility will contribute to a growth in participation at the club and an increase in club usage by local individuals/community groups.
There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!
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