Member Article

Builder's donation helps cricket clubhouse appeal

Cricketers are preparing to roll up their sleeves and start improving their dated clubhouse thanks to a £1,000 donation.

The cash has been donated to Northallerton Town Cricket Club by Persimmon Homes Teesside through its Community Champions scheme, which sees a pot of up to £2,000 each month shared between two worthy causes to match their fundraising activities.

Supporters appealed for the funding to help make their club house more accessible to all members of the community and visitors, and have pledged to carry out as much of the work themselves to save on costs.

Sarah Andrews, who made the successful application for funding, said: “The clubhouse was built in 1965 and does not have level access, the internal doorways are not wide enough for wheelchair users and we need a disabled toilet.

“We are a thriving club, however we would like more people to have access to our facilities and it is frustrating that there are local charities and support groups as well as a special school that are unable to do so.

“We are raising finds through socials and hope to attract new members to support us further. Our plans to upgrade the clubhouse will be, as far as possible, undertaken by our members on a voluntary basis to keep costs to a minimum.”

Alan Hopwood, director in charge at Persimmon Homes Teesside, said: “At Persimmon Homes we value the importance of building strong communities and the support networks that help them thrive.

“The members of Northallerton Town Cricket Club are working hard to raise money for the alterations and then giving their time to carry out as much of the work as possible. We are delighted to be able to offer some support to them.”

He added: “We always receive so many applications for our Community Champions initiative. I really encourage any charities and groups looking for funding to apply to the scheme for their chance to receive up to £1,000 match-funding for their own cause.”

To find out more about the Persimmon Homes Community Champions scheme and to make an application please visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sarah Dutton .