Thongsbridge Cricket Club are building for the future.
Cricket has been played at Thongsbridge for 154 years and the ground has seen many changes, but their latest development promises to knock these for six and provide a legacy for years to come.
Work has begun to extend and refurbish the present changing rooms, providing much-improved facilities for the players and accommodating the club’s increasing female membership.
This development continues a period of evolution at the Drakes Huddersfield League club, which has involved the opening of a three-lane outdoor net facility, investment in quality coaching and county-standard wicket covers.
Officials say it’s not just the cricket side which will benefit, as facilities can be used all year by other community and sporting groups.
The proposed new pavilion will be very different from the original single-storey building, built in 1910.
The club, who are preparing for a 2014 season in the Jedi Sports Championship section, shut down temporarily throughout the First World War as many players signed up to fight and, sadly, some of those did not return to see the club reopen in 1919.
During the 1930s a horse called ‘Captain’, wearing specially made leather shoes (to prevent damage to the turf), could be seen regularly at the ground, pulling the heavy roller and grass cutter at the riverside setting.
In the 1960s, the current club president, Raymond Smith, purchased the land from Bass Charrington for £450 and Thongsbridge then had a ground to call their own.
During the 1980s, a new facility was opened and it has remained much the same until now, with further developments planned in future.
Thongsbridge have been supported by a Sport England award as well as contributions from other charitable organisations such as Huddersfield Common Good
Trust, Holme Valley Parish Council, as well as a One Community award. Aedas of Huddersfield have also backed them with a CDM safety scheme.
Enock Foundations and Al Construction are undertaking the work and the facility will be ready for use during the Tour de France Grand Depart (holmfirthtourdefrance.com).
The club will be a course-side hub, providing camping facilities as well as an exciting array of events for locals and visitors alike.
Players and members, delighted with business support, are constantly working hard to raise additional funds to help Thongsbridge flourish. New members of all ages, male and female, are always welcome, and opportunities for Sunday social cricket are being developed. The club website is www.thongsbridgecricketclub.co.uk
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