New-look cricket club’s a real hit with families

Brooke Cricket Club reopened its innings last Friday thanks to a £35,000 makeover.

Over 80 children and their parents attended the event which coincided with the youth team’s training session.

South Norfolk Council provided over £1,100 of funding towards the improvements, which included refurbishing the run-down clubhouse, extending the grounds, putting in new cricket nets and upgrading the maintenance equipment. The Council also used its skills and influence to lever in more money from other sources.

Council Leader and cricket enthusiast John Fuller was on-hand to officially open the new facilities. He said:

“This new start for the club brings cricket to all ages in our community, and is a classic example of how relatively small amounts of South Norfolk Council grants can make a huge difference in a bigger fund-raising campaign and really help a local community.

”Brooke Cricket Club has risen like a phoenix from the ashes. And speaking of ashes, the timing of the club reopening could not be more historic, because England are going to win the Ashes this year!"

Children of all ages and abilities flock to the popular training sessions every Friday evening over the summer.

Thirteen year-old Hannah Williams who has been playing “ever since she can remember” said: “I love coming here seeing all my friends and meeting new people. It’s so much fun and it’s great that clubs like this give the girls a chance to play.”

Nine year-old Andrew Carver started playing mini-cricket when he was three, he said: “There are some excellent coaches here, who have really helped me develop and I now play for the Vauxhall Mallards as well.”

But it’s not just popular with the youngsters, parents also come along to watch their children train while they relax and socialise in the clubhouse. At the end of the evening the club puts on a big BBQ for everyone to enjoy.

“It’s a real family and community orientated club where everyone is made to feel welcome”, says Youth Development Officer Jon Williams.

“By securing grants from businesses and local councils we have been able to transform the clubhouse from a ramshackle hut to a welcoming community facility and provide much better access for people with disabilities.”

Brooke Cricket Club has been going since 1952 and as well as an active youth section it currently run teams in three leagues.

“So many people have helped make this club a success”, comments Jon. “The energy and enthusiasm of volunteers has resulted in a fantastic club which has a great sense of community about it”.

“We are also very grateful to all those who have contributed financially and helped us bring the club up-to-date.”

Helping to get people off their settees and more involved in sports has been a key objective for the Council and they frequently support initiatives like this one.

Their hard work in getting people active recently gained national recognition. South Norfolk were among only six Councils in the country shortlisted for their success at getting more people more active more often at the recent Municipal Journal Local Government Achievement Awards.

Judges were specifically looking for innovation, sustainability and good value for money and the Council’s work supporting young sports men and women really helped them stand out from the crowd.

Councillor Derek Blake, who is also Vice President of Brooke Cricket Club commented:

“The Club’s a splendid example of how a local authority can successfully serve the whole community. However it only succeeds so well due to its incredibly active membership at all levels and through the support given through local businesses and trade.

"My role as Vice President has been to promote the club's development and seek help in the way of grants from diverse sources such as Age Concern, Waste Recycling Environmental limited (WREN), South Norfolk Council and others."

Two years ago South Norfolk Council were ranked in the lowest 25% of Councils for people participating in organised competition, now they are in the top 100. They have also doubled the numbers of people in South Norfolk giving up an hour or more of their free time a week to volunteer in sport.

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