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15/10/2012 13:52: Boost for Local Community Cricket Club

The community of Ham is today celebrating the news that it has received a £54,400 funding boost from SITA Trust to rejuvenate its cricket clubhouse.

The current clubhouse was built by its members in 1970. After forty years of service Ham & Petersham Cricket club needs a new home where they can change for matches, shower and prepare the all-important cricket teas. Help has come in the form of SITA Trust who has made a grant of £54,400 with the remaining £20,000 being raised by the club through a variety of fundraising activities from Charity cricket matches to cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

Ham & Petersham CC have been playing cricket on Ham Common since 1815 making it one of the oldest clubs playing continuously in the same place. The club has been going from strength to strength with over 100 players representing the club in league and friendly fixtures. Indeed, this season the club’s first team has been promoted to the premier division of the Surrey Cricket League for the first time.

Club Grounds Manager, Geoff Bond said "providing the opportunity to the local people in Ham and Petersham to play cricket is great for the community.  As well the benefits to health through the sport itself, village cricket provides a rare opportunity for people of mixed ages, income, race and background to join together in a common enterprise. SITA Trust’s marvellous donation will make sure the club can keep doing this"

Jools Granville of SITA Trust added "We were impressed by both the commitment and enthusiasm of club members and the support of the community for this club; clearly demonstrated by the fact that the club has raised such a considerable sum from smaller scale fundraising efforts. We are certain that the improved facilities will make a huge difference to this well used facility."