Devon Cricket Board - Torquay give members' area a facelift

Torquay give members' area a facelift

Ian Western (left) and David Post (right) at the opening of the new gates and fence around Torquay's pavilion.
TORQUAY'S pavilion enclosure has been spruced up by the erection of a new picket fence and gates out on to the playing area.
The old fence and gates had done sterling service since 1963 when they were put in place as a memorial to former player David Haines.
Spin bowler Haines played for Torquay and Devon throughout the 1950s, but died aged 47 in 1960. The former wrought iron gates and fencing were donated by his family to remember him.
Almost 50 years of exposure to the elements took their toll on the fencing which, by last season was approaching a state of embarrassing dilapidation.
Torquay president Bob Dickinson said something had to be done and the club had just the man to do it.
Retired engineer Ian Western is Torquay's groundsman and had the time, skills and place to put the new fence and gates together.
'It became apparent at the start of last season that the rusty old railings and gates were well past their sell-by date,' said Dickinson.
'The plan hatched last season to get 27 replacement fence panels sponsored to the tune of £45 each.
'In actual fact 33 people and organizations supported the club in this project and the whole scheme has been self-financing.
'It took more than 320 man hours of carpentry and painting to get to the stage where the new fence panels were erected at the end of April.
'This whole project would not have happened without Ian's practical skills,drive and enthusiasm to get the job done.
'The appearance of the pavilion area has been greatly enhanced and the club is grateful to all those who supported the scheme and their names are shown on plaques placed on the panels to show the Club's gratitude.'
Western was helped by friend Alan Dommett of Devon Garden Machinery, who made a workshop available for fabrication.
Former players were rounded up for the official opening of the new gates and fencing, among them David Post who was Torquay's 1st XI captain in 1963 when a similar ceremony took place with the Haines family in attendance.
Other ex-players, among them Roger Matthews and Paul Dunkels, both made it to the event, which took place last Saturday during the game against Sidmouth on the Recreation Ground.
Post made a short speech before cutting the ribbon, in which he thanked all the people who had donated time and money to make the project a reality.

Flashback to 1963 and the opening of the previous pavilion gates - David Post is second from the right in whites

DCB Ltd, University of Exeter Sports Hall, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QN Company Registration Number: 7024773