Devon Cricket Board - Work starts on £46,000 new build at Harberton CC

Work starts on £46,000 new build at Harberton CC

On the move – the old pavilion makes its way to a new location at Sandhills

HARBERTON CC members don’t let the grass grow under their feet!

Last month, the club was presented with a cheque by Sport England for more than £46,000, as part of the Olympic and Paralympic Legacy funding, to re-build its pavilion. Two weeks later, after months of negotiating contracts and planning, the much-anticipated start began at Stonehills.

The first job was to clear the site for the new building by removing the old ramshackle clubhouse to a temporary position at the side of the cricket field, using a mobile crane.

The old shed will retain its role during the new season, while the new pavilion is being built, before being dismantled at the end of the year.

Barry Goldsmith, the club chairman, said moving the old clubhouse was an emotional experience for older club members.

“As scaffolding was erected around the hut and straps were attached, tension was building.

“There was a lump in the throat of some of the older players, as Chris Tregelles started the engine.

“The old hut, that has served the club so well for 17 years, began to creak and struggle in protest as the straps took the strain.

“The hut was moved carefully across the field, tenderly guided by its cortege of players to its final resting place where it will serve its final few months before handing over to its shiny, bigger and more modern successor.”

“Miraculously the rotting timbers survived the move, apart from some minor patching up, and the score hut quickly followed with the site now clear for building to start.”

Harberton Cricket Club starts its playing season this month and welcomes anyone interested in joining the team to get in touch.

Have a look at the club’s web site www.harbertoncc.com for full details.

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