Local cricket club embark on ambitious improvement plans

Woodley Cricket Club are embarking on a month-long fundraising initiative to transform the club facilities for members and the local community.

Formed in 1924, the club has two senior and four junior teams that compete in the Derbyshire and Cheshire Cricket league, along with a third senior team, ladies team and an over 40’s team that are affiliated to the Cheshire County Cricket league.

Over the coming weeks, Woodley Cricket Club hopes to raise a minimum of £12,500 to help support the transformation of the outdoor viewing area along with improved disabled access to allow the safe access to the pavilion for supporters and guests, which currently due to the limited access has some challenges.  

The first challenge on the 18^th July sees 37 players and members partake in a 20-leg 100 km socially distant relay that takes in all the clubs in the Derbyshire and Cheshire with an aim of completing the route within 10 hours. The relay starts and finishes at Woodley and stretches as far as Dove Holes and Pott Shrigley. 

Any sponsorship for the event can be pledged via the club’s JustGiving page.

The cricket club would also like to reach out to the local business community to help support the initiative enabling the club to provide a facility for all the community. A number of packages have been created to allow business to increase brand awareness whilst being proudly associated to the club. Packages include match ball sponsorship, perimeter advertising and club house sponsor to name just a few and have been tailored to meet any budget. Use of the facility can also be provided to host events and meetings.

Relay participant Nick Pendlebury commented:

As a local businessperson I urge all business to support this wonderful initiative, the club survives on the handwork and effort of a small group of dedicated people who have the club and community very much at heart.

“The impact of Covid 19, which has significantly impacted revenues; either generated from bar takings or functions has brought home just how much this club relies on support and I am delighted to be involved. Furthermore, the committee has taken the decision not to take any subs from players this year, which just demonstrates the ethics and ethos of the club.”