Woodbank Cricket Club secures second windfall on the bounce to improve facilities

Woodbank Cricket Club is set for a major revamp after securing almost £50,000 to improve its facilities.

The club, on Stafford Street, Bury, has received the funding – its second cash windfall of 2024 – from Suez Communities Fund to carry out three projects.

Part of the money from the waste management operator will be spent on installing a commercial standard kitchen to enable the club to serve food on match days, at training sessions and events.

There will also be cash dedicated to resurfacing an outdoor area that runs the length of the clubhouse to make it more accessible to visitors. The final part of the funding will be spent on rewiring the entire building to bring it up to modern standards.

The news comes after the cricket club, which has more than 130 members, was awarded funding earlier this year to extend its building to cater for even more people.

Work on building a members’ lounge is well underway and will be unveiled in time for the next cricket season, as the club celebrates its 90th anniversary.

Chairman Martyn Ward, who was involved in the bid with the club’s grants committee, was delighted with the funding, which comes as Woodbank goes through a period of improvement.

He said: “We’re really grateful to Suez Communities Fund for awarding this grant as we know there are plenty of deserving projects out there. This money will make a real difference to Woodbank Cricket Club, with the kitchen refurbishment allowing us to operate a commercial kitchen on match days to attract even more people to watch cricket and support the club.

“With this and our new members’ lounge on the way, we have to improve the building and environment, so money will also be spent on rewiring the building and making the outdoor area more accessible.”

Martyn thanked those who sent letters in support of the application to transform the club, which has nine competitive teams with players aged eight to 60-plus.

He said: “Cricket clubs can only run due to the hard work of dedicated volunteers who ensure games go ahead and members have places to meet.

“Thanks must also go to all those who worked hard to gather information and pull together this grant application in their spare time – we couldn’t do it without them. It’s an exciting time for Woodbank as we have a number of people working hard in the background to make things happen and keep the club driving forward. I was proud to announce to the members that we’d secured this funding. We’re also here for the entire Brandlesholme community and we want as many people as possible to know they’re welcome to use our facilities and attend our events.”