Bellway is providing financial support for Hatfield Peverel Cricket Club’s plans to upgrade its playing facilities.
The homebuilder – which is building new homes in Hatfield Peverel less than a mile from the club’s ground at its Hatfield Grove development on Station Road – has donated £1,000 to the project.
Having served generations of cricketers and followers of the sport since 1885, the club had found itself on the brink of closure after the pandemic due to financial constraints.
However, it has staged a remarkable turnaround in the last two years – hosting beer festivals, music festivals, firework displays and community events as well as competitive cricket matches throughout the week – and has embarked on a long-term plan to update its facilities.
The club’s first priority this summer is to renovate its playing facilities, with the modernisation project set to include investing in a heavy roller to produce quality pitches for matches.
Simon Cheek, the captain of the club’s second team, said: “We were very excited when Bellway offered to sponsor us because with everyone feeling the pinch on their spending money, we rely heavily on the support and sponsorship of local businesses.
“Without such funding we would struggle to support the sport in our local area, so I and everyone involved with the club would like to thank everybody at Bellway for their very kind donation.
“With all the new housing developments nearby, we hope to attract new players of all ages and abilities to help the growth of our club. This sponsorship will be a huge help towards our target to create the best playing facilities in the area.”
The club caters to over 100 adult members as well as more than 50 boys and girls in its junior section.
Jenny Walker, Sales Director for Bellway Essex, said: “Our support for Hatfield Peverel Cricket Club, which is so close to our Hatfield Grove development, will help them in upgrading their facilities for budding cricketers as well as life-long cricket enthusiasts in the local community.
“We hope that this will enable the club to go from strength to strength, both for playing and enjoying cricket and also as a focal point for events which bring the whole community together.”
Bellway is building a total of 195 homes off Station Road across two phases at Hatfield Grove.
