We would like to create a new outdoor facility to allow the efficient servicing of large events and gatherings at the club. It will give volunteers and members better facilities to prepare food and refreshments in a pleasant outdoor environment. The area around the new serving point will allow further seating in a sheltered space, with clear views across the cricket field and the woods beyond. This will complement the planted areas and seating which forms part of the clubhouse development. The location of the structure will allow areas of shade and sun for visitors. The facility will increase our ability to host events and provide an area of comfort for people to experience the outdoor environment. It will provide a storage facility for outdoor furniture and other items to be kept securely.

What we'll deliver:

• An outdoor covered area.
• Outdoor kitchen and serving facility.
• Secure storage facility
• Relaxation and meeting area for the community
• Outdoor wellbeing space

Why it's a great idea:

The project will provide a larger and more versatile facility for the local community. The club will have both indoor and outdoor comfortable and usable space for an increased variety of events. It will mean that a greater number of people will be able to attend events and more local groups will benefit from the larger available space. on offer. It will be possible to host events when the weather is inclement and will provide both shade and shelter for people at the ground. The facility will be much easier for volunteers to use and may encourage more people to become involved. It will be possible to keep equipment and furniture securely and reduce the need to replace damaged items. We believe that post Coronavirus, people will value being in an open environment together, and will appreciate having a large space to socialise outdoors. We also think that the provision of such a facility will contribute to the well being and enjoyment of people using it.

Steps to get it done:

• Planning approval
• Start of the build
• Completion

The existing clubhouse facility was mainly constructed by volunteers at the club . The new outdoor area will also be constructed by our volunteers, with a little specialist help. We have had generous support from the Coop ,Heineken and A +DP Architects in order to get this project off the ground, but we also rely on the support of members, local groups and people, as well as friends of the club. Our volunteers have already delivered a newly extended and refurbished facility and have shown that the community can work together to deliver facilities for local people to enjoy. Completing the outdoor area would be the final piece of the jigsaw, so that Thongsbridge Cricket Club can have a facility to enjoy and be proud of. We were unable to celebrate our 160th anniversary this year because of the Coronavirus, however the completion of the new facility will give us the opportunity to celebrate in style, albeit belatedly.