Thaxted Cricket Club (est.1878), which lies in the heart of North West Essex is a flourishing village cricket club which has a playing membership of over 80 members, 50 of whom are aged between 8 and 15 and form the Youth Section. Over 70 matches are played each season including senior and junior league games.
The ground at Bardfield End Green in Thaxted is arguably one of the prettiest in Essex but the old pavilion, built in 1956, was in desperate need of restoration. Thanks to an award of £20,000 from Valencia Communities Fund and enthusiastic fundraising from the club, the combined total of £40,000 needed to improve the facilities was reached.
By improving the old pavilion, the club has attracted more players to its already strong village team. It has also encouraged more youngsters to join the club and learn to play the sport at their local ground. Work carried out included building new toilets, including facilities for the disabled, new dressing rooms and showers, and a new kitchen and bar.
The work, begun by main contractor John Taylor in September 2009 and with the help of club members and friends, was completed the following April, ready for the start of the season. President Gerald Lowe cut the tape at a grand opening which attracted over 100 members and guests.
"The improvements to the pavilion have had a huge impact on our club and its members and we now have a pavilion to be proud of. We have already attracted many new players and hope to welcome even more over the coming seasons. Without the help from Valencia Communities Fund and the fundraising we carried out, we wouldn't have been able to achieve this." Patrick Barker, Thaxted Cricket Club.
