What Difference Does It Make...

Week two got underway with stripping back the topsoil to the rear of the existing pavilion and clearing the way for the strip foundations to be excavated. Firstly Bills Bog had to be removed, then the depth of the foundation required was discussed and agreed with the Building Inspector. The foundation depth was largely dependent on the its distance from the 3m hawthorn hedge.

Bills Bog had been described by many visitors as something from a POW camp, possessing an evil acrid stench on warm days that could make your eyes water. Time spent in Bills Bog was normally determined by how long you could hold your breath, but now its gone I can't help but miss the old lean to. This was the scene once Bills Bog was cleared on Monday.

The next stage of the work was to clear the area for the extension and excavate the foundations. The wet weather early in the week created a few headaches, mainly at the end of the day when it came to clearing up. The excavated material is largely being disposed of on site and will be utilised to fill a number of low areas around the grounds perimeter. It's also hoped we can use some of the better material to fill in a few low areas in the outfield, these areas have caused us major problems this year and some points have been under water since May. We are currently looking into the Sport England Protecting Playing Fields scheme, which could help us create a level playing surface and eradicate those low areas susceptible to flooding.

The foundation excavation was completed on Friday and the foundation is due to be poured on Monday morning. The old surface water drain has been located, along with the site water main and due care and attention is being taken to limit any possible disruption in supply. The water main goes on after the pavilion to feed Yarm Squash Club and Yarm Tennis Club.

So, what difference does it make? Well unlike the 'none' suggested by the Smiths, this project brings Yarm Cricket Club a future. The club hopes the modernisation of its facilities will have a far reaching impact on it's members, supporters and the local community. In the past the club has struggled to retain and attract local players, so it's hoped the new facilities will help with this issue and also allow the club to improve it's future sustainability.

It's hoped we can develop throughput considerably over the next few years by introducing new senior and junior teams, encouraging volunteering, organising other sports such as rounders, improving corporate links and also looking at establishing a women and girls cricket section. All this will take time, but it's hoped come April 2013 we will have the facilities in place to start this development. Details of how you can get involved are available on the club website and will be detailed to a greater degree in my Club Development blog starting in the New Year.

Donation details will be available prior to Christmas, we're just waiting on our Gift Aid details to come through and then I'll post, email, tweet, Facebook to all.

Right, back on with the wellies and I'll have another update for you all at the end of the week.