The Pavilion Q&A

What is the present position re the building? 

As can be seen from the photo, attached, we have made substantial progress over the past two weeks. The shell has been installed and the roof completed. The internal works have commenced.

What effect has the weather had? 

Unfortunately, the rain and snow have inevitably delayed the project. In spite of all the efforts of Colin Pringle, our builder, who worked in  appalling conditions trying to complete the ground works, we are running approximately one month behind schedule. 

What does this mean? 

We had aimed to have the pavilion virtually completed by 3rd April.  Clearly, this is no longer possible but we expect the building to be fully operational by the first league game. 

Where are we financially? 

It is difficult to be precise as the costs constantly fluctuate! We have had to pay for additional concrete due to the weather and we discovered that the electrical supply to the pavilion was not only inadequate but also dangerous so we will have to install a completely new supply. As against this we have received some fantastic donations through National Westminster Cricket Force including a large proportion of our electrical equipment and all our sanitary ware as well as some financial donations. 
 
The total cost including vat will be approximately £250,000 which is as estimated. As at the moment we have almost raised this by way of donations, grants and loans. However, we still need to raise additional funds. We will be taking up an interest free loan of £50,000 but this has to be repaid over 5 years at £10,000 per annum. This will be a burden on the club and we are therefore asking that all members make a special donation of a minimum of £25 this year specifically towards the pavilion. 
 
This is a small amount even in the current economic climate and we do hope that you will all support us in this respect. If the donation is made by way of Gift Aid we are able to recover tax at the standard rate, which makes a major difference. We attach a Gift Aid form and would ask you to complete and return the form with your cheque to: 
 
Peter Thorne

Brandon
Linden Gardens 
Leatherhead 
Surrey 
KT22 7HB 
 
We would like to thank once again those of you who have already generously donated. If you can find another £25 or more (!) this will be really appreciated----if not we fully understand!

What else can I do?

Join us on Cricket Force Day on 3rd April when we will be working on the  ground. This promises to be a very special day - refer to the website for further information. 
 
If you can paint and are available in April then please let Peter know. We will be painting the whole of the pavilion in order to reduce the cost. This will be a major task and we will need every possible volunteer to assist. 

What is the position re Parsons Mead?

As you may know planning permission was granted for the development in  January. This was subject to the Developers entering into a Section 106  Agreement with Mole Valley District Council. This agreement is being finalised at the moment and provides that the Developers or their successors will pay £100,000 to the Cricket Club and use their reasonable endeavours to grant us a lease of the Sports Field for 150 years at £10 per annum. This agreement will bind the land in the future. 
 
The payment is to be made as to £50,000 within ten days of the commencement of the development and the balance after the sale of an agreed number of houses. 
 
We are negotiating with the Developers and MVDC with regard to the documentation. However, we know that the current Developers are unlikely to be able to carry out the development. It is probable that they will sell the land. This will obviously mean that there will be some delay before any work is commenced and there is always the possibility that a new buyer might apply for a revised planning and try to renegotiate the terms of the Section 106 Agreement. Therefore, although we have been able to do a fantastic deal there is no certainty that we will see this money. In these circumstances we must clearly disregard these monies when looking to the future. If we do ultimately receive them it will be a great bonus.

The Future. 

These are incredibly exciting times for the club. The new Pavilion looks fantastic and will provide us with excellent facilities. It will be a major addition to the Club. It is the biggest project the club has ever undertaken and will be a major asset. 
 
We hope to take up the lease of the Sports Field at Parsons Mead to  provide  a centre for our younger colts. 
 
We have the opportunity to acquire a new all-weather pitch (which would cost  over £8000) through National Westminster Cricket Force and hope to install this on the edge of the square at Woodfield Lane. This will provide improved facilities for our colts. However, we will have to incur some expenditure ourselves. 
 
We continue to provide coaching in eight local schools as part of a Chance to Shine. 
 
Our colts section is one of the largest in the area and we aim to provide coaching for over 300 colts. 
 
Last year our 2nd XI , 3rd XI and 4th XI all won their respective leagues in the Surrey Championship and the 1st XI would have been promoted to the Premiership if we had won our final game which was abandoned due to the rain. 
 
However, we cannot stand still and we are aiming even higher this year. In  order to achieve our aim to be the best cricket club in Surrey both on and off the field we need your continued support. Do come and see the new  pavilion - enjoy a drink in the new clubroom.