Rev Andrew Down, whose team ministry includes Ipplepen, officially opening the newly refurbished pavilion<br>credit: All photos Conrad Sutcliffe

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

PHASE one of Ipplepen CC’s pavilion revamp project was finished just in time for the official opening last Saturday.

Club member and project manager Ashley Harvey was on his hands and knees laying the final few feet of floor covering just minutes before the official opening was performed by local vicar Andrew Down.

Mr Down, whose team ministry covers the rural area around Ipplepen, took children Charlotte (11) and Jo (9) to the morning ceremony at the Moor Lane club.Neil Hancock (left) and Derek Lammonby (right), cricketers both and sponsors who helped the refurbishment project

No sooner had Mr Harvey cleared away his tools and smartened-up for the event, Mr Down cut a yellow and burgundy ribbon in the club’s colours to declare the pavilion open.

“What the cricket club is trying to do is create a facility for the wider community – and what a fantastic job they have done of it,” said Mr Down.

“During my work in the parish I often hear such good things about Ipplepen CC’s place in the local community and now I am here I can see why.”

Keith Wakeham, who as club chairman gave a short speech before Mr Down cut the ceremonial ribbon, told members and friends the six-month project had benefited from wide scale support.

“I cannot thank everybody as it would take too long, but I must thank our sponsors who supported us with donations and discounts on materials to keep costs down,” said Mr Wakeham.

Ipplepen chairman Keith Wakeham, who made a speech during the opening ceremony, greeting Rev Andrew Down“Also, many members, especially those with building trade-related skills, gave up their time to help with the build.

“I hate to say it now, but we will be coming back to you soon to get started on phase two!”

Wakeham revealed that dressing rooms, shower cubicles and facilities for women’s cricket are priorities for the second phase of the refurbishment project.

Women’s and girls cricket has taken off at Ipplepen CC in recent seasons, which has created pressure on dressing room space, which was designed purely for the men’s game.

Junior cricket also has a sizeable presence at the club with Friday night coaching from the age of six attracting youngsters from surrounding primary schools Abbotskerswell, Denbury and Broadhempston as well as Ipplepen.

The refurbishments came in on budget at £20,000, which included smart bi-fold doors leading into the pavilion from the new covered patio.

Half of the money came from an England & Wales Cricket Board grant negotiated on behalf of the club with support from the Devon Cricket Board.

Nick Goodliffe, who looks after facilities and funding for clubs on behalf of the DCB, said: “Devon Cricket Board was pleased to support Ipplepen CC's county grant application, which was subsequently approved and awarded by ECB. 

“I am visiting the club on Wednesday to view the new improvements.

Goodlife said a number of other grants are in progress and he intends to release details of them soon.

Contact Goodliffe by email with any questions you might have about applying for a facilities grant.

Opening time behind the bar – Dawn Green with refreshments at the ready