While most in the cricket community enjoy a steady hibernation through the winter months, officials and volunteers at Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club have been busier than ever. 

The club is working tirelessly on a whole range of new facilities for the 2023 season, and beyond, with construction of the new pavilion continuing at a pleasing pace. 

The viewpoint blog from BSCC states that: “All the steel is up, all the services are laid, the 1st floor is completed (along with underfloor heating), and the ground floor is close to being laid. The internal stairs are in place and brickwork will start to go up in the new year. All in all, things are going well and we seem to be on track! 

“In addition to the building work, there is lots of other activity going on as well. The Committee are busy planning for the installation of the temporary bar facilities, and the temporary changing facilities will also be worked on ahead of the season.” 

As well as the intensive building work, a number of fundraising activities are taking place to raise money for the purchase of cricket nets for adult and youth players. 

The club estimates that the old nets received around 10,000 nets each summer, supporting a youth section of more than 150 players, as well as the four senior teams and nine community league teams. 

While the pitches and clubhouse have been mainly funded by the environmental agency and club reserves, BSCC has set up a crowdfunder appeal to help raise the revenue for cricket nets and also an elevator inside the clubhouse for people with a disability. 

The amazing redevelopment plans at BSCC have even received endorsement from former England captain, Sir Alastair Cook. 

He said: “I’ve just seen the plans for Budleigh Cricket Club and it looks absolutely fantastic. A new state-of-the-art clubhouse will be a great facility for the community. 

“Two new cricket pitches, so four teams can play at once. It is absolutely superb. Budleigh was my grandparents’ favourite place to visit and I can’t wait to see it in the future.” 

The future is incredibly exciting for Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club and you can help by visiting the club website and donating to the crowdfunder appeal.