Farsley's volunteers help club build for the future

Posted: April 6, 2008

Farsley chairman Ashley Metcalfe with former England captain Mike Gatting

Farsley's Red Lane ground was a hive of activity as an army of club members, players and volunteers turned up to tackle the club's ambitious project to renovate their clubhouse and changing rooms.

The scheme is one of five to be selected from a total of 1,375 nationally to be highlighted as a special focus of the 2008 NatWest CricketForce 2008 project.

Farsley are replacing all of the windows and doors in their clubhouse with new ones special manufactured and donated by local firm Connaught, they are also refitting their changing rooms and bar, putting decking outside the front of the clubhouse, then crowning it all off by having a new pitched roof built to replace the current flat one which has repeatedly sprung leaks

The roof will be constructed shortly by students of the Leeds School of Building, who will also help with the construction of a new electronic scorebox. Work will continue through the season.

To celebrate the project the NatWest CricketForce Roadshow was at Red Lane today. ECB official Mike Gatting, the former England captain headed their delegation along with David Leighton, the ECB Club Programmes Manager, who guided Farsley during the planning of their project.

Yorkshire players Anthony McGrath, Mark Lawson and Adil Rashid were also present along with the county's Chief Executive Stuart Regan. Pudsey MP Paul Truswell and the leader of Leeds City Council, Andrew Carter, were also present.

David Leighton said: "This is one of the five focus schemes out of a total of 1,375 involving 85,000 people It is estimated that NatWest CricketForce 2008 will bring in between £35 and £40million in money and kind.

"When I came to speak to the club members about this project six weeks ago there were a lot of people who doubted that it could happen, but today is proof of what can be achieved.

"I am sure when Ray Illiingworth returns from his holiday in Spain he will notice a lot of change"

Farsley chairman Ashley Metcalfe said: "This is an immensely proud day for the club. I cannot thank the members, the community and the volunteers enough. This has been an unbelievable experience for us.

"In just six weeks we have seen this dream unfold thanks to some quite exceptional help and support.

"When David Leighton came and gave us an inspirational speech six weeks ago there were still plenty of doubters, but what has happened since has been truly remarkable.

"I cannot thank enough the club members, local businesses, members of the community and the volunteers who have helped us to realise our dream of putting this club back on the map.

"A tremendous lot of hard work has been done but there is lots more to do and we won't rest until it is completed."

Addressing the huge army of workers who were present at the ground, Metcalfe added: "None of this would have been possible without you guys. Thank you."