MP cuts the ribbon on new West Chilt sports pavilion

The new facility at the Recreation Ground is the home of West Chiltington & Thakeham Cricket Club, West Chiltington Football Club and West Chiltington Croquet Club.

The Cricket Club has been located at the ground for 93 years and the old building was no longer fit for purpose.

Funding for the new £240,000 building came from a number of grants, including £50,000 from the Sport England Inspired facilities Fund, and Igas Energy who donated £10,000 towards the project.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) supported the club with a grant of £50,000 and an interest-free loan.

The sports clubs also hosted a number fund-raising events to help them reach their target.

Neil Miller, chairman of the cricket club said: “The new pavilion project took over three and a half years from initial discussions through to fruition and could not have happened without the help and support of the various sports committees, cricket and football in particular, and of course the various granting bodies such as the ECB and Sport England Inspired Facilities fund.

“We are extremely grateful to Nick Herbert MP who gave up some of his time on Saturday to help us unveil a facility that will provide the community of West Chiltington with a modern facility, which will allow both children and adults to play sport for years to come.”

The new pavilion includes a bar and lounge with flat screen television and can be used for social events.

The building has been constructed from locally sourced hardwood timber, and solar panels on one side will help to heat and power the inside, making it energy and cost efficient to run. Heavy rain meant only five overs were able to be played of the cricket club First XI’s match.