Local businesses in Buckinghamshire and the home counties are being encouraged to support a local cricket club, following a year of challenges and closures. Chesham Cricket Club is launching an appeal for community financial support, and has announced their mission to raise £40,000 in order to be able to continue operating, which will allow for Covid-19 site development, equipment repairs and ground maintenance.
Like many community clubs across the UK, Chesham is in urgent need of financial support to secure its future viability, after experiencing months of closures, restrictions and cancellations resulting in tens of thousands of pounds worth of losses.
Founded in 1848, Chesham Cricket Club has been a pillar of grassroot cricket in the county for decades, and runs seven senior men’s teams, a women’s team and many age-group junior teams for both boys and girls. The cricket clubhouse is also home to many other community groups, including the Chesham Comedy Club, a range of exercise classes and host to first aid and safeguarding training courses, as well as being a popular venue for private functions.
The club is calling on the local community to help support it, and has launched a public crowdfunder where people are able to donate. Businesses can find the crowdfunder by searching for “Chesham Cricket Club Recovery Fund”.
Speaking on the importance of future-proofing the club financially, Jonathan Royals, Chairman, comments:
“Last year was a huge challenge, but thanks to some wonderful volunteers, we were able to play a shorter season of cricket, but overall there has been a reduction in our income of £30,000, plus other losses. We rely on this income to maintain the grounds, the clubhouse and the facilities for the community to use. Otherwise the club will not be able to function.
We are now in a position where we must ask for our local community to lend a hand if they can, as this year we hope to be welcoming even more members of the community to get active and socialise. We want to make sure that our club is here for many years to come”.
This year, the club has plans for new initiatives to attract under-represented members of Chesham’s community in line with the ECB South Asian Action Plan. The club is also hoping to better reach the diverse BAME community of Chesham and also attract more women and girls to the sport.
Restrictions permitting, Chesham Cricket Club invites the public to visit the club this summer, which is widely recognised as a cornerstone of local life in the town. Community donations will help Chesham Cricket Club avoid closure and will mean the club can provide cricket to everyone who wants to play as well as supporting the community through its facilities. Bespoke advertising opportunities are available for businesses eager to support the club, whilst benefiting from increased local exposure.
