Appleby Magna Sports Club
Local Volunteers Muck in to repair the arson damage to Appleby Magna Sports Club
Appleby Magna Sports Club has had a mixed start to 2012 with good news mixed in with trials and tribulations.
The Club had applied for a Big Society Grant from Leicestershire County Council in January to start the process of redeveloping the old clubhouse – when disaster struck!
The clubhouse was subject to a nasty arson attack on the morning of March 12th, just before the start of the Cricket season. The club organisers were at a loss as to what to do, to get things right – especially not knowing the fate of the much-needed grant. It meant that up to 40 youngsters and as many senior cricket players were without a home for the coming season and the footballers were left in limbo.
Fortunately, help was at hand, as the local community and Parish Council chipped in to rectify the damage caused by the fire and get everything ship shape for the new cricket season. After the initial structural repairs, more than a dozen local residents, all armed with paint and rollers donated their time and energy to sweeping, painting and polishing. They didn’t need to worry about getting their clothes covered in paint, as the weekend coincided with the NatWest Cricket Force initiative, designed to rejuvenate facilities throughout England and Wales. This meant a handy supply of extra large t-shirts!
The good news continued, with confirmation of an award of £5,000 from Leicestershire County Councils Big Society grant, so work on planning a new clubhouse can now start. The Club Committee are keen to hear from anyone who wants to help with the ongoing project of making the club sustainable for current and future members, football, cricket and runners...painting skills optional!
To help, please contact Paul Cooper: club@applebymagnasports.org.uk
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Sports Relief Day 31st March 2012 - Pictures by Gillian Day
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