Partnership lays solid foundations for new Frankwell ground cricket net
As part of its ongoing commitment to the local community Shrewsbury based construction company Saxonby, in partnership with Travis Perkins, recently provided resource and materials to build a permanent practice net for Beacon Cricket Club at the town’s Frankwell ground.
James Wood, director at Saxonby, which has sponsored the Shrewsbury & District Evening Cricket League since 2011, believes this latest contribution, in addition to providing the league with a stable financial basis, will encourage more people to take up the sport. He said: “A club with a good set up and great facilities will always attract potential new members. Beacon Cricket Club has that and these new nets are yet another step closer to realising its ambitions. As a cricketer myself, knowing that our company can give something back to the sport and the community as part of its corporate social responsibility, is very satisfying.”
Now the base and ground work is complete, the steelwork and netting care of a Shrewsbury Town Council grant can be installed, Steve Reese, club development officer at Beacon Cricket Club, is keen to fulfil the demand for the facility. He said: “Since arriving at Frankwell in 2010 as a one-team club, we have endeavoured to provide the members with the best facilities we can and in parallel repay Shrewsbury Town Council’s commitment by ensuring maximum use and maintaining the fabric of the building and surrounding area. This partnership has been enhanced by Saxonby’s continued and significant involvement. It is clear to see how working as a tri-party body we have been able to transform the ground and reap the rewards. Beacon CC has increased its number of teams across the Shrewsbury leagues as a result of overwhelming interest from young people – junior training attracts 60 youngsters every Thursday night. The outdoor net facility is a further statement of intent and has also brought fellow users Quayside CC into the partnership.”
Commenting on the new facilities, leader of Shrewsbury Town Council, Cllr Alan Mosley, said: “The town council was delighted to hear reports of the tremendous successes of Beacon CC both as a club and in bringing significant improvements to the ground. Saxonby has added great value to the partnership which promises to go on from strength to strength as we invest in our sports and recreational facilities. Congratulations also to our officers and the Beacon CC members who have worked hard on this important project.”
Picture (left to right) at Frankwell Cricket Ground, Shrewsbury: Steve Reese, club development officer, Beacon Cricket Club, Roy Rowson, operative, James Wood, director, Sonny Rowson, operative, Saxonby and Paul Parker, hire manager, Travis Perkins.