A popular sports club is launching a big-hitting drive to reach a total of £15,000 for a new clubhouse roof.
Barrow Cricket Club has secured some match-funding from Sport England for its ‘Raise the Roof’ crowdfunding project, which would see the ageing pavilion roof replaced and the building preserved for years to come.
The club, based at Ernest Pass Memorial Ground on Abbey Road near Furness General Hospital, launches the appeal today and has a target of £15,000 which will trigger a further £4,500 in funding from Sport England.
Ray Mowat, who is one of the team leading the bid from the club, said Barrow Cricket Club had a historic place in the landscape of the town and urged the community to back the bid.
“We have recently refurbished the inside of the club, which hosts everything from matchday hospitality to wedding receptions, christenings and parties. It really is the centre of so many social functions,” he said.
“However there have been a few leaks in the roof and we now need to ensure the building is protected for years to come. We are delighted that Sport England are supporting us in this massive effort and we hope that cricketers, sports fans and the wider community will back us.”
The club, which dates back to the early 1900s, runs three adult teams alongside juniors ranging from under 11s up to under 16s. It also hosts the All Stars and Dynamos programmes for budding young cricketers aged from five upwards and women’s softball cricket.
Rewards on offer for those who visit the Raise the Roof crowdfunding site include Studio 21 hair vouchers, Mason’s Butchers vouchers, Fizzy Friday Tickets, venue hire and sports coaching sessions.
Enid Milligan, who is also part of the bid team, said the club was slowly getting back on its feet after income streams were affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
“It is such a friendly and welcoming club and people have commented that coming here and seeing people was a ‘lifeline’, providing a social hub for them over the past year,” she said.
“We are planning to run a range of events including fundraising afternoon teas, raffles and a charity match to try to meet the target and will be posting details on our Facebook page.”
More than £1,200 has already been raised.
To see the rewards on the crowdfunding site or to donate, click on this link: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/raise-the-roof-barrow-cricket-club
