PAVILION OPENING PRESS RELEASE
June 2nd 2012 will be remembered throughout history as the start of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. However in one very small corner of West Sussex in the heart of the South Downs another milestone was reached that was timed to co-ordinate with the national celebrations . In Madehurst (the highest village in the South Downs) the official opening of a new ‘Community Pavilion’ took place. Two years previously the decision to replace the tired and failing old portakabin had been taken resulting in its
dismantling and ritual consumption by fire on the Guy Fawkes pyre. The following morning the enormity of the clubs action dawned on the members as they surveyed the now vacant site.
Due to icy weather in November and December 2010, and January 2011 little was achieved until February. However as temperatures rose, members of the club with some additional outside expertise were able to start building and by March the new structure stood phoenix like over the ground having risen literally from the ashes of the old building. By April, the start of new season, a partially usable structure was in place and throughout the following months when Cricket Club members were not wielding willow against leather work continued apace. Fitting out and decorating throughout the winter months resulted in a fully operational pavilion being ready for the 2012 season and official opening.
Christopher Martin-Jenkins (CMJ), Broadcaster doyen of Test Match Special, and Immediate Past President of the MCC together with John Barclay DL, MCC Past President and formerly Captain of Sussex County Cricket were invited to jointly conduct the opening. Sadly CMJ as he is known to millions world wide was unwell and the baton fell to ‘Johnny’ alone. A brief introduction by club fixtures secretary Nigel Smith was followed by a short speech from club Chairman Gary Taylor who welcomed the assembled guests and thanked the members wives for their forbearance during the building programme. Mr. Robert Green, Life President, delivered a brief history of the club from its inception before the First World War to today and also welcomed those present before introducing Mr Jeremy Martin, representing the club membership, who paid tribute to the enormous efforts of Gary Taylor in bringing the project to a successful conclusion and presented a bouquet to Mrs. Catherine Taylor, before asking the Reverend Marion Curtis, Vicar of Madehurst, Slindon and Eartham, to conduct the blessing
of the new building and club. John Barclay, speaking with his usual infectious enthusiasm, congratulated the club on its success in getting the new facility built and enthused of its features and design commenting on how it sat so well within the folds of the land. Then, taking up the scissors, he cut the red white and blue ribbon officially opening the pavilion. The assembled crowd then stood to attention and joined the opening bars of the National Anthem in singing ‘God Save the Queen’.
Following the opening a ‘symbolic inaugural’ 20/20 cricket match was played between Madehurst and old friends The Arundel Castle Grasshoppers with the celebrations continuing late into the night with the new
‘Community Pavilion’ hosting a hog roast supper and Dixieland Jazz Band.
June 2nd 2012 will be remembered throughout history as the start of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. However in one very small corner of West Sussex in the heart of the South Downs another milestone was reached that was timed to co-ordinate with the national celebrations . In Madehurst (the highest village in the South Downs) the official opening of a new ‘Community Pavilion’ took place. Two years previously the decision to replace the tired and failing old portakabin had been taken resulting in its
dismantling and ritual consumption by fire on the Guy Fawkes pyre. The following morning the enormity of the clubs action dawned on the members as they surveyed the now vacant site.
Due to icy weather in November and December 2010, and January 2011 little was achieved until February. However as temperatures rose, members of the club with some additional outside expertise were able to start building and by March the new structure stood phoenix like over the ground having risen literally from the ashes of the old building. By April, the start of new season, a partially usable structure was in place and throughout the following months when Cricket Club members were not wielding willow against leather work continued apace. Fitting out and decorating throughout the winter months resulted in a fully operational pavilion being ready for the 2012 season and official opening.
Christopher Martin-Jenkins (CMJ), Broadcaster doyen of Test Match Special, and Immediate Past President of the MCC together with John Barclay DL, MCC Past President and formerly Captain of Sussex County Cricket were invited to jointly conduct the opening. Sadly CMJ as he is known to millions world wide was unwell and the baton fell to ‘Johnny’ alone. A brief introduction by club fixtures secretary Nigel Smith was followed by a short speech from club Chairman Gary Taylor who welcomed the assembled guests and thanked the members wives for their forbearance during the building programme. Mr. Robert Green, Life President, delivered a brief history of the club from its inception before the First World War to today and also welcomed those present before introducing Mr Jeremy Martin, representing the club membership, who paid tribute to the enormous efforts of Gary Taylor in bringing the project to a successful conclusion and presented a bouquet to Mrs. Catherine Taylor, before asking the Reverend Marion Curtis, Vicar of Madehurst, Slindon and Eartham, to conduct the blessing
of the new building and club. John Barclay, speaking with his usual infectious enthusiasm, congratulated the club on its success in getting the new facility built and enthused of its features and design commenting on how it sat so well within the folds of the land. Then, taking up the scissors, he cut the red white and blue ribbon officially opening the pavilion. The assembled crowd then stood to attention and joined the opening bars of the National Anthem in singing ‘God Save the Queen’.
Following the opening a ‘symbolic inaugural’ 20/20 cricket match was played between Madehurst and old friends The Arundel Castle Grasshoppers with the celebrations continuing late into the night with the new
‘Community Pavilion’ hosting a hog roast supper and Dixieland Jazz Band.
