Cheadle Hulme lead the way

12 March 2007 | By Justin Goulding

Cheadle Hulme Cricket Club are appealing for help as they gear up for NatWest CricketForce 2007.

The club has been chosen from more than 1,000 around the country to showcase NatWest CricketForce, the ECB's annual volunteering extravaganza and the biggest in British sport.

More than 100 volunteers will descend on Grove Park, Cheadle Hulme, near Stockport, on March 31-April 1 to give the ground, pavilion and facilities a facelift, the scale of which has not been seen before.

Not only is the ECB backing CHCC, but Stockport Council has pledged its full support - the first local authority to do so since NatWest CricketForce’s inception in 2002 - and Lancashire CCC and Cheshire Cricket have committed time and resources to the two-day event.

However, the club needs the support of local businesses and residents on a weekend which ranks among the most important in its 126-year history.

So if you or your company has any unwanted paint, brushes, fences, dustbins, building materials or tools, why not give them to a worthwhile cause and help the community at the same time?

You can even come along to Grove Park to lend a helping hand – the more the merrier to enjoy the fun-day activities such as a bouncy castle, free food and drink and professional coaching.

Cheadle Hulme chairman Garry Hambleton said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for people to get involved and do something good for the community.

“There are a lot of people working very hard at the club but we could always use more help. We urge anybody who can help in any way to get in touch.”

Alex Heritage, senior development officer at Stockport Council, added: “NatWest CricketForce presents a unique opportunity for Cheadle Hulme Cricket Club, the surrounding community and sponsors.

“A wide range of dignitaries have been invited to raise the event profile and even lend a hand with the painting.”

Monkhouse Sports is the first company to become a NatWest CricketForce partner with Cheadle Hulme, signing up for a year-long sponsorship package as part of their commitment to community sport, while Ashfield Healthcare have also come on board.

Any individuals or businesses wishing to offer their services, donate materials or sponsor the event should contact Bob Bailey on 0161 439 9648 or 0161 330 4738.