Hambledon Hut opened

Cradle of cricket rocks to CricketForce - ECBtv visits Hambledon; watch the video from the event

And view a photo gallery of pics from the day

Hambledon is set to register another historic landmark after its new pavilion, the Hambledon Hut, was given an official welcome as part of NatWest CricketForce 2008.

More than 150 volunteers, including England all-rounders Dimitri Mascarenhas and Ebony Rainford-Brent, turned out at the picturesque Hampshire ground adjacent to Broad Halfpenny Down which is regarded as the ‘cradle of cricket’, to lend their support to Hambledon's efforts to breathe new life into their club following the fire that ravaged the clubhouse last year.

A brand new 'hut' costing £7,000 was erected and Wickes supplied a kitchen - and fitters - free of charge, to give the club members, spread across four squads plus a 150 strong colts section, a homely and hospitable venue for lunch, teas and team meetings.

The England players help out with some painting

Mascarenhas presented chairman David Mills with a special plaque to mark the opening of the pavilion after mingling with members and fans.

"I think NatWest CricketForce is brilliant," said Hampshire's new captain, who proved a dab hand with paint brush and garden spade.

"We all started our cricket at clubs like this one, whatever country you were brought up in. A local club where your mum and dad dropped you off, you paid your fees and played with all your friends and that's what its all about. Thats how you learn.

"It is always good to come back to these clubs and give something back. The support here among local people and local businesses has been amazing," added Mascarenhas, who combined his DIY contributions with a hectic round of autograph signing and coaching.

The day before, most of the Hampshire players and groundstaff visited Hambledon along with more than 250 volunteers to help with the redevelopment.

They were tasked with painting the sightscreens and changing rooms, clearing hedges and copses around the ground and erecting new fencing.

In all, up to £20,000 worth of materials and services were donated to Hambledon including a range of trees and plants for the new wildlife area that is being specially developed by the club as part of the ECB’s special ‘green’ theme to the 2008 projects.

Across all the 1,375 clubs taking part in NatWest CricketForce, it is estimated that between £35-40 million of products and services will have been donated by companies including the official supporters Dulux, Easyscore and Build Center.

"When you think how busy people are these days, it is great to see so many turn out and lend their support to NatWest CricketForce," said Rainford-Brent, who is a member at Shepperton CC, a NatWest CricketForce showcase club in 2007.

"It is really important for a club to create the right environment to make sure the kids are encouraged and motivated and excited so they keep on coming back.

"If it hadn't been for that environment at my club, I wouldn't be playing cricket now."

Mascarenhas provides some coaching tips to the Hambledon youngsters