Posted on 29th Aug
Newark R&M Cricket Club has officially opened its new changing room facilities, marking a significant milestone in the club’s ongoing redevelopment project.
The new facilities, costing around £400,000, were made possible through a £45,000 grant from Newark and Sherwood District Council.
The opening ceremony, held at the club’s annual Presidents Day, brought together club members, local councillors, and community supporters to celebrate the latest transformation of the Kelham Road site.
The funding enabled the club to complete phase two of its ground improvement plan. The new changing rooms form part of a wider development strategy, which began with the installation of a second pitch in 2019.
The upgraded facilities include four equipped changing rooms and umpires’ accommodation, which were essential to support the club’s two-pitch site that now accommodates 11 teams, including senior men’s and women’s squads and five junior teams.
There are more than 150 active members and more than 700 visiting players each season.
The second phase of the project has been supported by W E Knight Trust, Newark Town Council, Rural England Prosperity Fund, and Nottinghamshire County Council’s Local Community Fund, with the club providing its own funding and given significant voluntary help from members.
In 2024, the club received a £100,000 grant from the district council through its allocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund.
Founded in 1787, Newark Cricket Club is recognised as one the oldest grassroots sports club in the country. In 2010, it merged with Ransome and Marles CC to form Newark R&M CC.
Its rich heritage is even reflected in a historic painting of cricket being played at the Kelham Road ground in Newark that is displayed at Lords, the home of cricket.
Coun Paul Peacock, leader of the district council, said: “Newark R&M Cricket Club is a cornerstone of our local sporting community.
“The club has a rich history and continues to grow, offering opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved in cricket. The completion of the changing rooms is a vital step forward.
“Not only do they provide modern facilities, but they also support the club’s expansion to a two-pitch site. We are thrilled to be able to support the expansion of this historic club that plays such an important role in the life of our district.”
Luc Chignall, of Newark R&M, added: “We are extremely grateful for the support from the local community, and particularly the district council, towards our vision for cricket at Newark R&M. The new facilities will unlock Kelham Road’s potential as a home for cricket in the town.”
Coun Lynn Roulstone, deputy mayor at Newark Town Council said: “As a lifelong fan of cricket and someone still playing club cricket myself, I know first-hand the importance that cricket clubs and sports clubs generally play in providing positive opportunities for people to be active and social, and be part a club community that can be extremely valuable for the health and wellbeing of those involved.
“Sports clubs are a vital part of the social fabric of our community and it is fantastic to see the benefits of this investment.”
