Work finally starts to build sports pavilion in Wroxton

Planning permission to replace the village’s dated pavilion was granted about 12 years ago and since then residents have been fundraising hard to reach their target of £106,000.

Chris Jarvis is a member of the village’s midweek cricket team and also helps out with the football club. He is also part of an eight-strong committee which has been working hard to get the project off the ground as the team’s current site was built back in 1947.

He said: “It is a dream for the club that has come true. When I saw the diggers start arriving last week it was one of the nicest feelings ever.

“The current building is past its sell-by date and not fit for purpose. It was extended in the early 1980s which costs £3,000 but was only a temporary job. Most of the people I have spoken to are glad this is going ahead and we have had a lot of support from the village.”

The pavilion is expected to be open in time for the new cricket season in either June or July and news of the building work will be welcomed by the three football and cricket teams who play their home games every Saturday.

Once completed it will have a new clubhouse and two changing rooms with disabled access facilities.

Mr Jarvis added the news is even more pleasing on a personal level for his dad Tony.

He said: “My dad has been involved with the football and cricket teams since he was about seven or eight and he is 82 now. He has been wanting to see a new pavilion built in the village for a very long time so it is a personal goal to see work taking place.”

Athough construction work is now under way to build the foundation structure, Wroxton and Balscote Parish Council is looking for more support as they seek to help raise costs to furnish the inside.

They have already had support from Mainline Timbers from Woodford Halse, Hart Roofing and Donaldson Timber Engineering in Deddington, who have begun work on building the main foundations for the building.

David McNaught, vice-chairman and treasurer at both sports club, said: “We have been very fortunate to have the support of Trinity College in Oxford, who lease the field to the parish council. We have also got support from Cherwell District Council, Banbury Charities and the parish council.

“We have leafleted the whole of Wroxton and Balscote and the football and cricket teams are doing their best to get as many people involved. Most of the people who play for our clubs are from Banbury so these facilities are for them as well.

“Tony has been involved with both clubs for 60 years and it is one of his dreams to see a new pavilion built for the village. He is chuffed to bits.”

Anyone who would like to make a donation towards the project can email [email protected]