Momentous day for Wisbech Town Cricket Hockey Clubs as work starts on new Astro Turf pitch

Monday marked a huge day in the history of Wisbech Town Cricket and Hockey Clubs as work officially started on the new Astro Turf pitch.

The work is expected to last for approximately 12 weeks, meaning the new pitch should be ready by the end of June.

During this time, the area will be closed off and all fixtures and training for the remainder of this season will take place at the Wisbech Grammar School Astro.

There will be regular updates, including photos, on social media as work progresses.

Wisbech Town Hockey Club have now taken over the lease for the land the Astro sits on for the first time in its history.

Going forward, the operating of the Astro Turf will be under the club’s control, and they will manage the funds required for all future refurbishments and upgrades. This is a big step forward for the club, as they continue to grow and develop.

Club chairman Matt Esser said: “The club has been extremely fortunate to have received some large donations, from individuals, totalling £375,000 to pay for the works.

“However, this money is not quite enough to finish the project in its entirety and now, we need the membership and wider community to help us out and raise some additional funds.

“We have launched a number of fundraising initiatives and hope that every single member can get involved in at least one of these to help the club achieve its goal.

“We are incredibly pleased to announce that ‘Places and Spaces’ from Sport England have pledged £10,000 to help us meet our initial £30,0000 fundraising target.

“To receive this pledge, we must raise £20,000 by May 9. To achieve this, we have launched a brand-new Crowdfunding page.

“On the page you can find out more about our fundraising campaign and there are also some fantastic rewards to be claimed if you donate so please do take a look, donate if you are able to, and share with family and friends. We would be extremely grateful for any donations received.”

Visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/wtchc-pitch-refurbishment

On Sunday, April 9, the club will host its first ever Easter Bonanza, where there will be something for all the family.

The day will kick off with an Easter Egg Hunt, followed by some sponsored events for children and adults.

There will be other stalls, as well as live music and dancing, making it a day for everyone.

The club would love as many people as possible to sign up for the sponsored events, which are open to adults and children, and launch their own fundraising campaign which will help us reach our target.

To find out more and to sign up please visit the events section at: www.wtchc.co.uk

If you are unable to attend the Easter Bonanza and would like to launch your own fundraising event, to raise money for the pitch, you can, using our Crowdfunder’s multiplier option.

By following the link on the Crowdfunder page, click start fundraising (located just above where you can donate) and you will be able to set up your own page and project target and title, add videos or images, and share information about the campaign.

All funds raised will go straight to the WTCHC campaign and the club will also update members as to how individual fundraisers are getting on.

The club is also hosting an Auction of Promises. There will be a variety of gifts, experiences, and skills that the public can bid on. If you can donate anything to this, please follow the following link: Auction of Promises + Rewards for Crowdfunder (office.com)

The online auction will open on Saturday at: WTCHC Auction of Promises (jumblebee.co.uk)

The club is also hosting another fundraising event on the Kings Coronation on Sunday, May 7, with further information to follow.

Mr Esser added: “Wisbech Town Hockey Club recognises that the world is a challenging place at the moment, and for some people money is tight and whilst they may want to donate, this may not be possible.

“This is the reason, we have so many ways you can play your part. We really do hope that every member gets involved and helps us reach our target.

“I’d like to thank you in all advance, for donating, attending our events and completing your own fundraising.”