I thought we would give an update on the continuing works down at The Grove in earnest for the forthcoming season. Jimmy and his dedicated team of groundsmen have been extremely busy preparing the square and outfield which are looking rather impressive despite the deluge this past week. No matter what league Houghton CWCC has competed in, we have always have taken a great deal of pride in the ground and this season will be no different. Still with 4 weeks until the 2nd XI open up against Bearpark (26th April) the square is looking in tip top condition and although the outfield is very wet underfoot, we expect the ground will be immaculate come game week 1.

Furthermore...........

We can exclusively reveal the progress of the refurbishment of the clubhouse (photos can be seen here http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/houghtoncwcc/photos/ground-progress-28314-470846.html) First and second team skippers were onsite Friday (28/3/14) to have a first glance at the works being carried out in the clubhouse and to be fair the works are beyond even our expectations at these early stages. We can report the following alternations; the dividing wall from the 1998 extension has been removed making club clubhouse into one large room, the bar has been fully re-modeled and a large mantel place constructed in the former lounge. The initial soft stripping of furnishing and M+E installations have be completed with the first fix joinery works underway. Once the 1st fix is complete the finishing trades will commence with the wall and floor finishes. Works are programmed to to be completed for the 19th April, the day day as the first teams friendly game at The Grove. As well as internally, refurbishment works will occur externally with the flagged patio area being replaced with timber decking, planters and garden furniture.

These works constitute the 2nd phase of 3 at Houghton. The first priority was to built a stronger first team squad that would compete with the leagues best and with the signings of Craig/David Nield and Martin Gill we believe we will achieve this goal. The second is the re-opening and refurbishment of the club house and the third is to improve the other facilities down at The Grove. Works are underway to repair the sight screens, covers and improve the scorebox. All these works may not come in fruition overnight but the main aim is for Houghton to have some of the best facilities in the NEDL and with the square, club house Houghton are definitely up there with the best in the league.

We look forward to welcoming all teams starting with Bearpark to The Grove and hopefully all the games will be played in the true spirit of the cricket and we can all enjoy a pint or two in the club house after.

Not long now..... only 28 days