A renovation fit for a king at community hub
King George’s Field Cleeve, a registered charity responsible for managing playing field facilities and the pavilion – which is home to Cleeve Cricket Club, Yatton & Cleeve Utd FC, Cleeve Lawn Tennis Club and several skittles teams – has received a grant of £19,023 from National Grid to bring their facilities up to modern standards.
The pavilion, a focal point for social gatherings in the village, is used up to six days per week during the height of the cricketing season. The community facility, however, was not accessible to all members and visitors and the décor had not been updated in over 20 years.
The funding, provided through National Grid’s Community Grant Fund, helped the charity to undertake an extensive refurbishment programme. To ensure that the building could be accessed by all, a new footpath was created and ramps were installed, meaning that no area was off limits for those in wheelchairs or with pushchairs.
In addition, the 20-year-old carpet was pulled up and the flooring levelled throughout the building. A new hard-wearing floor was laid to make sure that it could stand the test of time and continue welcoming new guests for years to come.
The grant also helped the team at the King George’s Field Cleeve charity to fund the installation of a new sink and cupboard area in the utility room. All while helping to transform the pavilion by financing the purchase of new furniture, allowing the club to throw out the old and replace it with seating and tables.
When we were allowed to reopen it was noticeable that the pavilion was used by many more people than before.
Colin Warren, a trustee of the King George’s Field Cleeve charity, commented: “As a result of the change to the interior of the pavilion we were able to adapt better to the changes required by COVID legislation, so that we could remain open for longer to provide a much-needed service to villagers.
“We were really pleased with how quickly the decision was made to award the grant, as it enabled the renovation to be completed while hospitality venues were closed by the pandemic. When we were allowed to reopen it was noticeable that the pavilion was used by many more people than before. Thank you, it has made such a difference to this village social area.”
James Goode, Project Director at the National Grid Hinkley Connection Project, commented: “The Community Grant Fund has helped numerous organisations to transform critical community spaces. COVID-19 has demonstrated just how important these village spaces are for gatherings and creating a sense of community. We’re proud to have played our part in helping King George’s Field Cleeve to create an accessible space for everyone.”
