Bowled over

Faced with an estimate of more than £50,000 to replace their decaying pavilion, the cricketers decided to do the work themselves.

And thanks to help and donations from many Box people and businesses the work should be completed by the start of the new season.

"The project has been a great advert for village co-operation, it's all been a great community effort," said cricket club chairman John Tooth.

"Local architect Chris Hyde did the drawings free of charge and local builders Dave Coward and Sean Plant agreed to give their expertise free of charge as long as we provided the labour. We started work in October and apart from a month over the Christmas period, Dave has been down there most weekends.

"Sean is due to start work erecting the exterior this weekend."

The two builders, neither of them cricketers, have enlisted the help of many other tradesmen, while others, including George Purser, have donated materials and equipment.

Roy Francis Plant Hire and Bundy and Taylor both offered the the use of a digger.

Said Tooth: "We could not have attempted such an ambitious refurbishment project without the help of the people of Box.

"We have not received any grants for the work and because we have so little annual income we could not apply for help from the National Lottery.

"Money became a bit short for a while, but five members, past and present, have made interest free loans to the club.

"We also had a donation from John Dodd, of AH Dodd and Co engineering."

Box won the Wiltshire League title last year and this summer will be playing in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Division Two.

"What we are trying to do is secure the future of cricket in Box," said Tooth.

"We will be launching a new youth section this summer and have qualified coaches to run it."

The pavilion refurbishment is expected to cost around £7,500 and the club are still £2,000 short of that total.

Anyone able to help or any youngsters interested in joining the new youth section should contact Mr Tooth on (01225) 743262.