8. Inviting the Media – Example News Release … 4 April, 2002
ENGLAND CRICKETERS SWAP BATS FOR BRUSHES ON CricketForce DAY
England and Surrey cricketer Mark Ramprakash will join forces with over 100 volunteers and England
and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Development Officers to renovate Lingfield Cricket Club, Surrey, on
9th April.
The project will showcase the potential of enlisting volunteers to get involved in their local clubs. The
ECB Development Department aims to recruit 10,000 volunteers for grass roots cricket through the
NatWest Volunteer Support Programme by 2005, focusing on 2002 as ‘The Year of the Volunteer’.
Mark will join the team painting and decorating, re-lay flooring and planting the area
around the Pavilion, as will Caroline Atkins, England women’s leading run-scorer during
the winter tour to India. Both players officially re-open the Lingfield CC Pavilion at 4pm.
Local support for the project has been outstanding, with Lingfield CC
securing furniture from the Whitbread Group, a kitchen from MFI
and paint and decorating materials from B&Q, all free of charge.
A new roof, ladies toilet, access ramp and drainage works also form part of the renovation following a
grant from Tandridge District Council.
Keith Pont, the ECB Director of Development, said “this is the biggest volunteer initiative that cricket
has ever taken on and will inspire other clubs across the country to harness the talent of volunteers
and improve their club facilities. It’s essential that we create a good environment for boys and girls to
come and play cricket and encourage them to get involved and look after their clubs in the future”.
In addition to the England cricket stars, the ECB Roadshow will be at Lingfield,
complete with NatWest flicx pitch, virtual reality headset game and other activities for
children and adults who need a break from the painting!
Lee Bailey, NatWest Sponsorship Manager, said, “As part of the wider
NatWest grass roots programme we are fully committed to the CricketForce
initiative and look forward to its continuing success”.
Neil Henderson of Lingfield CC said “We are delighted to be at the centre of this project.
A newly refurbished club house will have a massive impact on the community. This
place is the hub of sporting activity in the area, with the football club and girl guides
currently using the facility too”.
A Ridgewood concept and design
[your contact details]
CricketForce is a concept created by ECB partners - ridgewoodpeople.com
If you would like further information, or would like to join us at Lingfield on the day, please contact
Andrea Wiggins or Clare Fathers, ECB Media Relations, 020 7432 1200.
Editors’ Note …
ridgewoodpeople.com - have been in partnership with the ECB for six years facilitating communication,
leadership and followership events primarily for the nationwide Cricket Development Team.
CricketForce is a key initiative toward meeting the ECB's National Strategy objective to introduce and
support 10,000 new volunteers by 2005.
CandS@ridgewoodpeople.com)
A Ridgewood concept and design
[your contact details]