Equity and Welfare Policies

History

Early Foundation

Established circa  1920, the Club served the recreational needs of the  workers from the local farming communityand from the local village trades of wheelwrights, builders, joiners, cobblers, shopkeepers , horticulturalists, nurserymen and other artisans. The menfolk of this thriving community played cricket on a  wired-off square  at Paradise Farm on New Road, Whixley, by kind permission of the then tenant of the West Riding small-holding, Mr Harry Warrington.  The Club’s pavillion was a wooden structure, without mains water or electricity. Teams in those early days played in the Harrogate Saturday League and the Hessay Evening League.

In 1968 the team moved to Rudgate Fields on Ouseburn Road, by kind permission of Mr Maurice Daniel of Stonegate Farm, Whixley, when the pavillion was totally dismantled and rebuilt on its new site.

Arson attack

In 2005, the Pavilion sufferred an arson attack  and was totally destroyed  in the fire.

The whole future of the Club was put in jeopardy and the  ability to complete in planned fixtures was put in doubt, but due to the commitment of the  playing-members,and their belief that sport plays a  vital role in village life,  they launched an ambitious plan to rebuild this historic club like a phoenix from the burning ashes.

Since the field was not owned by the Club, the project necessitated, in the longer term,  both the acquisition of the freehold of the field and the provision of  a new pavilion.   However in the immediate term, a temporary structure was purchased with local support, so that the  2005 season could proceed , albeit with some temporary difficulties.

Moving into the 21st century

Since then the Club has  formed a Board of Trustees, which has  registered the Club  as a Charity.   Together, they have  organised a  series of fund-raising events , and with the support of  the Sports and Arts Foundation, along with other charitable foundations,  has aquired the freehold of the field which has enabled the Club to progress a Planning Application for the construction of a new pavillion.

The Club -membership is now actively progressing fund-raising for an  enlarged permanent  pavilion, meeting up- to- date  standards, complete with mains water, and sustainable energy supply,  that will accomodate both Juniors and Seniors,  on a two-wicket sportsground, that will support the growing needs of the whole Club.

Honours to build upon

Over the past 50 years, Whixley’s efforts on the field have resulted in the following honours, among others

Wetherby League Honours

Division 3 champions 1966,  Division 2 champions 1967,  Division 1 Runners-up 1968,  Division 5 winners 1982

Harrogate Evening League

Division 5 champions 1991, Division 4 champions 1992, Division 3 Champions 1993 and 1997,  Division 2 champions 1994 and 1998

Whixley Evening League

Division 1 champions 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968, 1975, 1980, 1981,1982, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1991, 2000, 2003

Opportunities for new members

 

Fitness with enjoyment

Whilst we provide lots of  opportunities for healthy exercise throughout the year, the main thrust of our outdoor recreation is from April to October, with either  mid-week evening  practices and match fixtures, or weekend match fixtures .

Participation in cricket is both fitness improving, and weight reducing. New Members  will be given  opportunities to participate in  limited- overs evening matches, which are less time-demanding;  or  , individuals may wish to make themselves  available to   enjoy longer summer Saturday afternoons   batting, bowling and fielding, with all the excitement of  finely balanced games.  Fitness levels are improved through running, fielding, and bowling ,  whilst  better eye and hand coordination is gained through catching and  batting.  And the pride gained in  the winning of games  depends upon the best deployment of everyone’s skills, energies, enthusiasm, and  abilities.  One’s enjoyment of the game is enhanced through   interaction with  other players and through an appreciation of the finer points of   field-positioning, and team-play.  And of course, after each game there is the opportunity to socialise, and to relax over  a drink at a local hostelry.

Whixley Cricket Club  field s TWO Saturday afternoon  Senior teams in the Wetherby League

PLUS TWO Evening teams in the Harrogate Evening League and the Whixley Evenng League

PLUS TWO JUNIOR TEAMS,  which practice weekly and which play friendly matches and which also play within the  Nidderdale Juniors League.   The Whixley Phoenix Juniors include both boys and girls.

 PLUS a Ladies team

Enquiries in first instance to Iain Richardson, Development Manager  01423 330234  or  01423 339693

About us

PLANS FOR GROWTH

PHOENIX JUNIORS: OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW STARTERS

The Club has ambitious plans for the  growth of its PHOENIX JUNIOR TEAMS serving children and young people in the 7-13 age groups.  Qualified coaches help to develop children’s confidence, skills and fitness,  through participation in  recreational activities , primarily associated with the game of cricket, that are fun, and character-building.

Indoor activities commence every February which are then followed  by outdoor recreational activities in April,  then throughout the summer months  until September.  Currently there are vacancies for young people (open to both boys and girls) in each of the age groups, and parents are encouraged to come along to training sessions to participate as volunteer- helpers or as observers.  Please contact Phoenix Juniors Secretary Jan Richardson, or Iain Richardson, Development Manager, for full details; tel 01423   339693  or 01423 330234

 

SENIOR PLAYERS: NEW MEMBERS WELCOME

Due to expansion , across several leagues (evening and weekends),  there are opportunities to accomodate more senior players(age 14 upwards, without  age limit).   Experience is not necessary as there are practising sessions both pre-season and during the summer months.   Enquiries to Iain Richardson, Development Manager, (01423  339693  or  01423 330234)  to discuss openings and opportunities .

 

SITE DEVELOPMENT: STAMP YOUR NAME HERE FOR PERPETUITY

Recently the Club has purchased  their home ground at Rudgate Fields, Ouseburn Road, WHIXLEY, YO26 8AP with financial assistance from The Sports and Arts Foundation  topping up  local fund-raising activities.

Grants from the York and North Yorkshire Community Foundation, Harrogate Boro Council and DHL Foundation have enabled the Club to acquire a non-turf practice wicket, cages, bowling machine and other training equipment.

The Club has ambitious plans to build a new  Pavillion  which provide for separate changing rooms for Juniors and Seniors, Male and Female.

The  project represents an investment of £160,000, for which funds are now being raised.  Planning permission has been granted, and  a  fund-raising plan is currently under way.  Charitable Foundations, businesses and individuals are being given  the opportunity for the Field  and Pavillion to be named  in perpetuity after the Donor, if desired.

Full details of the project are available from the Chairman of the Trustees, Richard Watson, 01943 430108 who will be pleased to discuss plans and identify  particular elements with which   sponsors  can  be  associated .

Community Events

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WELCOME TO OUR POPULAR

DINNER OF THE  YEAR: SAT 4 APRIL 2009

We invite you to be our guest and to consider  booking a table  for  6, 8 or 10 people.   Invite family, friends or neighbours and make up  a party for a convivial and memorable evening.  Tickets for a 5 course meal are only £15, 

• Pre-dinner drinks 7.30pm-8pm
• Starter- Homemade Wild mushroom soup or cheese and caramelised onion tartlet with salad garnish
• Main course -Locally fed Pork casserole  or Vegetarian Lasagne
• Dessert- Fresh fruit salad with home-made meringue and cream
• After dinner mints and Coffee
• Opportunity to enjoy Quiztime, and other  at-your- seat pastimes with  easy- to- win PRIZES

Tickets available  by post from Richard Watson, 01943 430108 or from Whixley Village Shop in person

Venue WHIXLEY VILLAGE HALL YO26 8AP

Drinks Reception 7.30pm  Dinner commences 8pm

Make the event a special celebration for you and your friends. OPEN TO ALL COMERS, but places must be reserved in advance.   Closing date for bookings 24 March 2009  due to limited seating 😦 but you may tel 01943 430108  to check whether  any later availability ).