Funds needed to repair war memorial pavilion
BBCA pavilion situated on a historic cricket and football ground dating back to World War One is in need of urgent repairs.
The War Memorial pavilion, which houses changing rooms for the teams that play at Watchet War Memorial Ground, dates back to 1929 and is now in a state of disrepair.
The committee that looks after the pavilion plans to bid for money to carry out repairs and improvements, however it is first fundraising for the deposit of £15,000.
Martin Strong, club captain at Watchet Cricket Club, said the work was needed as the changing rooms are too small. "It's a major asset to the town and if it's lost it could be lost for good," he added.
The pavilion and ground were given to the town in memory of the local sportsmen who fell in World War One.
Lori Lee, chair of the committee, said Watchet had produced a number of cricketers who had gone on to play for Somerset, including Harold Gimblett, Allan Pearse and Haydn Sully.
She added that in the winter months, Watchet Town runs four adult and seven youth football teams on the ground.
"All of them use the changing rooms in the pavilion," Lee added.
"It's nearly 100 years old and desperately needs to be rebuilt."
Strong said he played his first cricket game on the ground aged 10, 54 years ago.
"My parents used to say it's like our own back garden. When I got married we lived along the grounds, my sons were always playing football and cricket out back.
"It's worth it. It's had many happy times there, not just football and cricket, the flower show has been rejuvenated and the carnival is out there," he added.
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