Thornham Cricket Club officially open new clubhouse and bar

Thornham Cricket Club officially opened its new clubhouse and bar on Sunday (3 June).

The new facilities were officially opened by Saqib Mahmood, an ex-Thornham player who has represented England at junior level and plays for Lancashire in the junior ranks.

Over 400 people attended as cricket games were played on the club’s pitch. The day also included a BBQ, an ice cream van, bar cricket skills and various stalls were set up for attendees to browse.

The old Thornham clubhouse was demolished in September 2017, with new construction work beginning the following October.

Andrew Micklethwaite, Treasurer at Thornham Cricket Club, said: “Work on the new clubhouse finished around four weeks ago.

“Over the past six months, the cricket club has been finalising improvements to our multi-function pavilion. We’ve extended the building to include a large new clubhouse incorporating a brand-new bar.

“In our 150th year, this secures the future of the club.

“The new build is a much larger space that we can continue to use for both cricket and cricket functions.”

Rochdale council approved in January the recommended works outlined for what is called 'section 106 money' to be spent on identified improvements to a range of sport provisions across the borough. This helped with the funding of the new clubhouse and bar, along with funding from Sam Micklethwaite, Viridor Credits Environmental Company, Thornham Cricket Club itself and fundraising within the local community.

In May 2014, Thornham Cricket Club also opened a new community room and changing rooms.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/87314/thornham-cricket-club-officially-open-new-building

Andrew added: “I think it is important for people to recognise that this is our 150^th year, so we have been gathering memorabilia such as a book on the club’s history and keyrings.

“The newly opened clubhouse is available to hire but is for members use only on Saturdays.

“If you would like to join the club - we are always looking for new players and members.”