Rochdale Cricket Club bowled over by donation from the Co-operative Community Fund

Rochdale Cricket Club bowled over by donation from the Co-operative Community Fund

Rochdale Cricket Club has been awarded a £2,000 grant from The Co-operative Membership Community Fund.

The cash boost for the Club - which has been a member of the Central Lancashire League for 120 years - enables Rochdale Cricket Club to buy three new covers to enhance the playing surface and beat the weather.

Nigel Skilling, who made the application and has been involved in Rochdale cricket for approaching 40 years, explained: “We were delighted to hear that we were successful in securing this grant from The Co-operative, it will make a huge difference to our club.

“During the season there is a game most days at the club, whether that’s in the senior league or through our involvement with junior and school cricket. We can now cover up to five wickets to create good, safe, surfaces and to ensure that far fewer games are postponed by poor weather.”

The Co-operative is owned by its members, who play an active role in the business and in the communities in which it trades, including the allocation of money from the Membership Community Fund by local area committees.

Helen Steel, The Co-operative Group’s Membership Officer in Rochdale, said: “Supporting local communities has been an inherent part of The Co-operative’s values and principles since the very beginning of the Co-operative Movement. We are particularly proud of the Community Fund, as it demonstrates how our members can make a real difference in their local area.”

Community Fund application forms are available online at www.co-operative.coop/communityfund or by phoning 0844 262 4001.

Awards are allocated by local Co-operative members’ committees, based on a set of values and principles such as social responsibility, a concern for community and, caring for others.