Regeneration of an outdoor space in a village near Farnham has begun thanks to community support and funding.
Work can now begin on Bentley Recreation Ground, with the Bentley Archers Cricket & Sports Club announcing that phase one will be completed by May 6.
Phase one will involve regeneration of the grounds outfield, which includes scarification, seeding top dressing of the field, and marking out four youth football pitches.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, club chairman Jim Hannon said: “We would like to thank Bentley Parish Council, EHDC for their unwavering support of the project which secures not only enhanced sport facilities for the village of Bentley and the wider community, but also an improved recreational space for all.
“We would like to thank all of the organisations previously mentioned who have financially supported the Club, without this we would be at a standstill.
“We would also like to give a massive thank you to the community who support us daily and the neighbouring cricket and sports clubs who have encouraged us greatly and of course the ECB Hampshire Cricket and Hampshire FA.”
Phase two is expected to be complete by mid-July, whereby cricket can be played on the non-turf pitch in 2026 and on the new turf cricket square in 2027.
Future plans include:
- Tots Cricket(5yr-11yr) Mid-Summer Taster sessions- At the end of July there will be cricket skills and games sessions, free of charge, giving parents the chance to engage with the club and give them input while the kids have fun (dates to follow)
- September football season will see the club thrive through Youth Football in association with their Football Partner (announcement coming soon!)
- Planning consultation for a new pavilion and community hub facility (more details to follow)
- Funding campaigns for the maintenance and enhancement of the facility
Further information at https://bentleyarcherssports.com/.