100 not out for cricket and sports club
Village club is celebrating 100 years since it was formed
A VILLAGE sports club has been proudly celebrating its centenary year.
Barwell Cricket and Sports Club, based on Kirkby Road, was first registered at Companies House on September 3 1919 and continues to be a focal point of village life today.
Despite its modest beginnings, the club has since become home to established sports clubs such as Barwell Indoor Bowling Club, Barwell Outdoor Bowling Club, Barwell Cricket Club and Barwell Football Club. The venue is also proud home to Barwell sports bar, ‘The Barn’.
The club first started when village businessmen and dignitaries teamed together to raise funds for a sports and leisure facility. It was hoped that the club would support villagers, particularly men returning from WWI.
To start with, 61 people bought shares in the club, which allowed the original committee to buy Barwell playing fields, in Brockey Lane (Kirkby Road).
From the onset, the club was keen to offer a variety of sports, including cricket, football, lacrosse, lawn tennis, bowls, hockey, bicycle & tricycle riding, running, jumping and physical training.
To mark the centenary, a special plaque will be designed and installed on site.
Dave Cox, company secretary, said: “It is quite an achievement for the company to have reached this 100 year milestone.
“We are extremely proud to have been offering the people of Barwell a range of sporting facilities at the Kirkby Road complex during this time.
“We are grateful for all the support we have got from people using the facilities at the complex - long may it continue!”