I am writing to you as the new chairman of Menai Bridge Cricket Club to explore how we could work together going forward and would really appreciate your support. What we are planning could benefit us as a club, but your company also in supporting an important part of the local community and I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself, the club and explain our exciting plans. Situated just off the shores of the Menai Strait in Anglesey, we have one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in North Wales.
Formed in 1961, the club has gone from strength to strength, joining the premier league in 2005 and winning it in 2014, 2018 and 2019. We now run many sides, including three weekend teams, a midweek team, a T20 team and junior teams from the ages of 8 up to 15. We have a very active junior section which is growing rapidly with both boys and girls enjoying the experience! We are also planning to launch a ladies’ cricket team, so if you are interested, please let us know! Several adult and junior members, both male and female, have played Welsh representative cricket. We have an active events calendar and many of the local community enjoy sunny days catching up with friends whilst watching the cricket at the club.
We have some very well-known life members. The most well-known is Matthew Maynard MBE. We are proud that Matthew began his cricketing career at Menai Bridge. Matthew went onto to play for Welsh County Glamorgan and scored a century on his debut in 1985. He furthered his career by playing for England at both test and one day level. He is now the current coach of Glamorgan, following spells as the assistant coach of England and Somerset. From a personal perspective, I have grown up with the club, playing junior, youth and then adult cricket, like many other members. I have played in the 1st XI for 28 years and captained it for 12 years. I have replaced my father, Steve Jones, as the chairman after he gave 20 years of service. As a family and club we are passionate about cricket, increasing participation and playing a positive role for the local community.
Whilst we have grown and experienced success, cricket on Anglesey has been in decline. Several cricket clubs have closed over the past few years, which has resulted in our club now being the only cricket club on the entire island. We recognise that we have an important role to play in promoting cricket and participation of all ages, genders and abilities on the island, which is going to be a significant challenge! We have already attracted existing players from recently closed clubs and are working closely with Sport Wales to develop close links with the schools on the island, promoting cricket for both boys and girls.
As a venue, the cricket ground is superb. It features in the book ‘Remarkable Village Cricket Grounds’, with a lovely pitch supported by magnificent views over the Menai Straits and Snowdon. In addition, we are receiving increasing demand from local clubs and organisations to use the venue for meetings and events, and from the local community to use the ground as a venue for parties, club meetings and activities, weddings and christenings. Menai Bridge does not have many venues that can provide the required facilities with the benefits of the wonderful grounds and views provided by the cricket ground.
The existing pavilion which was built in 2005 does not currently have the space, bar or kitchen facilities required for the future. To meet both cricket and local community requirements, we have drawn up plans to extend the pavilion which are costly, something we cannot afford without significant fundraising and support from the local community.
I would really like to be able to discuss our plans with you and see how we could work together to support each other going forward. We have already given this some thought from our perspective and have attached a summary of the options available to support the club, either to help with the pavilion extension or on an ongoing basis. I would really like to hear your thoughts and how we could reciprocate our support for you.
Many people do not know that Menai Bridge has such a successful Cricket Club and where it is. The ground is next to David Hughes School and can be accessed via the road to the left of the entrance to the school. You are welcome at any time to come and visit the ground and, as a sponsor of the 2022 season, you will be invited to a sponsors’ day during the summer which will give you a chance to enjoy our hospitality, the lovely ground and the wonderful views!