Here we go then the final blog following the construction of the new pavilion. Friday 7th April 2017 will be etched in the club’s history as the keys are handed over to the club as we open for business a full two weeks ahead of schedule.

Mark from Fromebridge Construction hands over the key of the door to Chairman John Evans.  Well there appears to be more than one key actually. A key for the door, one for the alarm system, cellar door, window locks, store rooms and other systems control rooms. In fact Evo has given up cycling as he claims it will keep him fit just carrying all those keys around.

The low key ceremony; did you see what I did there, not like me to come up with a play on words. Anyway the hand over followed a couple of hours of going through the workings and mechanics of the systems in place to keep the building safe and secure. The brief exchange was followed by more work as some of the furniture arrived.  Maggie, Jane and Pistol carried on sanding down and re-varnishing the old benches. The final paint touching up was going on around us and the ‘invisible’ skittle alley was still being finished off.

Some of the attendees for today’s lectures in how to lock up and set the fire alarm.

 

I make no apologies for the length of this blog, which is mainly taken up with more pictures. So that means less waffle from the yours truly you will be pleased to read.

Here we see the astro turf effect matting in position on the stairs up to the balcony/changing rooms. Talking of the changing rooms below are pictures of the finished rooms fully carpeted and clean. Let’s hope the boys can keep them this clean and tidy. 

The entrance has a FCC welcome for all, a nice touch also are the stairs, decked out in the club colours. The top of the stairs lead to the passage along which can be found the Home and Away changing rooms (as shown above), a separate room with shower for the umpires and one also for ladies.

To the left as you enter past the stairs and lift are the disabled, ladies and gentlemen washrooms or more commonly known as loos, bogs, and other more Anglo Saxon names I could not possibly type here.

To the right one walks towards the bar area. A place where one can find local vagabonds, story tellers and jesters alike. More importantly some of the nicest friendliest people you would wish to meet. All with a common love for cricket and sport in general. 

    

The bar itself is ready and waiting for your business. Incidentally the bar is open from 12.30pm on Saturday 8th April. There are a couple of rugby matches on TV but it is also an opportunity for you all to view and marvel at what has been achieved following numerous years of fundraising and a lot of hard work.

Note also that on Sunday the 1st XI are playing a friendly against a Wiltshire XI at Pounds Close, so another chance to come and take a look.

The ground itself is looking wonderful, as usual, we just need the trees to grow this years foliage and it will be complete.

This is the view from the balcony, not a pretty sight I admit but he works well and is cheap!

We are still waiting for the bar stools to arrive but in the meantime Pistol has provided a couple of unique additions.

These pictures show some hardy souls who unselfishly gave up their time to try out the surroundings, test the seats and to check the bar is working properly before you all venture forth and sample the goods on offer. It was a dirty job but someone had to do it.

 

A lovely addition to the building came from Keith and Jane Wand who kindly provided some tubs and greenery adding a softening touch to the building by adding a little colour. Wandy, (or was really Monty Don?), was seen on his hands and knees with a trowel planting the shrubs like a true expert. Rumour has it that Keith lost his glasses whilst performing this arduous task so that makes two pairs he has lost now.

 

Well there you have it good people, that’s the last you will hear from me…alright, alright there’s no need to be like that!

There is still a little work to do but only minor things, there is more furniture to arrive but instead of me showing you pictures why don’t you come down and see for yourself. Pictures do not do it justice so you need to view in person. Without question you will be made most welcome as most of you know anyway. 

All these blogs can be found on the supporters club website: http://www.frocestercc.com (aka The Red Picket Fence). Here you can also go to the pavilion update page where a complete record throughout the build can be found. Any picture on there can be shown in a much larger format if you wish.

So as the sun sets over Poulter’s house I bid you all farewell.

The end.