28 March - Richmondshire Cricket Club

On Saturday afternoon I had the pleasure of re-opening Richmond's historic Cricket club.


This building has been at the heart of the community since the late 1970s, and the club itself has a proud history stretching all the way back to 1837. Over the years, this venue has become far more than just a cricket club. It has been a home for so many groups bingo nights, dance classes, local organisations, and community events. It has supported people when they needed it most as a warm hub, and hosted life’s most important moments from christenings and weddings to birthdays and funeral wakes.
But alongside that community role, this is also a club with an outstanding sporting tradition. Richmondshire Cricket Club has enjoyed tremendous success, including multiple North Yorkshire & South Durham league titles and the incredible achievement of becoming ECB National Club Champions in 2018. The club has also welcomed talented players from across the UK and overseas, reflecting the high standard of cricket played right here in our town.
What we see today is a major transformation. This clubhouse has been stripped back and rebuilt into a modern, warm, and welcoming space ensuring it remains fit for purpose for current users while opening the door to future generations, particularly encouraging more young people to get involved.
What makes this even more special is how it has been achieved. This wasn’t just a refurbishment...... It was a true team effort. Members, staff, friends of the club, and contractors all came together to make it happen.
I would like to make special mention of Mark Layfield, who has project managed this refurbishment alongside his day job, and brought people together organising working parties at weekends to get the job done. That kind of commitment and leadership truly embodies the spirit of this club.
So today, we’re not just reopening a bar, we’re celebrating a community hub with a rich history, a successful sporting legacy, and a bright future ahead.

Congratulations to everyone involved, and I wish the club every success for many years to come.

Cllr C Tate

Mayor of Richmond