Banks Group helps rugby club tackle costs

A Northumberland sports club is closing in on its fundraising goal to upgrade essential grounds maintenance equipment, thanks to a boost from a regional employer.

Blyth Rugby & Cricket Club, founded more than a century ago, is raising £25,000 to purchase a new compact tractor with aeration and mowing attachments, replacing a 20-year-old mower. 

The upgrade will allow volunteers to better maintain the club’s five-hectare grounds for training and matches.

Welcoming over 22,000 visitors annually to Plessey Road, the club recently underwent an RFU inspection, which identified key areas for improvement - something the new equipment will help address.

A £2,000 grant from Durham-based family business Banks Group has helped push total funds past £21,000, with the club aiming to reach its target by spring. 

The foundations for a new storage garage have already been laid, and club leaders hope the improved pitches will attract more local players.

Jonathan Barlow, secretary at Blyth Rugby & Cricket Club, said: “Our volunteers put a huge amount of work into our pitches, but the enduring drainage issues we have and the worn-out equipment we’re currently using means they’re not always in the condition that we’d like them to be, especially during the winter.

“The additional tools and capabilities that the tractor has will make a fundamental, long-term difference to their condition, will reduce the time it takes to get them ready and will ensure we’re providing the best possible surfaces for training sessions and matches.

“In turn, we hope this will attract more players, spectators and visitors to the club, which will both strengthen our teams and boost our overall financial situation.

“We’ve put a huge amount of work into raising the money we need to make this significant purchase, and the response from individuals and groups within our community has been fantastic.

“The Banks Group’s generous contribution has pushed us even closer to our target and we’re confident that we’ll have everything in place by the spring.”

Jamilah Hassan, community relations manager at the Banks Group, which last year distributed funding to more than 80 organisations in grants totalling nearly £375,000, added: “Blyth Rugby & Cricket Club makes an impact right across South East Northumberland, both on the field and in the opportunities it provides to its younger players to learn about teamwork, fitness, self-confidence, respect and community spirit.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →