Island Cricket Clubs And Charities Share Funding Boost From Isle Of Wight Foundation

Three Isle of Wight cricket clubs have received a funding boost in the latest round of grants from Island Roads’ Isle of Wight Foundation.

Arreton Cricket Club has been awarded £16,000 for a new artificial wicket at its Haseley Lane ground, supporting its role as a designated Disability Cricket Hub.

A joint bid from Porchfield and Island Bakeries Cricket Clubs secured £7,525 to improve shower and toilet facilities at Coleman’s Lane, aimed at enhancing accessibility and the experience for junior players.

Josh White, first team captain at Arreton CC, said the club is committed to disability cricket, women’s and girls’ cricket, and inclusive participation, adding the new surface will significantly improve facilities.

Porchfield CC chairman Pete Skinner said the upgraded facilities will benefit Island players and visiting teams alike.

The latest grants, totalling close to £90,000, also supported Island charities. Isle of Wight Search and Rescue (WightSAR) received £12,000 towards a new drone and medical kit to support its search operations for missing people.

WightSAR chair Dean Terrett said the funding will improve medical response capabilities and allow faster, more effective searches.

Age UK Isle of Wight was awarded £3,600 to help expand its volunteer programme, supporting more older Islanders across the Island.

Age UK IW chief officer Maria Bunce said the grant will help the charity reach more people in need of support and companionship.

The funding follows a separate £50,000 investment announced last week to support Isle of Wight organisations working with people with disabilities.

Chairman of the Isle of Wight Foundation, Eddie Fellows, said the grants reflect the importance of sport, emergency response and community support in maintaining the wellbeing of Island residents.