Cricket facilities given facelift thanks to generous support from charity

21 Sep 2021   |   By Jodie Slater

Cricket facilities at John Kyrle High School have been given a state-of-the art facelift thanks to the generosity of the Clive and Sylvia Richards Charity.

The charity have funded the new set of cricket nets that will support the growing demand from both the male and female students to play the game.

Nigel Griffiths, headteacher, said: “Our own students, as well as students who have joined us from other schools, have commented how good the new nets are.

“Having such excellent new cricket facilities has built on the growing interest in the sport. With inter-school fixtures starting again this year, this really puts our students in a great position to develop their skills for competitive sport. We can’t wait.”

The Clive and Sylvia Richards Charity have supported John Kyrle students tremendously in recent years. The all-weather pitch (named after Mr Clive Richards), the maths Centre of Excellence and the music suite are examples of the ways which the charity has enriched the experiences for the young people of Ross.

Mrs Sylvia Richards visited the school to formally open the cricket nets and watch students practising in the nets.

Mr Donoghue, Head of PE, said: “It was great to welcome Mrs Richards to the school. We are incredibly grateful for the charity’s continued support, they are making a real and tangible difference.”

The event was tinged with sadness given the recent sad death of Mr Clive Richards. A committed sports fan, his wife remarked that he would have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the nets in full use.

Mr Griffiths added: “Clive was not only a generous supported of the school, he was a larger-than-life character who loved his sport. He made the lives of many others better through his charitable giving with Sylvia. We miss him tremendously.”

Mrs Richards unveiled a name plaque which the school will display permanently to mark both thanks and respect.