Charlton Down Cricket Club

Charlton Down Cricket Club is the new owner of the pitch and pavilion at the village development, north of Dorchester.The club has taken delivery of the facilities from West Dorset District Council, who has been running them on behalf of the community in recent years.

 The pavilion will continue as a valuable venue for hire by play groups, youth clubs, social organisations and others. As well as the Charlton Down Cricket Club, the pitch is home for five other cricket clubs and used by other social teams.

Cricket club Chairman Richard Mann said: “The pitch has actually been here for a century or more but for the first time it is going into community hands. It’s early days but the switch will allow us to broaden the base of the club as well as promote cricket generally in Charlton Down and the surrounding area". He added “We want the facilities to very much become part of the community and benefit local people.”

 The pavilion was built as part of a planning agreement secured by the council from developers building the new community at Charlton Down.

 District council Chairman Mary Penfold said: “I am pleased that we can hand over the cricket pavilion and pitch to the club and wish them all the best for the future.”

Charlton Down Cricket Club Captain Jon Butterworth said: “We’re delighted to have such a wonderful facility. It’s an exciting time for the club and hopefully this will help us kick on and go from strength to strength.