Seaton Valley Lodge No. 6239 is proud to announce its sponsorship of Bates Cricket Club, a cricket club with over 100 years of rich history and tradition in the village of Holywell, near Seaton Delaval. This sponsorship marks another significant contribution by the Freemasons towards supporting local sporting clubs and fostering young talent in the region.
Bates Cricket Club, known for its strong family mentality and deep-rooted community ties, has been a cornerstone of local cricket for generations. The club boasts a variety of teams across all age groups, including junior, development, and senior sides, with matches played regularly at their home ground, Bates Welfare Ground. This well-established club not only nurtures young cricketers through their colts program but also ensures a smooth transition from youth to senior cricket, ensuring the continuous development of talent within the community.
Left to Right Daniel Norris 3rd XI, Wayne O’Brian 3rd XI, and Thomas Coates U19 & 2nd XI
The donation from Seaton Valley Lodge Freemasons will go a long way in supporting the club’s activities. Specifically, the funds will be used for:
– 🏏 Purchasing match balls
– 🛠️ Acquiring new training and playing equipment
– 🆕 Installing a new scoreboard
– 🌱 Upgrading and maintaining the playing surface
– 🏠 Enhancing the clubhouse facilities
– 🧑🏫 Training club coaches and volunteers
– 🚑 Providing first aid kits
Bates Cricket Club Chairman, Kevin Golightly, expressed his gratitude, noting that the funds will significantly enhance the club’s ability to provide a top-notch environment for both players and fans. “This support from Seaton Valley Lodge will help us improve our facilities and ensure that we can continue to foster the next generation of cricketers,” Golightly said.
With its senior teams competing in the Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League, and a dedicated development side focused on bridging the gap between junior and senior cricket, Bates Cricket Club is well-positioned to continue its tradition of sporting excellence. The club’s commitment to nurturing young talent is evident in their structured colts program, with teams in the Under 11, Under 13, and Under 15 age groups, all playing regularly throughout the season.
Seaton Valley Lodge’s sponsorship is a testament to Freemasons’ ongoing dedication to supporting local communities, particularly in the areas of youth development and sports. By backing clubs like Bates Cricket Club, Northumberland Freemasons are helping to ensure that local sports thrive, providing young people with opportunities to develop their skills, stay active, and be part of a supportive community.
This sponsorship is not just an investment in cricket; but an investment in the future of the community, ensuring that the legacy of Bates Cricket Club continues for many more generations to come.