Welbeck new ground nearing completion
by Alan Rowley, 14th February 2007

Welbeck Colliery's new ground is rapidly taking shape and looks on course for completion by the start of the 2007 season. The ground has been built by a newly formed charity called Warsop Sporting Trust from whom Welbeck will rent the ground. The new facility is located at Sookholme Road, Nettleworth, a mile from the old ground.

Besides the two cricket pitches, there will be two full size football pitches, two mini pitches and a bowling green. The three lane indoor centre is fully equipped with cameras that relay the action to screens in the bar. Player performances can be recorded for later analysis for coaching purposes.

The indoor centre (pictured above) is also equipped with a full bar and can be converted into a function room, generating further income for the Trust. There is also a large bar area in the main pavilion (pictured below), which also has a separate small lounge.

A large scorebox (pictured below) sits between the two grounds which are separated by a bank, which will provide a grassy area to watch the cricket. The bank will also serve to separate the two grounds and to improve the atmosphere by breaking up the vast expanse of open field. A small copse to the rear of the scorebox will add to the vista when in full leaf.

The facility has good sized changing rooms for both the first and second grounds. The changing rooms can also be used as break out rooms for the conference facilities. There is also a disabled changing room and also changing rooms for the umpires and bowls teams. These changing rooms are fully equipped with showers, toilets and even hair dryers.

Also in the facility is a large kitchen area (pictured above), equipped with stainless steel appliances, which would put many restaurants to shame.

Former Nottinghamshire batsman Darren Bicknell takes the role of the Trust's commercial director and he will be helped by three other full-time staff. Alan Morris will be a full-time coach, Simon Dobson caretaker and Rob Sprigg (formerly of Mansfield Town) the groundsman. Speaking to the Nottingham Evening Post, Bicknell said: "The ground has taken shape because of a group of trustees on the board. They wanted to do something special round here that will benefit not just the club but the community as a whole. Thanks to their hard work and money from local businessmen and grants, their vision is now going to be a reality."

Bicknell continued: "It is going to be a challenge to transfer things from the old ground across here, especially as there are also going to be the bowlers and the footballers using the place. It might take a bit of time, but provided people still organise the barbecues and things like that then we will be OK. We are bringing over the old honours board and trophy cabinet, as we want to keep the traditions of the old club very much alive."

Bicknell will have his own office at the ground, while live-in caretaker Dobson has his own flat above the facility. Groundsman Sprigg is not forgotten and he has a large storage room. Pictured above is the enormous clock on the pavilion wall which, on a clear day, could possibly be seen over much of North Nottinghamshire.

Overall, the facility is very impressive and should have little trouble in hosting Nottinghamshire second team games and maybe the odd one-day game. With the trend now being to take first class cricket to out-lying grounds, it shouldn't be too long before Welbeck hosts county cricket.