From tragedy to triumph as Wetherby village cricket club celebrates 100 years with opening of new pavilion

More than 250 people gathered at Sicklinghall Community Cricket Club on Sunday, June 14 to mark 100 years of cricket in the village and celebrate the official opening of its brand new pavilion.

The centenary event welcomed former players, current members, families, volunteers and supporters, all coming together to honour a club which has remained at the heart of village life since it was founded in 1925.

However, the journey to this special occasion has been far from straightforward.

In 2016, an arson attack destroyed the club’s pavilion and left the future of cricket in Sicklinghall hanging in the balance.

What followed was years of hard work, fundraising and unwavering community spirit, as volunteers and supporters worked tirelessly to rebuild not only the club’s facilities but also its place at the centre of village life.

That determination reached a major milestone on Sunday as the ribbon was officially cut by former club captain Lindsay Pearson and long-serving club stalwart John Wood, two men who played a significant role in the club’s success during the 1980s and helped inspire generations of local cricketers.

The day’s celebrations were led by club chairman Zahid Ali and the volunteer committee, who spent many months planning the centenary event.

Speaking at the celebration, Mr Ali said: “This day is about much more than cricket.

"It is about community, resilience and the incredible people who refused to let this club disappear after the fire.

“What we have achieved together is something the whole village can be proud of.

"We honour everyone who has contributed to the club over the last 100 years while looking forward to an exciting future for the next generation.”

Visitors were able to take a journey through the club’s rich history thanks to a special exhibition featuring historic scorebooks, photographs, memorabilia and records from across the decades.

Former players, supporters and even past tea ladies returned to share memories, swap stories and reconnect with old friends.

Among those attending were three generations of the Wood family – John, Martin and Callum – highlighting the strong family ties and traditions that have helped sustain the club for a century.

The village also embraced the celebrations with a centenary baking competition, won by young club member Zara for her impressive commemorative cake, while families enjoyed activities provided by Backyard Cricket and Sporting Influence.

The club also recognised the important contribution of local businesses that have supported its revival, including Platinum Partner Furnell Residential and village-based Christopher Phillips Handmade Interiors.

The new pavilion, which includes modern changing facilities, welcoming social and event spaces and an energy-efficient design, represents a significant investment in the future of the club and wider community.

The Cow Corner Cafe, run by Richard and Celia Medcalf, has already become a popular destination since opening, welcoming villagers, walkers, cyclists and visitors with homemade food, fresh cakes, quality coffee and panoramic views across the countryside.

The club’s revival is already being reflected on the pitch, with Sicklinghall now fielding a men’s First XI in Division Three of the Nidderdale League, an Under-9 junior side, and taking part in ECB junior programmes for boys and girls aged five to 11.

Plans are also underway to expand its junior, women’s and girls’ sections in the years ahead.

Although the club was unable to celebrate its official centenary year in 2025 due to ongoing construction work, Sunday’s gathering proved the perfect moment to celebrate both a century of sporting history and the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

The centenary celebrations have also helped raised vital funds towards the club's continued development.

As old friends shared memories and the final photographs of the day were taken, the celebrations served as a powerful reminder that Sicklinghall Cricket Club’s greatest achievement has not simply been surviving the challenges of the past decade – but emerging stronger than ever.

For more information about Sicklinghall Community Cricket Club, visit https://www.sicklinghallcc.co.uk/