Tuesday, February 25th, 2014

Elliott Praises A Decade Of New Facilities At New Road

Elliott Praises A Decade Of New Facilities At New Road

President John Elliott told a packed annual general meeting that Worcestershire should be "very proud of what we have achieved" in developing facilities at New Road during the past decade.

Elliott highlighted the building of the Basil D'Oliveira Stand, the Graeme Hick Pavilion and latterly the completion of The View facilities as proof of the massive strides being made by the county.

He said: ""The Basil D'Oliveira Stand was built 10 years ago and is a wonderful place to watch cricket from.

"In 2008 the Graeme Hick pavilion was built, very difficult to the old Victorian pavilion, but with the floods it was costing £50,000 to £75,000 most years to keep open.

"But I think we all agree now it is a fabulous pavilion, one of the best changing rooms in the country, and is a great asset.

"Now in 2014 we have finished the new facility over there (The View) which is a tremendous plus to the club.

"The View is something very special."

Elliott added: "As a club we have invested between seven and eight million pounds on these facilities and I believe it has improved our fabulous ground.

"We should be very proud of what we have achieved in enhancing our wonderful ground."

Elliott praised the work of head groundsman Tim Packwood and his staff in their efforts to combat the recent floods at New Road.

He said: "Once again our ground has been ravaged by the floods. It is one of the worst floods in history and in the last 18 months the club has been flooded eight times.

"Last Friday I was down the ground and I was watching the groundstaff towing scarifiers behind them in while standing in a foot of water, trying to remove the silt

"It must be very demoralising for the groundstaff to have two or three floods every winter. They must be special people to work here on the ground

"I would like to thank them for all the hard work and special work they do.

"But spring is not far away, the floods will have disappeared, the ground will be back to normal and we can all look forward to cricket."

Elliott paid tribute at the agm to former Worcestershire player, Norman Whiting, who died on Sunday aged 93.

Wollaston born Whiting made his debut for Worcestershire in 1947, being capped in 1950 and playing in a total of 59 matches for the club.

He achieved his highest score of 118 against Essex at Romford in 1950 and also skippered the second eleven.

Elliott said: "Sadly last night, our oldest living ex player, Norman Whiting, passed away, at the age of 93.

"In 1948, he was 12th man for the county when Don Bradman played his last game against Worcestershire.

"He was a wonderful supporter of the club and a lovely gentleman. He was on the committee for 40 odd years and served two years as president.

"He will be sadly missed." Elliott confirmed the funeral will take place on March 17.