On Friday morning our community in Tiverton woke to the shocking news that Heathcoat’s Cricket Club Pavilion at Knightshayes had caught fire and been severely damaged. This wonderful local sporting facility now faces the challenge of rebuilding and restoring the ability to provide a much-needed local sporting facility. President, Ali Deighton-Gibson and I have already spoken about how, as the local MP, I can help this happen.
As I travel across Tiverton and Minehead Constituency every day, from town to town and village to village the importance of local sports clubs and local charities, involved in and supporting sporting and leisure opportunities is everywhere. Community wellness is alive and well here. We rely on a myriad of volunteers, enthusiasts, and part time professionals to make sure this continues.
I thank them for their time and dedication. We have all been delighted by and cheered on Team GB’s success in the Paris Olympics. This success would not be possible without the work and dedication of local sports groups and charities across the UK, including those in Tiverton and Minehead.
Local sports hubs are where the dreams of international sporting glory begin. However, sport is not all about competition. Physical and psychological wellness is something we all need.
We are lucky enough to live in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK. We have the coast, Exmoor, The Quantocks, the Brendon and Blackdown Hills on our doorsteps. Many of us enjoy a bike ride, a brisk hike, or a restorative amble in these wonderful landscapes during our weekends and leisure times.
So, as the members and supporters of Heathcoat Cricket Club set about restoring their Cricket Pavilion to its former glory, my mind turns to all those who contribute to and ensure that our community wellness continues. Thank you – where and how would we be without you?.
