Press Release 28th September 2020
The Covid-19 crisis swept through Garon Park with particular effect, starting as it did in late March when the football season was in full swing and the cricket season just around the corner!
The result of the ensuing lockdown meant we had no matches for much of the season, but we were able to get on with installing the Wellbeing Trail which EASST donated towards and EASST also provided much appreciated matching financial support for the super refurbishment of the Scoreboard, replacing the covers with a proper set and putting the site screens on rails.
When we were able to start cricketing mid July, instead of our usual April – September with 62+ days of use, we managed just 22 days of cricket. We did, however, have a varied schedule including: from Essex U13s to Essex EPP; OSSCC 1s and 2s, Youth matches, a club day and a visiting tour match; several district cricket matches; and the nets were used by OSSCC and various others for over 100 hours with the strict Covid-19 rules properly observed.
We bought 2 second hand motorised scarifiers, which we juggled into one working machine and lots of spares, which proved very useful in pitch preparation for the later season. Winter works are now complete and the square is readied for next year.
Wellbeing at Garon Park was able to give a few local groups use of the Wellbeing Walk including: special needs guy (RE House / Project 49); autistic children (Little Heros); the Beavers; and the up and coming Family Action timetable (see attachment) – all of which have seen unprecedented demand for places from the local community and a real testament that the area is such an important multi-use site.
As always we are extremely grateful for EASST’s continued support.
Clive Shiret
Director
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