Excitement over Budleigh Cricket Club’s first season with a new clubhouse is tinged with sadness that the club’s honorary president, Lord Clinton, will not witness this new chapter.

Members have paid tribute to Lord Clinton, one of the Westcountry’s most prominent and forward-thinking landowners, and the club’s honorary president for 42 years, who died last week after a short illness - he was 89.

The club’s move to The Holt was facilitated by Lord Clinton when he oversaw one of the biggest conservation projects in the UK, working with the Environment Agency to restore the estuary of the River Otter to its former floodplain. This project involved the relocation of Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club to a new site on higher ground, also owned by the estate, ending years of flooding misery for players and members.

BSCC director Bill Roper said: “Lord Clinton has been incredibly supportive - especially in recent years with the move to The Holt. Without his, and Lady Clinton’s support, we wouldn’t have what we have today. He will be greatly missed by all at the club.”

The club relocated last year, using a marquee as a clubhouse and storage containers as changing rooms whilst its new clubhouse was under construction – this season will be the first with the new facility complete.

Lloyd Murrin, 1st XI captain, said: “The whole group are really looking forward to a good season on and off the field. We are all very excited to use the top quality facilities that the new club house has to offer, especially after a season in a container. I think the players are most looking forward to celebrating wins on the the balcony with a pint in hand!” 

James England, 2nd XI captain, said: “While it was great to be playing at our new ground last year, it wasn’t ideal having containers for changing rooms, portable toilets and a marquee for a clubhouse which also doubled up as a changing room for the 2nd pitch - especially on windy wet days! The players are really looking forward to moving into the modern state of the art changing rooms, which finally allows showers post games and underfloor heating, this then leads on to being able to be a better host for visiting sides and match officials for all games irrespective of its junior or senior cricket.

“The club as a whole and the wider community have worked really hard to get to this point and we can’t wait to show off our new facilities to everyone this coming season.”

Junior training at The Holt starts on Friday April 19 at 6pm – all local youngsters aged from 10 to 15 are welcome for this ‘meet the coaches’ evening of fun, food and live music. No need to book.