Cricket still keen on fund chase

FUTURE: An artist's impression of what the refurbished grandstand will look like.

Funding application delays might have put back the starting date for the refurbishment work on the iconic grandstand overlooking the oval at Queen Elizabeth Park in Masterton but it hasn't dented the enthusiasm of a group established by the Wairarapa Cricket Association to raise $60,000 towards the project.

Chairman of the WCA's Grandstand Facelift Committee Craig McBride said it was "business as usual" despite the upgrading being deferred from April to October at the earliest.

"Only the starting date has changed, we are still every bit as keen to achieve our target as we ever were," McBride said.

"It's still all go as far as we are concerned."

McBride said his committee was "very happy" with the $8000 raised from the initial launch in February when they had former Black Caps captain and coach John Wright as the guest speaker at a function at which some outstanding cricket memorabilia was auctioned as well.

"The prime objectives there were to raise a significant amount of money and to also raise awareness in what this project is all about," McBride said.

"I think we were pretty successful on both fronts."

The Grandstand Facelift Committee has also been delighted with the success of a cattle scheme which has 18 farmers from throughout Wairarapa offering grazing support for stock whose sale is expected to boost their fundraising efforts by about $10,000. And two other fundraisers are already on the planning books, a casino evening and a golf tournament, the dates of which are still to be confirmed.

"At this stage we have $8000 raised and with the schemes leading up to October it is envisaged that we have the opportunity to extend the fund to beyond $30,000 ... halfway already," McBride said.

The cost of the grandstand refurbishment is expected to be about $360,000, a figure that would be substantially higher but for the savings achieved by project manager Andy Holmes and his support crew.

Driven by the Masterton District Council, it will include the extension and upgrading of the changing facilities to meet the requirements for first-class fixtures. Access will be provided to the changing rooms from the eastern side of the ground (oval side) in order to increase the security of belongings.

The size of the long room at the back of the seating area will be almost doubled so functions can accommodate upwards of 100 people. Kitchen, bar and ablution amenities will also be enhanced.

The extensions and upgrading work will retain the facade of the grandstand so the overall appearance remains in keeping with the period in which it was constructed.