(I penned this piece for a new local magazine. I wanted to write about a club that I have fond memories of and that typifies many of the issues at grass roots level)
The Real Big Society
This may be Olympic year but in these current times of austerity, arguably only top level sport seems immune from the financial realities of life, awash with eye watering television deals and generous sponsorships. Several rungs down the ladder and the picture at grass roots level is much different. Here, across most sports, local clubs have an annual struggle for survival and are run, almost heroically, by an army of hidden volunteers giving time and often dipping into personal pockets, to keep a vital part of society alive.
Cricket faces its own unique set of challenges especially attracting youngsters, hidden away as it is from terrestrial television. With only the private schools playing cricket at all these days, there is a heavy onus on clubs. Additionally, the lack of primary school sport makes cricket skills a tough challenge for most kids and unless you have up to date facilities, the investment required can be eye watering.
This summer’s abysmal weather has placed an additional financial stress on most cricket clubs, large and small. With many games washed out, tea monies – one of the most important income streams – are down significantly. For many it is a question of pure survival.
Congs – A Family Affair
Bingley Congregationals Cricket Club – Congs – are grass roots cricket personified in this sporting corner of Bingley, existing barely a couple of lusty six hits from Bradford League neighbours, Bradford & Bingley CC – The Bees. Established in 1872 the current ground was purchased by the Bailey family in 1920 ostensibly to keep horses to pull barges on the Leeds Liverpool canal; it became their permanent base a few years later.
The Bailey family connection remains strong with Nigel Bailey the current President but, perhaps not as strong as when, in 1914, they fielded a team with ten family members. Families have always been a striking feature of life at Congs and this remains the case today. I remember playing against the Coppings and Hemsleys; such was the familial bond at times you felt you were batting for your life!
Six Hits Across the River
Congs currently play in the Craven & District League (since 2004) and run two senior sides and a midweek team. Players and spectators watch matches from the old pavilion’s elevated vantage point with a gradual slope down to the wicket surrounded by an undulating outfield running parallel to the River Aire. Many a blow ends up flowing downstream or far into the adjoining fields, occasionally disturbing the dozing sheep. For years Congs had the legendary fast bowling pair of Copping and Mountain to deter visiting aggressors.
In recent years its junior teams have matured and many sprinkle the senior teams but the lack of a current junior set up is a major concern. Contrast this with neighbours Bees, the recent beneficiaries of a substantial investment in a new five lane practice area. With no obvious source of income, Congs have to work hard simply to cover ever escalating core costs such as insurances, ground maintenance and equipment
Congs though have ambitious plans to update their clubhouse rebuilt by members after a fire in 1974. The plan includes the introduction of shower facilities and indoor toilets. However, funding has got ever more difficult in these times of austerity added to an ever mounting regulatory burden placed on clubs.
Sport For All?
The requirement to have qualified coaches and administrators – with time, dedication and patience to spare – and the financial cost of practice facilities has focused the available funding towards the bigger clubs. Congs still practice on a thirty-five year old rubber mat rolled out on a concrete strip; something is not quite right. On a day to day basis, survival is a challenge for most at grass roots level and there is a balance that is in need of restoring here.
Congs general running costs have been part funded in the last ten years from rent paid for use of the adjacent field. Like most clubs they exist with aged ground machinery and the goodwill of many an individual benefactor, preferably handy with a spanner from time to time.
And whilst Congs are located in a beautiful spot, its remoteness exposes them to regular and costly outbreaks of petty vandalism. The need to consolidate their facilities onto one footprint and secure them from this mindlessness is paramount. The jury is out as to whether a full rebuild can be achieved – the projected costs could be around £200,000 – or a more pragmatic self-build extension in the spirit of 1974 is the chosen route. The first tentative steps towards this were made with a coffee morning at the local Bingley United Reform Church raising £1000 including personal donations.
Dear Mr. Abramovich
Who knows? Bingley is a relatively affluent area and there may be a benefactor somewhere out there. In the short term though the club would be appreciative of any local business that wanted to help out with some level of sponsorship; for around a thousand pounds a practice cage would enable the old mat to be consigned to the skip and afford the Congs batters some added security on practice nights. If you can help this fabulous club then contact Chairman, Chris Hemsley (07887 891969) and keep this part of Bingley thriving.
Timeline
Congs have played cricket in the following leagues and have won the following major honours with many more at First and Second Team level:
Wharfedale & Airedale League – 1900-1915
1st XL Champions 1910,11,12,13,14 &15
Bradford Central League – 1919-1940 & 1968-2003
1st XL Div 1 Champions 1931, 74, 75 & 90
Waddilove Cup Winners 1975, 88, 91 & 2000
West Bradford League – 1947-1967
1st XL Champions 1951 & 55
Keighley Cup Winners 1951, 53 & 65
Craven & District League – 2004 to date
1st XL Div 2 Champions 2004 & 09
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