Woodbank Cricket Club praises public and volunteers for bonfire night success
A cricket club has thanked the community for getting all fired up for the biggest fundraiser in its calendar. Organisers at Woodbank Cricket Club have praised all those who came out to support their bonfire and fireworks display.
Crowds of people helped the event go off with a bang, turning out to the club despite the rain to enjoy the festivities. Revellers gathered round the glowing bonfire and enjoyed attractions including fairground rides, a bouncy castle, two tombolas and a Bury Hospice stall, with musical entertainment provided by a DJ. The event, run solely by a team of volunteers from the club, offered up tasty treats including burgers and sausages from the barbecue, hot roast turkey barms as well as traditional bonfire night toffee apples and treacle toffee.
A highlight of the night was a stunning display by championship-winning firework display company Atom Fireworks, based in Salford, which illuminated the sky in multicolour. Cricket club chairman Martyn Ward thanked all those who attended the event, a high point in the social calendar. The night was so popular that tickets available on the gate sold out soon after opening.He said: “Our bonfire night is always a popular event among both members and the community, but it’s also a vital fundraiser to enable us to keep providing cricket to so many children and adults.
“That’s why it was fantastic to see so many people turning out to support us and enjoy the night. The fireworks, as always, were spectacular, the food was delicious and we had great support from the business community this year to ensure our stalls were packed with prizes.“It’s always really rewarding for everyone involved to see so many happy faces and hear some of the feedback – we had one family on holiday from Kent attending this year, who took the time to tell one of our volunteers that they’d enjoyed themselves.
“That makes it all worth the hard work and we hope any new visitors will continue to support our club, by attending our matches during the summer, joining our teams or coming to our events. ”Money raised from the event goes towards training and equipment for the club’s players, who range in age from five to 60+. Woodbank also hosts other social events, including Christmas get-togethers and live entertainment nights. Martyn praised those who pitched in to make sure the event went without a hitch.
He added: “The club keeps running thanks to the work of our dedicated volunteers, who give up their time to plan events such as the bonfire. We had people working hard all weekend, and in the months leading up to the event, to make sure the evening could go ahead. “With that in mind, we really appreciate the patience and support of everyone who walked through the gates. We’d love to welcome even more people to our club, so please get in touch if you’d like to get involved."