PRESTATYN cricket club is hoping to mark its 115th anniversay this year with a new pavilion.
The club's annual meeting was told that a decision is expected from the Welsh Assembly by the end of this month on their application for a major grant for £242,000 to enable the ambitious pavilion plans to get underway.
Building a modern upgraded pavilion to provide dressing rooms, showers, bar and attractive social and spectator amenities has been a long-held dream of club officials who believe such a prestigious facility at Beach Close would secure and accelerate the club's development as a sporting magnet for the benefit of both the town and the wider coastal region.
Meanwhile, chairman Tony Young (pictured above) has confirmed that negotiations are currently underway to sign a professional player for the forthcoming season, although he will not be required until May 8 as the first three weeks are to be used for a new Knockout Trophy competition with pros excluded, starting with a home match against Rainhill on April 17.
Vice-chair and club development officer Bernadette Horton reported that decisions on applications for significant grant aid for Prestatyn's flourishing junior section would be known in February and meanwhile junior nets had already started at Y Morfa, Kinmel Bay for the 5-13 age group with the senior nets commencing on January 24.
Head coach and cricket chairman Mike Williams said that identifying talented young players from the Rhyl area would be a priority this year.
All existing club officials were re-elected together with the entire management committee.