WORK began last week (September 20) on re-thatching the 130 years old cricket pavilion in Shobrooke Park, the home of Shobrooke Cricket Club which was formed in 1891.

The work is being done by Terry Stapleton of Crediton, with Master Thatcher Dave Trant and thatcher Graham Keeling. They are replacing wheat reed with a wheat reed from Winkleigh.

Viridor has given a grant towards the majority of the work which will cost about £20,000. The club has been fundraising for the past five years. Repairs were needed inside the pavilion because of water damage.

The pavilion was last thatched 25 or 30 years ago. There are only three thatched cricket pavilions in the Devon Cricket League, so Shobrooke is really special.