by Alan Quick

SANDFORD Parish Council last year struck gold with the award of a £75,000 grant from Sport England.

Additional funding came from Sandford Parish Council, Sandford AFC and the community.

The new pavilion, at Sandford Playing Field, will be opened on Saturday, July 8, at 2.30pm, by Jack Yeandle, Exeter Chiefs rugby union player and captain, as part of Sandford Festival, which is being run by Sandford Scouts to raise funds for a community minibus.

Hooker, Devon-born Yeandle (27) started his rugby playing career with Crediton RFC before playing for Doncaster Knights from 2011-12 and has since made 83 appearances with Exeter Chiefs.

The new facility will provide a home, not only for Sandford AFC but also for the community to use, including Sandford School and Sandford Tennis Club.

There will be changing facilities, showers, toilets, a kitchen etc.

The building works were undertaken by Crediton builder, Ross Stephens and the principal designer was Ian Darling of Ian Darling Design.

Contract manager for the build was Sandford councillor Andrew Webb.

Funding was also provided by Devon County Council from its Locality Budget from local county councillor, Mrs Margaret Squires.

A celebration cake will be cut to mark the opening and a toast will be made with Sandford Cider, kindly supplied by Sandford Orchards.

The pavilion also has a Community Room that can be used by parishioners and the next meeting of Sandford Parish Council, on July 6, will take place in the Pavilion.

In advance of the grand opening, a Litter Pick will take place around the Playing Field and other parts of the village, starting at 6.30pm on Monday, July 3.