by Alan Quick

Rugby Chief Jack proud to officially open Sandford Community Sports Pavilion

EXETER Chiefs rugby captain Jack Yeandle officially opened Sandford Community Sports Pavilion, watched by many people from the local community and those involved in making it happen, last Saturday, July 8.

Hooker, Devon-born Jack (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.

Jack also said that prior to that, as a child, he played football for Crediton United Under 13’s, including a game at Sandford Recreation Ground.

The new facility at Sandford will provide a home, not only for Sandford AFC but also for the community to use, including Sandford School and Sandford Tennis Club. The new building has 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. Mr Webb was presented with a gift for his hard work by the chairman of Sandford Parish Council, Mrs Elizabeth Dalton.

Funding from Sport England, amounting to £75,000 helped the Parish Council fund the project.

Funding was also provided by Sandford AFC, Devon County Council from the Locality Budget from local county councillor, Mrs Margaret Squires, Mid Devon District Council, local fundraising and Sandford Parish Council, itself.

Three celebration cakes were cut to mark the opening.

Jack cut a ribbon to mark the occasion watched by more than 150 people.

Mrs Dalton said it was “real team work” which had enabled the project and Age Cartlidge, chairman of Sandford AFC, thanked all those involved.

Rev Paul Fillery, Sandford priest, blessed the new pavilion and a toast was proposed in Sandford cider by Barny Butterfield of Sandford Orchards.