Sicklinghall Cricket Club Celebrates Centenary and Officially Opens New Pavilion.
More than 250 people gathered on Sunday to celebrate 100 years of cricket in Sicklinghall and mark the official opening of the village club’s brand-new pavilion.
The centenary event brought together former players, current members, families, volunteers and supporters from across the community to celebrate a remarkable milestone in the club’s history and look ahead to an exciting future.
Founded in 1925, Sicklinghall Community Cricket Club has been at the heart of village life for a century. However, the journey to this landmark celebration has not been an easy one.
In 2016, an arson attack destroyed the club’s pavilion, leaving the future of cricket in the village hanging in the balance. What followed was a decade of determination, fundraising and community spirit, as volunteers and supporters worked tirelessly to rebuild not only a facility, but a thriving community club. The Cow Corner Cafe is operated by Richard and Celia Medcalf, who were instrumental in the design and delivery of this project.
On Sunday, that journey reached a significant milestone as the club officially opened its new pavilion. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed by former club skipper Lindsay Pearson and long serving club stalwart John Wood, two figures who were instrumental in the club’s success during the 1980s and whose dedication helped shape generations of Sicklinghall cricketers. The day was led by Club Chairman Zahid Ali and the club’s volunteer committee, who have spent many months planning the centenary celebrations.
Speaking at the event, Mr Ali said:
“This day is about much more than cricket. It is about community, resilience and the incredible people who refused to let this club disappear after the fire. What we have achieved together is something the whole village can be proud of. We honour everyone who has contributed to the club over the last 100 years while looking forward to an exciting future for the next generation.”
Visitors were able to step back through a century of local sporting history thanks to a special exhibition of scorebooks, photographs, memorabilia and club records spanning the decades. Former players, supporters and even past tea ladies returned to share memories and reconnect with old friends. Among the guests were three generations of the Wood family: John, Martin and Callum Wood, highlighting the deep family connections that have helped sustain the club throughout its history.
The village turned out in force to support the celebrations, creating a fantastic atmosphere throughout the day. Young club member Zara earned first prize in the centenary baking competition with an impressive commemorative cake, while family entertainment was provided with support from Backyard Cricket and Sporting Influence. The club also paid tribute to local businesses that have supported its revival. Platinum Partner Furnell Residential was among the first organisations to answer the club’s call for support, while village based Christopher Phillips Handmade Interiors has equally played a key role in helping the club move forward.
Yorkshire Cricket Foundation’s Tom Bates has supported the club throughout the project:
“It is fantastic to see the community spirit of Sicklinghall Cricket club come to fruition through a fantastic centenary event in their new facility. During my time as Club and Community Development Manager we have worked closely with the club to support the junior section and been on hand throughout the process of re-building. We at the YCF, hope that the new community hub brings new opportunities to increase participation in the community across all groups.
A special thank you from myself to Zahid Ali who is Sicklinghall through and through!”
The new pavilion provides dramatically improved changing facilities, modern social and event spaces, and an energy-efficient design that will serve the community for generations to come. Opened in late 2025, the café has quickly established itself as a popular destination for villagers, walkers, cyclists and visitors alike, offering homemade food, fresh cakes, quality coffee and a warm welcome alongside stunning views across the North Yorkshire countryside.
The club’s revival is already being reflected on the field. Sicklinghall now fields a Men’s First XI in Division Three of the Nidderdale League, an Under-9 junior side, and participates in ECB junior programmes for boys and girls aged 5-11. Ambitious plans are also in place to grow the club’s junior, women’s and girls’ sections in the coming years.
While the club was unable to celebrate its centenary year in 2025 due to ongoing construction work, Sunday’s event provided the perfect opportunity to mark both 100 years of cricket and the beginning of a new chapter. The centenary celebrations have also helped raised vital funds towards the club’s continued development.
As the final photographs were taken and old friends shared stories from across the decades, one thing was clear: the future of cricket in Sicklinghall is brighter than it has been for many years.
