THE revamped pavilion at the Portland Red Triangle has now been officially opened, as a facility which the committee reckon can match any in the county.

Rejuvenated with paint both outside and inside, major improvements have been made on the 13-year-old building to include repaired furniture, new notice boards, a new-look kitchen and showers.

The lady members, whom the men describe as the backbone of the club, have added their own special touch to give the pavilion the welcoming atmosphere which had dimmed with time.

Tea ladies June Stewkesbury and Mary Males have worked ceaselessly throughout in assisting the players with various aspects of the facelift and Mary Cole added the final touch with new curtains, tablecloths and tubs of flowers at the entrance.

There was a highlight to the reopening as Jeff Daniels, landlord of the George Inn in Reforne was present to hand over a cheque for £832 which had been raised at his recent beer festival from which he also donated £100 to St George's Centre

Jeff, who has sponsored the players' new, distinctive shirts, said: "We at the George are delighted to have the opportunity to support the Red Triangle CC and, through the club, to be involved in supporting the youth of the island."

Club secretary Grant Neven said: "Our members worked constantly during the winter to improve the pavilion but our participation in Ground Force in April kick started our determination to give a new look all round and to provide a first class facility to raise the profile of the club.

“The focus of these improvements,” said chairman Conrad Cole, "is especially in developing interest in cricket among boys and girls and we are holding coaching sessions throughout summer for youngsters from the age of 10 years each Monday from 6pm to 8pm.

"We also hope to encourage teenagers who may have played before but would now like to resume on a regular basis and at present we have six playing in the evening league who are showing potential."

He concluded: "We want the Red Triangle to be a place where spectators and families are welcome and players come here because they really want to play"

Future plans include a charity fete on the field on Saturday, September 10 and the repairing of boundary fences and gates in winter when Portland Stone steps, making for easy access to the pavilion, are to be built by Roger 'Dappy' Ower, a friend of Portland Red Triangle.

Hilda Swinney, Dorset Echo 26th July 2005.

Click above for full-size images.