As a constituency with a considerable number of villages, Brentwood and Ongar has its fair share of cricket greens and teams.
As we head towards the lighter and warmer summer months, the chance to see white clad players sending a ball for six, or teams of all ages setting up a game in the park in the glow of the evening light, is going to become more frequent.
For some it’s all about sunbathing and cricket teas, while for others it’s the opportunity to take part in one of England’s finest sports.
This year the Government is delivering a £35 million package to widen participation in schools, encourage health lifestyles and provide world class, all-year-round facilities for local communities.
£14 million will go to three charities. Chance to Shine is dedicated to delivering accessible cricket into schools and local communities, Lord’s Taverners have a focus on access to cricket provision for children with special education needs and disabilities, and ACE engage young people of African and/or Caribbean heritage.
The total investment is expected to deliver around 2,500 pieces of new equipment to every school involved in the programme, and help to get 930,000 pupils playing cricket over the next five years.
There’s also funding being made available to invest in grassroots facilities across the UK, including in swimming pools, park tennis courts and football pitches for women and girls to set up teams and clubs.
I’m looking forward to visiting some of our local cricket clubs over the summer. I know how much they offer the community both in helping keep children and adults fit and healthy, and offering a social activity for all to experience.