The Mayor of Hertford, Councillor Vicky Smith and the Leader of East Herts Council, Councillor Ben Crystall joined a jubilant crowd of local cricket fans at Bengeo Cricket Club on Sunday 11th June 2023 to mark the opening of new facilities funded by Hertford Town Council. The Councillors joined Bengeo Cricket Club’s Community Day to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting on new cricket nets and a defibrillator, which will be located at the club.

Cllr Vicky Smith, who supported the club’s application for Hertford Town Council New Home Bonus funding for brand new cricket nets, said: “I’m excited to be able to support this thriving community club. We know that the benefits of physical activity from a young age have an impact on your whole life - they also help build lifelong friends and bind the community together too. If you live in the area and haven’t tried cricket, this is a fantastic, friendly place to get involved.” 

Cllr Ben Crystall, who allocated County Council funds for a new defibrillator that is now mounted on the side of the sports pavilion, said: “I’m delighted that this defibrillator is now in place so that whatever sports people are enjoying here, they know that should the worst happen this facility is available.”

The cricket club, which is on Boundary Drive in Bengeo, has a history going back to 1875, and is affiliated to the Hertfordshire County Cricket Association, the Club Cricket Conference and is a member of the Herts & Essex Border League as well as the Saracens Hertfordshire Cricket League.

To find out more about grant funding available from Hertford Town Council visit https://www.hertford.gov.uk/services/grants/

More about Vicky and Ben:

Vicky Smith is the Mayor of Hertford 2023-24, a Bengeo North Town Councillor, and an East Herts District Councillor.

Ben Crystall is Leader of East Herts District Council, a County Councillor, and a Bengeo North Town Councillor.

Photo: The Mayor of Hertford Cllr Vicky Smith at Bengeo Cricket Club