It's several weeks behind schedule due to the bad weather, but Paultons are optimistic their new pavilion at Whitemoor Lane will be completed by the start of the new cricket season in early May, writes Mike Vimpany. 

New Forest based contractors Blaydons Developments have successfully battled the elements and are close to completing the construction of the new pavilion and clubhouse, a replacement for the original building wrecked by fire in a suspected arson attack in January 2022.

"We're doing really well, although about three to four weeks behind schedule because of the weather. The outside is nearly complete and we are just waiting for it to dry out and complete some landscaping around the pavilion," explained Paultons chairman Mark Lamb. 

"We are doing the inside work ourselves. It's just been plastered and a second fix is starting to happen now, with showers for the two changing rooms and umpires quarters being installed, alongside all the plumbing. 

"The flooring should be happening in the next week or so, doors hung and a bar installed. Once that's done we can get the brewery in to fit out the bar, the very important part of the project!"

Over 400 people supported a £20,000 Go Fund Me fundraising initiative - which comfortably achieved its goal - while the New Forest District Council provided £40,000 towards the overall cost of the project which will be in the region of £550,000.