A local housebuilder’s donation of £500 has helped expanding Chipping Sodbury Cricket Club to buy cricketing and grass-cutting equipment as the new season gets underway.

The support by Yate-based Cotswold Homes, which is building a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom houses and detached bungalows on its Florence Gardens development close to the club in a leafy enclave off Trinity Lane, comes as the club’s growth plans get underway.

Established in 1860 and with links to the late W.G. Grace, Chipping Sodbury Cricket Club had about 160 members aged from five to 60 until recently when it merged with the local women’s and girls’ cricket club.

‘This has entailed a lot of additional expenditure on new facilities so we were thrilled when Cotswold Homes stepped in to assist us,’ said James Rendell, captain of the club’s Senior First Team.

Just a few minutes’ walk from the clubhouse and Cotswold Homes’ nearby marketing suite at The Ridings off Wickwar Road work is nearing completion on what has been described as a ‘stunning’ showhome complex at Florence Gardens. It is due to open for viewing in the summer.

Planned in response to overwhelming demand for new homes in Chipping Sodbury, Florence Gardens will expand further the historic market town’s variety of picturesque houses from every period. Notable are the shops and offices a couple of minutes’ walk from the new development.

Says Terri: ‘Our semi-rural development is attracting attract a mix of young families and retired couples, some of whom like the proximity of the cricket, tennis, golf and football, facilities as well as rural walks on Sodbury Common.’

She added: ‘But buyers need to act quickly as the first phase is almost sold out already.’

Prices of the new houses start at £399,000.

Florence Gardens is now a completed development. For homes available to purchase, please visit our Current Developments page.