The ECB completed their filming in July 2011 at AOM for their newest DVD with Andrew Roscow, John Watling and Dave Gaster giving interviews.
Word had reached the ECB about our efforts in the last 4 years in the field of energy saving and were particularly interested in our Solar initiatives which means the showers are heated entirely using solar energy.
More recently, Ashton on Mersey Cricket & Tennis Club received the prestigious “Environmental Project of the Year” award at the at the Institute of Groundsmanship 2011 Annual Awards Ceremony held in December at the Reebok Stadium
Almost 300 of the UK’s and Europe’s leading grounds-care experts from both the professional and volunteer sector were in attendance, as well as dignitaries from the governing bodies of UK sport. Hosted by talkSPORT Radio’s Mark Saggers, the Awards recognised leadership, innovation and outstanding achievement across every aspect of grounds-care – from grassroots pitches to professional stadia, including all types of public and private sports venues.
Ashton on Mersey were nominated for the award by IOG north of England advisor Ian Brewster-Mather after he was made aware of the clubs tremendous strides in the field of environmental improvements by Dan Musson from the ECB. The club found out last month its nomination had made the final where it was up against Sheffield University for what is one of 18 awards presented on the night. In 2006 Ashton embarked on an ambitious 5 year project managed by John Watling who retired as Club Chairman this year after 13 years in the role, and Fundraising Manager Andrew Roscow.
The project set out 5 year targets to reduce energy consumption by 45% and the carbon footprint by 50%. This would be achieved by a range of measures including upgrading existing appliances to modern highly efficient ones, installing renewable energy forms, educating club members about the energy they use and implementing new waste saving measures and recycling initiatives.
This year the project came to fruition, the club successfully achieving the targets set 5 year prior. Over that 5 year project, the club introduced no less than 25 energy saving initiatives including double glazed windows, low energy lighting, replacing beer chilling and bar heating systems, and loft insulation. However by far the most impressive initiatives included the installation of Solar thermal panels to heat water, installation of Solar Light pipes in the roof to negate the need for electrical lighting during daylight hours, and the installation of 51 Solar Photo Voltaic panels. The Solar PV panels allow the club to generate its own electricity not only for internal use but electricity is actually sold back to the national grid by the club.
This environmental policy is particularly a testament to the late John Watling who sadly passed away in 2016.