Following years of negotiations with Maldon District Council, Drapers Farm Sports Club's Management Committee has announced it has extended the club's lease, securing its future for the coming decades.

The club is home to Maldon Cricket Club and Maldon Rugby Club, and regularly encourages the local community to get involved.

It has a small number of regular lettings for the clubhouse and bar, but is 'open to wider possibilities'. After a decline in events due to Covid-19, the club is also looking to expand its social membership.

A spokesperson for Drapers Farm said: "The club's future has been hanging in the balance due to uncertainty about the new lease for a long time.

"This prevented committee members from bidding for grants available locally and nationally, but a crowdfunding initiative during lockdown kept the club afloat.

"We rely on bar takings and revenue from the small fee we charge for club lettings to keep going, so you will appreciate how close to disaster we've been in the last few years."

However, the future is now looking bright for the club.

Drapers Farm wants to cement its place at the heart of the Heybridge community, not only as an ideal location for dog walking but for other ventures too. You do not need to be involved in cricket or rugby to be a social member and can enjoy the clubhouse bar, on your doorstep.

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The club is hoping to involve the local community as much as possible, including those without an interest in sport.

Drapers Farm recently worked with the YMCA to host activities for young people during the school holidays, which proved popular with participants and their families.

More holiday activities are planned for the summer holidays to keep local children entertained. The clubhouse floor has recently been refurbished thanks to funding secured through community grants, with new furniture ready for the summer.

For more information on how to get involved, contact Management Committee secretary Clare Smith via email or visit the clubhouse at the weekend to speak to bar manager Martin Davies.