TWO widows, whose husbands were stalwarts of Potterne Cricket Club, declared open a new pavilion that would have made their spouses proud.

Pam Gaiger, whose husband Vince was a former chairman of the club, and Stella Genever, whose husband Pat was a former treasurer, were guests of honour at the opening of the £80,000 building on Saturday. The two men, who were both life members of the club, died within a few days of each other last autumn.

But on Saturday there were celebrations as the pavilion the two men worked hard to make possible was opened before 150 invited guests sat down to lunch.

Club chairman Fred Kerley said: "The opening of the new and the refurbished facilities was the culmination of month's of hard work by members and contractor's alike. I am delighted with the end result and feel very proud to be the chairman of such a successful family orientated club.

"We are very much looking forward to the new season, our first in Premier One of the WEPL league and hope that we get a few new supporters along the way."

Potterne has become one of the most successful village sides in the county and is now playing alongside the big boys of the league such as Bath, Corsham and Bristol.

But on Saturday no cricket was played as earlier wet weather meant the friendly against Chippenham was called off.

The new pavilion, which replaced one that was 40 years old, was made possible thanks to grants from the National National Lottery Inspired Facilities Fund, The Andrew Crane Memorial Trust and the Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation.

Potterne Cricket Club was formed in 1936 and now runs five weekend sides, a ladies side, disability section and a large junior section. The bigger and better appointed pavilion will provide much improved facilities for both spectators and players.

The club is now preparing for Five Lanes Fest which will be its biggest fundraiser of the year. Topping the bill at Five Lane Farm, Potterne, on July 22 will be the Illegal Eagles billed as the ultimate tribute band to 70s band The Eagles. There will also be music in the style of Abba, Frankie Valli, Madness, Rod Stewart and the Stone Roses.

Mr Kerley said: "Following on from a very successful event last year hosting the Wurzels, we are organising a weekend festival in July this year. On Friday the 22nd, we have six of the top tribute bands in the country performing for us followed on Sunday July 24th by our beer festival.

"There will be a large selection of beers and ciders, music and many other attractions which is very much aimed as a family day out. This should be a fantastic weekend and ticket sales are on a par at this stage last year."

Tickets will not be available on the gate but can be booked via the website www.eventbrite.com/e/five-lanes-fest-potterne-cc-beer-fest-tickets-19859998791. Or on sale at Five Lanes Farm, Devizes Books, Original Glory and the Devizes branch of Jewsons.

Free car parking will be available and a shuttle bus will run from Devizes.