CLUB WEEK: Nissan's commitment, history in Scotland and helping the homeless

The Cricketer rounds up some of the more unusual stories of the past seven days from across the local cricket scene...

Sustainable power by Nissan

Nissan's sponsorship of the World Cup has not stopped them from helping out at community cricket clubs, after the Japanese firm donated one of its xStorage Home energy systems to Beddington Cricket Club in Surrey.

The innovative solar energy storage system combines with solar panels on the roof of the cricket club's pavilion in an attempt to demonstrate how sustainable energy can save money by reducing reliance on power from the national grid, particularly at peak times.

Nissan Motor’s managing director Kalyana Sivagnanam said: "The installation at Beddington CC gives us the opportunity to bring cleaner energy management to a community and save the club money on their future energy bills.

"We are always looking to demonstrate the diverse ways in which our battery technology can benefit homes, communities and businesses and this latest installation breaks new boundaries."

Innovation indeed that excites.

Lucky sods

A club in Chipping Sodbury, south Gloucestershire, has received a massive boost after receiving a huge contribution from a housing developer in the area.

Cotswold Homes, based in another Gloucestershire town Yate, has recently purchased a large quantity of equipment for Chipping Sodbury Cricket Club.

The company's donation of £500 has helped in expanding the club by allowing them to buy cricketing and grass-cutting equipment as the new season gets underway.

The move is part of Cotswold Homes' plans to build a new housing development in Sodbury, around 200 metres away from the cricket clubhouse.

James Rendell, captain of the club’s senior first team, said: "This has entailed a lot of additional expenditure on new facilities so we were thrilled when Cotswold Homes stepped in to assist us."

The club was founded in 1860 and has links to W.G. Grace.

Scottish club goes far in creating history

Women's cricket continues to grow and the latest development has come at a cricket club in Scotland.

Forfarshire Cricket Club in Broughty Ferry, Dundee, entered a new era in its 139-year history by setting up their first-ever women's section.

The new development saw the launch of their first-ever dedicated ladies group with a free night of softball cricket and CricHIIT – a cricket-geared fitness session.

Club president Clark McConnachie said:"The club is 139-years-old so it’s a wee bit overdue that we move into the 21st century. We started out with CricHIIT for women only which was provided by Cricket Scotland.

"That turned into playing wee games of softball cricket and they got very popular.

"We want to grow our women’s section and juniors. They need a high profile and this new group should give them that. It is a proper recognised home for the ladies playing."

Cheshire club to help the homeless

A cricket club in Cheshire has launched an initiative to help out homeless people in Manchester.

Over the next few months Toft Cricket Club has said it will be collecting old sportswear and trainers to support the homeless.

A club spokesman said: "In association with FindYourFeet and Manchester-based charity Coffee4craig, we are doing our bit to contribute to a cause close to home.

"All donations are massively appreciated and will make a genuine difference.

"There will be a box in the clubhouse, in which the clothes and trainers will be collected."

Fishes moving in the rite direction

It seems that the nine teams in the UK for the World Cup will not be the only touring party to arrive from abroad this summer.

Fish Rite Hanover Park Cricket Club, in Cape Town, South Africa, will be taking a youth team to the UK in August for an 18-day sports and cultural tour.

The tour was initially scheduled to take place in June during the ICC Cricket World Cup, but financial difficulties saw the tour postponed to give the club time to raise additional funds.

Fish Rite Hanover Park Cricket Club chairman Ashraf Allie said the youth team will visit cities including London and Birmingham to participate in a series of cricket matches with local youth clubs and schools.

Mr Allie told South Africa's IOL: "We are excited to chaperone 14 of our top cricketers from Hanover Park on this tour. This tour is not only going to showcase their cricketing prowess. It is also going to take them out of their harsh reality and show them that there is a world of opportunity awaiting them.

"Some of our boys come from broken homes that have been affected by gangsterism and drugs. No child should have to live this reality."