16 May 2003 - 01 Jan 2004
John Major supports Capital Kids Cricket Club
Regent's Park

Ex Prime Minister The Rt Hon John Major CH will be supporting London based Capital Kids Cricket Club in his role of Non Playing Captain, at Regent's Park, on Wednesday 21 May 2003.

The event will celebrate the raising, in just eighteen months, of £2m by The Royal Parks for the repair and restructure of the cricket pitches and kick off the next phase to raise £3.5m for the new sports pavilion. Designed by architect David Morley, (designer of the Lords Cricket Pavilion), the pavilion will provide an urgently needed centre of sport in Central London's biggest grass sports area. The Rt Hon John Major will unveil the plaque, which will be placed in the pavilion when it is completed.

Once the pavilion has been built, Capital Kids Cricket will use it as a club base and inner city schools and community groups in the area will also have free use of this valuable facility. The general perception of Regent's Park is one of wealthy patrons and residents but parts of it are surrounded by areas of genuine need, where schools have little or no chance for sport.

The Royal Parks are working in partnership with the Middlesex Cricket Board, Middlesex County Cricket Club and Capital Kids Cricket, to encourage the resurgence of the sport of cricket, particularly in schools where sports facilities are limited or non-existent.

William Weston, Chief Executive of The Royal Parks said "We are delighted that John Major has made the time to attend this event and support the future of sport in Regent's Park. Our vision is that The Royal Parks will provide sports and leisure facilities for visitors of all ages and levels of interest and this is a major step towards achieving our goal."



PHOTOCALL

The event will take place between 2 and 4pm on Wednesday 21 May 2003 at
Nanny's Lawn, next to the Park Cafè at Queen Mary's Gardens on the Inner Circle, Regent's Park.

John Major will be arriving at 3pm so all photographers and journalists need to be in place by no later than 2.45pm

Please contact Marion Crichton on 020 7298 2128 or Mob: 07710 28 48 66 if you wish to attend.

Source:
The Royal Parks

For further information contact:
The Royal Parks Press Office T: 020 7298 2128 E: press@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk

Editor's notes:
Millions of Londoners and tourists visit the eight Royal Parks for free each year. The 5,000 acres of carefully conserved historic parkland provide unparalleled opportunities for enjoyment, exploration and healthy living in the heart of the capital.

The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent's Park (with Primrose Hill), Richmond Park and St James's Park.