By Observer Features
By A & S Whitewood
Free entry and plenty of free parking were just two of the reasons to make sure visitors enjoyed an opportunity to sample the facilities at Newclose County Cricket Ground recently when, in conjunction with Seaview Hotel, the venue hosted a Wedding Showcase.
This open house event offered a glimpse into the flexibility of the venue for hosting a variety of events. With its countryside views, this venue is ideal for weddings, but parties, wakes and other events needing a large venue can be hosted there too.
Construction of the site started in 2008 with the official opening by no less than former England Cricket captain, Mike Gatting, a year later. With its bucolic setting, Newclose was the brain child of the late Brian Gardener, and for the last nine years his son, Martin, has carried the banner.
Martin told the IW Observer he was enormously proud of his father’s legacy, and was delighted to keep it going, including hosting home games for Hampshire County Cricket Club. He was keen to make the most of the facilities, and provide the best hospitality events to people on the Island, in partnership with the Seaview Hotel. Albert, the hotel’s pug, was the guest of honour at this event – suitably attired of course.
Eighty people can be comfortably seated in the pavilion for functions when no cricket is scheduled. In the summer months a marquee, which can seat 300, is available on site.
These dual venues played host to Island companies and businesses which provide everything required for the perfect wedding. Seaview Hotel provided delicious canapes and drinks, and an array of other businesses showcased their services. These included local performers, including Sparkes Music and saxophonist, Dave Plummer, who were amongst those providing a musical backdrop suitable for romantic occasions. Celebrant Elaine Cesar was on hand to advise on how to choose the right words for ceremonies of all types. Guests greatly enjoyed sampling Honey’s Donuts, rightly billed as “decadent, delectable and downright delicious”!
It may not be the most romantic of thoughts – but it is practical to have plans in case events have to be called off or postponed at the last-minute, and Cherry Godfrey was on hand with insurance advice.
There were plenty of other ideas from jewellery suppliers, cake-makers and bakers, florists and cars and equipment-hire companies.