WHERE once there was the barking of orders and the marching of boots, the former army camp at Cwrt-y-Gollen now resounds to the gentler sounds of leather on willow after becoming the new home of Glangrwyney CC. The sun shone on Sunday as the Glang celebrated the grand opening of their new ground. Although the club has been using the ground for 12 months work to improve the facility has been ongoing and now both ground and pavilion are in excellent condition thanks to the work of a dedicated group of volunteers and the support of landlord Crickhowell Estates. Approximately 100 people, including players, family and friends of the club attended the formal opening by Kirsty Williams, AM, which took place between innings of a club 20/20 match. Club Chairman Eddie Harding gave a brief history of the club from its origins at the Oak tree field, via Ty Mawr and the Village ground to Cwrt-y-Gollen. He praised all the volunteers led by Mike Rouse, who had worked tirelessly to bring the ground up to the good condition seen today. Eddie thanked in particular Gwent Garden Design for sponsoring this opening day and all the other match day sponsors whose support is valued greatly by the club He said the vision of the club to be family oriented was visible with five father/son combinations playing today. Eddie introduced Kirsty Williams AM, and invited her to formally unveil the plaque to open the new facilities. She said she was most pleased to accept the invitation to perform the opening and particularly to see so many younger players encouraged to play. It was good to see a cricket ground being brought back into use when so many facilities are being run down by lack of funds. Sporting activity was important to the long term health of the nation. She was disappointed to learn that the club as yet had not gained any financial support from the Sports Council, it being equally important to provide funding to grass roots activity as well as elite performers. She wished the club well for the future and duly unveiled the plaque. Everyone then devoured the excellent tea prepared by wives and friends of club members. There was a cricket match and Club President, Jim Devoy, bowled the first over. However the match took second place to the other events of the day. Suffice to say that everyone enjoyed the game and received good support from the many family and friends present.