Howzatt! for community support? SPAR sponsors local cricket club, foodbank

SPAR has agreed to sponsor Willington Cricket Club for the 2023 season, which will see the First XI home shirt adorned with the iconic fir tree logo and SPAR sponsorship boards placed around the ground.

The foodbank in Willington, near Durham, will also benefit from a new partnership with SPAR through donations of food items to support those in the town that need a little extra help.

The new 3,000 sq ft SPAR and Shell branded forecourt created 27 jobs when it opened its doors to the public in July to become James Hall & Co. Ltd’s 157th company-owned SPAR store and its 46th forecourt.

The store features include a Graham Eyes Butchers, a Clayton Park Deli, a Cheeky Coffee unit, and a popular Tango Ice Blast machine, as well as a range of fresh and frozen foods, Food To Go, major branded products, and beers, wines and spirits.

The development has transformed the Park View Garage site on the A690 – Willington’s main gateway – and the Shell forecourt features six pumps, water, air and vacuum machines, a free ATM, and customer parking.

Ahead of the store launch, SPAR agreed to sponsor Willington Association Football Club and contribute to the Durham Foodbank, and Fiona Drummond, Company Stores Director at James Hall & Co. Ltd, is happy to extend the community support further.

“Our opening weeks in Willington have been successful and it is fantastic that our SPAR store has been so well received by the community,” said Fiona.

“It is also brilliant to be in a position to further support the community in Willington with the cricket club and foodbank, and these are in line with SPAR’s Passionate About Local and Nurturing Our Neighbourhood brand pillars.”

Dean Midas, Chairman of Willington Cricket Club, said: “It has been a tough time for us all in Willington, and the pandemic has had a major impact on our club income.

“We look forward to many happy years working together with SPAR in our amazing community.”

Sue Hine, from Willington Foodbank, said: “We are delighted that SPAR can support the foodbank here in Willington.

“We provide around 100-120 local households with extra support every week, and we also support local community members of all ages with food and varied activities to assist wellbeing.