Village cricket club launches appeal to buy historic playing field

Sheepscombe Cricket Club has launched an urgent appeal to raise £25,000 by the end of September so it can purchase the historic Laurie Lee Field.

The club has been playing on the field on the author’s estate for more than 40 years, but now wishes to own the land.

Club chairman Elisabeth Skinner said: "Thanks to the generosity of Laurie Lee’s family the club has long benefited from a stable rent free home.

"However we have decided to buy the ground from the estate and need to raise a substantial amount of money.

"We are keen to own it for the club and the community to continue the tradition and heritage of village cricket."

Laurie Lee was a keen supporter of the club and his uncles were regular players.He bought the ground in 1971 to help ensure the future of the Sheepsombe Cricket Club.

Sheepscombe Primary School also use the field and for the last three years the club has run an after-school cricket club for children at the ground.

"The field is a wonderful facility not just for the cricket club but for the wider community," said Mrs Skinner.

"It is a much valued resource for the school and we desperately want to secure the ground to help the up and coming young players flourish.

"The ground is also a celebration of Laurie Lee’s passion for cricket and a lasting tribute to his considerable enthusiasm and incredible generosity."

The club, which plays in division four of the Gloucestershire County Cricket League and hosts regular Sunday and midweek matches, is planning a series of fundraising events over the coming months including a 24-hour cricket-thon and an Auction of Promises.

Villagers are also invited to donate the value of a specific area of the field.

Mrs Skinner said: "We are really hoping that anyone with a connection to this historic ground or just a desire to help secure its future will be able to support the appeal with a donation, however large or small."

To donate contact Elisabeth Skinner on 01452 812747