Village cricket team in fete appeal after equipment theft
Members of Allscott Cricket Club near Telford are hoping for bumper crowds at their popular summer fete next month – because they are fundraising to replace vital ground-keeping equipment stolen during the winter.
Thieves broke into the hut where the mower and roller were kept in December – severely disrupting the village cricketers’ plans to prepare their pitches for the 2011 season.
The club is holding its fete at its ground in Allscott, near Telford, on Sunday June 19, starting at 2pm – and all the money raised will go towards buying replacement equipment.
A star attraction this year is an appearance by Wolves and England football legend Steve Bull MBE.
Club Chairman Tim Clare said: “The burglary has been a massive blow for the club. I believe it has put back our long-term development plans by 12 months which is a big disappointment, especially because they specifically involved developing facilities for our junior club members.
“But we have been determined to bounce back. Last year’s fete was a great success and we hope to do even better this year, given the urgent need created by the break-in. It will be a very enjoyable way to start getting our plans back on track.
“We would appeal for all sports lovers in the county to come along, have a great time and show solidarity with this fundraising campaign. We’re delighted that Steve Bull can be with us this year because I’m sure lots of people would love to meet a true local hero.”
Other attractions include a car boot sale, bbq, vintage car display, golf chipping, tombola and a range of stalls.
Tim said he feared the items may have been stolen to sell for scrap. The gang mower, which attached to a tractor, and the roller both extended to around 12 feet wide.
He added: “It must have been quite an operation to take them, using a very large vehicle. Unfortunately, we are not the only victims. I know of at least three other Shropshire cricket clubs where there have been break-ins or attempted break-ins.”
Tim said that, without the equipment, they had not been able to properly prepare their new Under 13s pitch or develop a new football pitch on the club site which extends to seven acres. They now rely on smaller equipment which means preparing pitches takes much longer and is not as thorough.
They had been hoping to use funds raised this year to buy a new wicket roller, he added, but would now have to divert the money towards replacing the stolen equipment.
