Holybourne Cricket Club have launched a Crowdfunder campaign to ensure junior and adult cricket players can keep playing for the club beyond the 2024 season.

The small, volunteer-run club on the outskirts of Alton provides the local community and surrounding villages with cricket coaching and development throughout the year. The grounds and facilities are also used to support local schools and organisations, and the clubhouse is a popular social venue throughout the summer.

Holybourne Cricket Club chairman Jane Taylor said: “Holybourne Cricket Club is a small grassroots club in need of urgent funds to replace its artificial wicket and build a permanent net.”

The most urgent need is for a new artificial wicket – the current one will only last the coming season, which started with youth training on the evening of Friday, April 19.

Last year, a few of the club’s members unearthed where two permanent cricket nets used to stand. If the club is successful in its fundraising, they plan to install at least one, if not two permanent cricket nets. Most of the other local cricket clubs have at least one net.

The aim of the Crowdfunder campaign is to raise £10,000 without increasing the annual membership fees – in keeping with the club’s inclusive ethos. 

Many local businesses have already pledged their support, including Holybourne Shop & Post Office, The White Hart, Town & Country Cars, The Workshop, Dummer Down Farm, Dummer Down Brewery and Sarah Forbes Physiotherapy.

Individual donations are already coming in. As well as benefiting the club’s members, the campaign will support local schools and organisations that use the grounds and facilities.

Mindful of the financial hardships many are now faced with, the club want to continue making cricket as accessible and affordable to as many as possible, and continue to reward club members with discounted food and drinks in the clubhouse.

Anyone who is able to support the Crowdfunder campaign and keep Holybourne Cricket Club alive is encouraged to do so. The campaign has raised more than £2,000 so far. To make a donation, visit the Crowdfunder page at: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/holybourne-cricket-club-artificial-wicket-nets