On Wednesday the 28th September, our beloved Downham & Bellingham cricket pavilion was burnt to the ground in an arson attack.
Part of the local community for over 85 years, both as a cricket club and playing field for local school - Burnt Ash Primary, the loss is sorely felt by all that have played or spectated at Downham & Bellingham.
Hand built by members back in the 1930s, the pavilion was a symbol of the family community the club has established - small in size but with a warm and welcoming approach to both cricket and socialising. Children and grown ups alike have spent many a happy weekend on the outfield or in the clubhouse, enjoying both the game and the company. The annual fathers and sons match shows the type of club we are - sons, fathers, grandfathers cheered on by daughters, wives and mums. For some, Downham memories span their entire lifetime.
Our club is run by its members and whilst this has been the key to its success, it is also the reason we must now ask for help to rebuild our much loved pavilion.
Sadly, there is nothing to salvage from the building; we've lost everything and so are having to start from scratch. We're not looking to build anything fancy - a simple clubhouse to reestablish the sporting community we all treasure. Whilst some things cannot be replaced, like the team photos dating back to the club's beginnings, we do still have the ground itself, so the club can safeguard its future.
We're not sure at this stage how much we'll need or how much we'll manage to raise, but every penny will help. Our club's motto is "Di Grado in Grado" which means "little by little" and little by little we will, with your help, rebuild our fantastic club for future generations to enjoy.