AN Exmouth Cricket club member says they are so desperate to raise just under �3,000 in a month to buy an urgently-needed state-of-the-art lawn mower, he is prepared to sacrifice his winter fuel payment.
AN Exmouth Cricket club member says they are so desperate to raise just under �3,000 in a month to buy an urgently-needed state-of-the-art lawn mower, he is prepared to sacrifice his winter fuel payment.
More Devon County Cricket matches are played at Exmouth than any other Devon ground and befitting the club's status, the English Cricket board have offered a �16,000 a Triple Motor Torro mower to maintain board standards for county cricket - on the condition the club finds �4,000.
The new mower will help the pitch maintain county cricket standards, but with three members donating �210, and further �500 from other sources, they are still �2790 short.
Member, pensioner Anthony Robinson of Withycombe Village Road said members were 'in despair' about how to find the money.
He said: "I wrote to our president and told him that I would donate my pensioners' winter fuel payment of �250 providing he was prepared to match it, which he did.
"If my maths is correct the total is �1,210, but the balance still needed is �2,790. It might not sound a lot but has to be found within about four weeks.
"Our Maer Cricket Ground on the seafront is a joy to behold. It's two-tier historic pavilion commanding the beautiful rustic first class status ground is symbol of all that is best in east Devon and the town of Exmouth.
"Surely sufficient people can collectively achieve the aim. It is not a request for charity it is a one off heaven sent opportunity not to be missed."
The club, winners of the Devon Premier Division Trophy eight times out of ten from 1990, was successful in 1994 in securing lottery funding for an all weather enclosed practice area with three full sized nets situated in the north-eastern side of the ground.
Town councillor David Chapman said: "As a lifelong cricket fan I was alerted to this situation and I have commenced trying to track down any additional relevant funding or grants that can be found. This is very important for the cricket club."
To donate make cheques payable to: Anthony Robinson, Bosvigo, 222 Withycombe Village Road, Exmouth, EX8 3BD.
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