We are writing to you in response to Anthony Robinson's letter regarding the purchase of a new mower for Exmouth Cricket Club and the involvement of Sir John Major and others in the raising of funding.

We are writing to you in response to Anthony Robinson's letter regarding the purchase of a new mower for Exmouth Cricket Club and the involvement of Sir John Major and others in the raising of funding.Exmouth Cricket Club was originally notified by the Devon Cricket Board, at the end of 2008, that the club was being given a high priority for grant aid for the acquisition of a new triple mower, which would greatly aid in the preparation of the ground for matches at all levels. The original estimate, which was for a new mower, was �16,000, with possible grant aid of �12,000, but early in the New Year this estimate was revised to �8,000 for the purchase of a second-hand mower.During this period, Anthony had written to many of his contacts asking them if they would be able to support the club in raising funds to assist in the purchase. It was at that time that several donations were received, reducing the overall deficit, including one from Sir John Major. The club felt it would be of public interest to notify the press of this encouraging response. However, the club has never disclosed to the press the amounts of individual contributions despite, quite reasonably, being asked.Given the success of Anthony's appeal, for which the club has expressed its sincere thanks, and subsequent reduction in the amount needed for the mower, the club felt there was no need to launch an official appeal, although the chairman did raise this matter at the recent AGM and this has resulted in further contributions for which the club is most grateful.We now await the final decision on grant aid from the ECB and hope that this matter can then be put to rest. We note Anthony's concern about the coverage in the press, but the club does not feel the media needs to apologise to us, as we understand the reasonable investigative nature of its enquiries.The club now looks forward to a successful season and a speedy return to the Premier Division of the Devon Cricket League, as well as giving all its members an enjoyable season at The Maer.Peter Langford,Chairman, Exmouth Cricket Club. Richard Butler,Secretary, Exmouth Cricket Club.