Offers of help flood in for fire ravaged club
by Alan Rowley, 8th May 2007

The news that the pavilion at Darley Abbey was destroyed by fire over the weekend has left not only club members, but the whole cricket community in the region shocked and saddened. The fire, which completely destroyed the £100,000 building is being treated as a suspected case of arson by police.

The building, which is owned by Darley Abbey Cricket Club, but is on land leased from the City Council, was built in 1995 at a cost of £30,000, but was insured for £100,000. The fire is particularly sad for the club as the pavilion was opened by former Derbyshire CCC fast bowler Les Jackson, who only died last month.

The sorry scene at Darley Park after the fire which wrecked the pavilion

Not only did the pavilion contain the changing rooms, bar and kitchen, but it also housed cricket equipment including a bowling machine, playing equipment and kits. Defiant club secretary Dave Jepson said: "Cricket will continue as normal and we'll come out of this a stronger club."

The club has over 150 members and the facilities are used by several clubs, including the Derbyshire Disabled Cricket Club, who only played there on Sunday. The club hope to have temporary accommodation installed for the weekend fixtures.

The Darley Abbey pavilion photographed in August 2006

As news of the fire spread, members of 'the follow on' were quick to rally round and offer support to the Darley Abbey club. Heanor Town's Adam Harchuk said: "I am a big cricket fan and follower of the game and seeing that done to any club, never mind a local one which I have played at and shared a beer or two with their players. I find it genuinely gutting."

Cutthorpe's Rob Plested said: "I've played against Darley Abbey a lot over the few years I've lived in this area. One of the friendliest clubs on and off the pitch and always a pleasure to play at the Abbey. Sorry to hear the news guys, truly sad news, I hope you can recover quickly."

County League fixture secretary Chris Higginbottom said: "There is a League EC meeting tonight, at which all the matters relating to this dreadful incident will be discussed. Dave Jepson will appraise us of the situation, and I am sure that the League, and the wider cricketing community, will be doing everything that it can to help, and ensure that Darley Abbey CC continue and complete their fixtures."

Darley Abbey third team skipper Dave Winfield said: "I cannot thank everyone in the cricket community, local community and organisations enough - we are very grateful for everything everyone has said and done. Obviously this is a difficult time for us and we're incredibly busy trying to sort things out. We have acted as swiftly as is possible in these circumstances and the general consensus is to continue as close to normal as we can."

I'm sure all members and readers of 'the follow on' would like to wish Darley Abbey Cricket Club the best of luck for the future and will be only too happy to help restore the heart back into this proud and friendly club.