Stowupland Cricket Club
In September 1967 the Stowmarket Chronicle carried a report that Stowupland had formed its own cricket club and they were negotiating with local farmers for help to construct a ‘first class square’ on the village green, adjacent to an area used as a football pitch.
By the end of 1967 letters were sent out asking some local people if they would like to support the club by become by becoming Vice Presidents. We have some of the replies received by Mr Wilkinson. All the replies are supportive and most included donations.
Most are handwritten letters and include the writer’s signature. It is interesting to see a variety of headed notepaper.
This letter from the club secretary, Mr Ron Wright, or at least from his wife Mrs V. Wright. Mr Wright was the primary School head master and Clerk to the Council) to the parish council locates the cricket pitch where todays Half-a-Mow is.
A second letter dated the same day (also signed by Mrs V. Wright for sec.) was sent to Mr Carter of Green Farm thanking him for ‘his forbearnace and co-operation in respect of cricket on the Green in front of your house.’ She went on to add ‘it is our wish to inconvenience you as little as possible. However, on very rare occasions, a ball may be hit into your pond. We would be very grateful for your permission for ONE player to retrieve the same.’
By 1980 Stowupland Cricket Club where preparing to play their first season on a new pitch adjacent to the Village Hall (Report from Telstar. May, 1980).
In the 1986 season the club paid out £6.00 for each Home Game tea that was prepared by the ‘ladies’.
Exact date is unknown but probably late 1990s showing Stowupland in bat against a team from Thurston.
In 1985 the cricket club was invited alongside other local organisations to attend a meeting in Mr. Crease’s office (Stowupland High School Head master) to discuss organising a combined Festival of Arts, Music and Flowers.
By the 1990s the cricket club and football clubs had organised the building of an extension to the rear of the Village Hall providing space for socialising and dedicated changing facilities.
