A PERTHSHIRE cricket club which was in doubt after its pavilion was burnt down is almost halfway to reaching the financial target which should allow it to continue playing next season.
Breadalbane Cricket Club, which was formed in 1869, suffered a devastating fire on November 27 at Victoria Park, Aberfeldy, when the building was reduced to a pile of ashes.
The pavilion stored much of the cricket club’s playing and training equipment, including some members’ own gear.
Following the fire, committee members met and decided to carry on and yesterday the Highland Perthshire club confirmed that its members hope still to be playing in Strathmore and Perthshire District Union Division 1.
Club members embarked on a fundraising drive, with Baillie Gifford, the Edinburgh independent global managers, contributing financial help.
The historic cricket club is hoping to raise around £5,000 and, if all promised donations come in, it has already reached £2,100.
Yesterday, Mark Bridgeman (47), junior coordinator at Breadalbane Cricket Club, said he is optimistic that cricket will take place next season, but emphasised that financial backing is vital to preserve the club’s future.
“Thanks to some generous donations and much local support, the playing of cricket should now be able to start in April,” he told The Courier.
“Everyone at Breadalbane Cricket Club is thrilled with the support and good wishes we’ve received.”
He continued: “The initial deadline is for the end of February.
“That’s to give us enough time to source and purchase equipment before the season starts.
“Perth and Kinross Council have generously cleared and cleaned the site of the fire, which helps the club greatly.
“All that remains now is a badly-scorched metal container and a scar on the ground, where the pavilion had stood for 100 years.
“A new building will probably be a longer-term objective.
“However, we would at least like some sort of temporary structure in place by April.”
Mr Bridgeman emphasised the importance of the fundraising efforts after a worrying period for everyone concerned, not knowing if Breadalbane Cricket Club would be able to continue.
“Following the fire, the future of this 143-year-old cricket club literally went up in smoke,” he added.
“A selfish act of vandalism saw the club’s small pavilion transformed to ashes in a matter of hours.”
A spokesperson for Perth and Kinross Council confirmed that council staff cleared the site of the former pavilion.
“We can confirm that we arranged for the removal of the remains of the pavilion from the park in Aberfeldy,” she said.
A spokesperson for Tayside Police confirmed that three youths will be reported to the Children’s Reporter in relation to the incident.
Breadalbane Cricket Club won the Strathmore District Cricket Union Division 1 championship in 2006 and 2008, and won the Perthshire Cup in both 2007 and 2008.
Anyone who is interested in keeping up to date with the club’s fundraising campaign should visit its Facebook page Breadalbane Cricket Club Appeal or visit bailliegifford.com
preoch@thecourier.co.uk