On 1 December 2024 Rother District Council ended their contracts for maintenance of all sports pitches. In order to ensure one of the world’s oldest cricket clubs, begun in 1754, Rye Cricket Club took over responsibility for the Rye Cricket Salts, including the storage sheds and irrigation system.
Rye Cricket Club is now entering its second year of stewardship of the Rye Cricket Salts. Last year, we were able to fund the additional costs of consumables through the generous support of Bournes Movers and a grant from the Rye Fund, with additional club funds.
As we commence the challenge, the longer term costs of the stewardship are becoming more apparent. We are grateful yet again for the continued support of Bournes Movers and the Rye Fund and in addition support from the Rother Community Fund for 2026. This will support the cost of consumables and the end of year renovations.
However we are now developing a budget for the next five years which accounts for the costs of maintaining the equipment and setting aside funds for the replacement of equipment. It will also need to address the costs of the labour involved. So far we have been fortunate to have the generosity of volunteers. Moving forward we are aware this will be more of a challenge. A key volunteer last year developed his skills, and has now moved to a position on the ground staff of Fulham FC.
To this end we are reaching out to the local community for support which can be in a number of ways:
1. From 1 April there will be an available co-working space in the Rye Cricket Club pavilion. The upstairs space offers plenty of desk space, free wi-fi, parking available and kitchen facilities. The cost is £70 per month to be reviewed each September.
2. Enter a team in the Rye Cricket Club Quiz to be held at The Mermaid Inn on 15 April at 7.30pm. Teams of a maximum of 6, £4 per person.
3. Sign up to our fundraising page at www.easyfundraising.org.uk name Rye Cricket Club as your charity choice, and then every time you shop online the retailer makes a donation to Rye Cricket Club. It is so easy!
4. Sponsor Rye Cricket Club. We have a number of ways this can be done. From naming of the Rye Cricket Club pavilion, sponsorship of the welcome sign to the Rye Cricket Salts, a sponsor’s board around the pavilion, or a page in our fixture card.
The work carried out not only ensures cricket can be played by our adult league sides and our four junior teams, but ensures the Rye Cricket Salts remain a valuable public space to be enjoyed by both residents and visitors to Rye. It sits on one of the key gateways into Rye, providing a first glimpse for many of Rye.
To find out more please contact Club Secretary Martin Blincow on 07535482006 or blincsfamily@aol.com
Image Credits: Martin Blincow .