Stump up for charity

Cricket fans in East Dorset can bid for celebrity cricketing memorabilia at a charity cricket match and auction at Sturminster Marshall on 28 August.

The event is in memory of Peter Morey, past President of Sturminster Marshall Cricket Club and a much loved and highly respected member of the local community. He passed away in May 2010 following a short illness. As part of the fundraising day, three sporting prizes will be auctioned; a cricket bat signed by Surrey and former England batsman (and winner of Strictly Come Dancing), Mark Ramprakash and a mini bat signed by the England players from the first ever test match held recently at the Rose Bowl in Hampshire. Plus, for those who prefer their sport fast and furious, a family visit to Poole Speedway with a tour of the stadium and a chance to meet the Poole Pirates team.

The match, between current and former team members, starts at 2pm. During the afternoon a range of family activities will also be taking place on the village green followed at 7.30pm by a barbecue, live music and the charity auction. Entry to the match is free. Tickets for the evening cost £10 per adult or £30 per family (two adults and two children) and are available from team stalwart Ross Humphrey, Nursery Manager at Knoll Gardens near Wimborne. Call 01202 829522, or email ross@knollgardens.co.uk. Past players, or those with a personal connection to Peter are also invited to contact Ross if they would like to be involved in this special fundraising day.

Knoll Gardens has close connections with the Sturminster Marshall Cricket Club. Ross has played for the team for over 15 years and is the current Honorary Secretary. Ross’s mother Pat, who also works in the nursery, and Knoll’s owner Neil Lucas, are both club Vice Presidents.

Ross said “Peter’s death was a great loss to the village of Sturminster Marshall.

“He arrived in the area and started to play cricket for the village in early 80‘s when he soon became a regular, playing every game possible and volunteering to help in all ways with the running of the club. Pete was Club Treasurer for three years, Secretary for 15 years and he looked after the ground for over 25 years.  It was therefore fitting that he became President of the club a couple of years ago.”

Funds raised on the day will be divided evenly between the cricket club and the British Retintis Pigmentosa Society (tunnel vision), from which Peter also suffered.