Restore the Cradle of Cricket to its former glory

by Broadhalfpenny Down in Hampshire, United Kingdom

Total raised £4,640

 
Gift Aid
+ est. £1081.25
£10,000 target 49 days left
46% 39 supporters
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 7th July 2025 at 10:01pm

Join us to fix the leaky roof, repair the iconic clock, replace a broken mower, upgrade practice facilities, and make the ground accessible

by Broadhalfpenny Down in Hampshire, United Kingdom

Who are we?

Broadhalfpenny Down is a beautiful cricket ground in Hampshire, opposite the Bat & Ball Inn.

Cricket was played here from around 1750 and, over the next three decades, the players and patrons of Hambledon were responsible for the development of new techniques and the laws of cricket, from the addition of a third stump to the size of the bat. 

Their adaptations, and codification, of these laws, transformed cricket from an occasional country pastime to a national sport, which became an international sport in the following century.

The Broadhalfpenny Brigands play on the ground in a jovial spirit, typically in a traditional time format rather than limited overs. The ground also hosts the juniors of Hambledon Cricket Club and blind and visually impaired teams.

Today, volunteers maintain the ground and share the story of the ground and its importance in cricket history.

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Why are we crowdfunding?

The aging pavilion was already leaking before Storm Darragh arrived, which ripped out more tiles and blew the iconic clock away. 

The ground maintenance equipment is more than a decade old, the practice net is worn and the supports have been bent in the wind.

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How we’ll spend the money raised

We will spend money raised in four areas;

Fixing the pavilion, and making it more welcoming and accessible to more people

Replacing broken mowers

Introducing a boundary rope

Replacing dangerous practice facilities.

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Community impact

Broadhalfpenny Down hosts more than 60 cricket matches each year, for men, women, and juniors in local teams, and welcomes cricket-loving visitors who come to see the birthplace of First Class cricket.

We want to host more junior cricket, more women cricket, more disability cricket on the ground but current facilities don't support this.

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How you can play your part

There are three simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.

1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!

2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.

3. Donate goods or services. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!

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Rewards

This project offers rewards in return for your donation. Please select a reward below.

£20 or more

5 of 25 claimed

Edward Aburrow All-Round Donation

Edward "Curry" Aburrow, a shoemaker, was a bits-and-pieces all-rounder, and for £20 you can help the club with an all-round donation to help fund pavilion restoration and ground upkeep.

£30 or more

1 of 3 claimed

William Yalden Mini Bat

William Yalden held the record for the highest score in cricket in 1773, until John Small scored the first hundred. In his honour we have 3 commemorative mini-bats to send to anyone who selects this reward.

£100 or more

4 of 11 claimed

John Small Century Club

John Small was the first cricketer to score a First Class century, and he did this 250 years ago at Broadhalfpenny Down in 1775. A £100 pledge towards the upkeep of the ground means membership of The Century Club, with recognition on the website and in the fixture card, and an invitation to the annual Presidents Cricket Match at Broadhalfpenny Down.

£100 or more

0 of 1 claimed

Charlotte Edwards All England Shirt

In 2022, Charlotte Edwards captained the All England side that played in the 250th Anniversary match at Broadhalfpenny Down. We have one, unworn, shirt available from the match which was kindly given to us from The Barmy Army; a collectors item. You can see the shirt on the website www.broadhalfpennydown.com or 2 minutes into this video ... https://www.broadhalfpennydown.com/post/the-long-walk-home-some-things-never-change

£175 or more

0 of 2 claimed

Thomas "Daddy" White B3 Bat

Such was Hambledon's influence that it could change the Laws. In 1771 Thomas "Daddy" White batted against them with a bat wider than the wicket. Within two days Hambledon had legislated as to the maximum width of a bat and produced a metal gauge to help enforce the amendment. We have 2 Commemorative bats made by B3 available for collection; 3* circa 2lb 9oz. https://b3cricket.com/collections/series-range/products/pulse-adult-cricket-bat

£300 or more

0 of 1 claimed

Lumpy Stevens Third Stump

The first great fast bowler, was responsible for the introduction of the third stump in 1776. This pledge will make a difference to the ground and to future generations, AND you will be; recognised on the website welcomed as an honoured guest to our annual Club Dinner (food included) invited to the President's Cricket Match, sent a souvenir mini-bat and full-size stump from the ground.

£666 or more

0 of 2 claimed

William Hogsflesh Ground Hire for your Party

William Hogsflesh was a bowler with a high delivery who bowled "a generally good length". He can be your host as you hire the ground for your own game memorable game of cricket and party. To be arranged mid-week date on a mutually agreeable date in 2025, 2026 or 2027. You will also be sent a mini bat as an extra reward.

£1,000 or more

2 of 5 claimed

Richard Nyren Life Membership

Life membership of Broadhalfpenny Brigands CC; mo more fees to pay ever again! Recognition on the club website & fixture card, get a Life Members pack including a book, tie, and some exclusive merchandise not available to ordinary Members, a personalised video message from the Brigands, and a bottle of Classic Cuvee Hambledon Vineyard. This can be made into a gift pack for a loved one.

£400 or more

1 of 1 claimed

George Leer Boundary Rope

George Leer was an Eighteenth-century cricketer whose specialty was fielding at long-stop behind the wicket-keeper, especially to the bowling of Thomas Brett. A rope will make it easier to see the boundary and help stop the ball rolling into the hedges and undergrowth. The pledge pays for the rope and comes with recognition on website, invitation to the President's Cricket Match and all you can eat at the Club Dinner.

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