Highfield Centenary Legacy Project

gary speakman profile

Project by gary speakman

Total raised £22,241

raised so far

154

supporters

Lets match the community support from 100 years ago and deliver a new legacy by upgrading key facilities ahead of 2024, our centenary year.

We're still collecting donations

On the 10th December 2023 we'd raised £22,191 with 152 supporters in 35 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.

 New stretch target

You helped us reached our initial target with 12 days still remaining, so we would like to continue raising funds, possibly towards the amount raised back in 2020. 

Could we even dare to dream that we might beat that figure of £24,515? 🤞🙏

The additional funds would enable us to make some further improvements to our cricket pavilion/conservatory area ahead of the centenary season. 

You are all quite wonderful, thank you so much !!


Who we are & what we do

Highfield Cricket Club was established in the late 19th century but following a bequeathment of land from a local colliery owner, the club moved to the current ground on Billinge Road, Wigan, in 1924, so Highfield CC will start to celebrate its centenary in just a few months time, 2024. 

The club prides itself on being at the heart of the community, providing both

1603360242_f1fdc050-2b5b-44ba-b64d-fd6e045cc4fc.jpeg sporting and social opportunities for young and older alike. In excess of 6,000 individuals use the ground each year with many of them enjoying our outdoor facilities on multiple occasions.

Community Engagement To Date

1698053072_b103da7c-59d1-4ab3-a9a1-019a0dd12bff.jpegOur engagement with our community is truly two way, indeed such that in late 2020, we reached out to that community and ran our very first crowdfunding campaign to install a brand new drainage system for our ground. Thanks to your generosity and the Active Together Fund from Sport England, we exceeded our £20,000 target. The project was completed in 2021 and enabled a transformational improvement, allowing us to use our beautiful ground even more throughout the season for games and training, as well as community events.

The club is very proud of the impact it makes in our community and just a few weeks ago on 7th October 2023, was awarded “Sports Club of the year” for the whole of Wigan Borough.  It was clear that the judging panel recognised the sustained positive impact of our club on the following:

  • 6 junior teams who train and play weekly
  • 3 senior teams who train and play weekly

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  • Representative junior teams (both Wigan and Lancashire) who use our ground and facilities
  • All stars (5 to 8 year old children's introduction to cricket)

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  • Large groups of spectators who watch and enjoy cricket for free every week

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  • Opportunities for volunteering on the ground, improving health and well being.
  • The local community who attend our large scale outdoor events such as Family Funday and Bonfire Night.

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What Community Help Do We Need Now?

1698050890_img_7472.jpegOur volunteer coaches work very hard developing the techniques and skills (and fun) needed for our juniors and seniors to improve their game. Unfortunately, our practice facilities on our ground need refurbishment with one of our three astro turf lanes needing replacement, along with a general repair of netting and surrounds to ensure safety for all.

We also need to raise money to complete a much needed refurbishment of our scorebox and digital upgrade of our old analogue scoreboard as we are unable to source replacement parts when it fails.

1696950940_img_7473.jpegThis year, 2023, has been financially difficult for our club due to the very late cancellation of our Family Funday due to the unseasonal deluge in August which even our fabulous drainage couldn't remove quickly enough, meaning that planned funds for this project were not generated.


Help Us To Deliver A Legacy

To make our project a reality, we need your help to raise the remaining £20k funding ahead of the new year so we can complete the refurbishment and upgrade of our facilities well ahead of the 2024 season, our centenary year.

Exactly 100 years ago, our ground was created by the local colliery workers, working on land generously bequeathed by the mine owners, the Blundell family. And in May 1924, the first game was played on the ground. 

It would be fantastic if our community could rise again to the challenge and support us, as we seek to ensure we have the facilities in place to help sustain Highfield Cricket Club well beyond our centenary. What a legacy that would be, and what a party we can then have at the end of May 2024, our planned Community Day, when all will be welcome!

There are 4 simple ways where you could help us deliver our legacy project;

  • Make a pledge or purchase a reward
  • Spread the word by sharing the fundraising campaign on your personal social media so it reaches the biggest audience. The more people we reach the more support we will get
  • Offer a reward or recommend a business you may know to donate a reward and support our campaign. We will give you a shout-out! That includes all those fabulous individuals and businesses who have already offered rewards, with others planned to be introduced during the crowdfunder campaign.
  • If you want to run your own fundraiser to support us, maybe a sponsored activity or similar, just press the “Start Fundraising” button. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Or you can run the fundraiser separately and simply donate the money via this crowdfunder.

 

Become a fundraiser

Want to raise funds for this cause? It's simple to get started.

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Rewards

This project offered rewards

£10 or more

Enter Our Christmas Draw

Christmas Draw tickets £10 for two strips (10 tickets). GREAT prizes include a christmas drinks hamper and a christmas food hamper for delivery pre christmas and more gifts which can be redeemed in 2024. Draw tickets will be issued to you by email, text, whatsapp ahead of the draw which will be held on Sat December 16th 2023. Winning prizes will be emailed (if a voucher) or delivered (if physical) pre christmas.

£6 or more

Centenary Mug

Get your very own drinking Mug, complete with Highfield CC centenary branding. Delivered to you before Christmas. Please take a look here - https://youtu.be/wR7w0eqEOvg?si=1bAZPBTJCkMcFWXS

£10 or more

Comedy Night with four top comedians

Be assured of a great night, full of laughs, with four professional comedians - Alun Cochrane (appeared on TV a lot), Tony Burgess, Steve Cookson and Bobby Murdock who will compere proceedings. Saturday 10th February, doors open at 7.15pm, show starts at 8.15pm. Highfield Community Hall

£10 or more

Pamper yourself with Treenas Beauty Treats

£20 voucher to spend on anything showing on this website. Https://consultant.thebodyshop.com/en-gb/myshop/treenahughes/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/142836169143248/?ref=share_group_link

£10 or more

£25 voucher for a full set of Builder Gel Nails

£25 voucher for a full set of Builder Gel Nails donated by Linzi based at Nail & Beauty Rooms, Enfield St, Wigan. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094639430245

£15 or more

£25 voucher for Bespoke Box

Bespoke Box have so many great gifts including personalised wedding boxes, baby boxes and bridesmaid boxes. This £25 voucher, heavily discounted to just £15, offers you some super options. https://instagram.com/stories/bespokeboxgifts/3222969833719989258?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

£20 or more

£25 Voucher for Bang & Loop Salons Wigan/Standish

Bang & Loop have Hairdressing Salons on the High Street in Standish and on Stadium Way, Robin Park, Wigan. https://www.facebook.com/Bangandloophair

£20 or more

yoga, meditation or gong bath.

Tiffany has donated a £25 giftcard, for use at any classes at The Den Yoga Studio on Bridgeman Terrace in Wigan town centre - yoga, meditation or gong bath. thedenyogastudio.co.uk

£25 or more

Become a Club Member for 2024

Pledge £25 today and we'll reward you with one years non playing adult club membership for 2024, our centenary year. The membership card enables a minimum 10% off all club bar prices.

£25 or more

Cricket Coaching For All Ages And Abilities

Enjoy an hours 1-1 cricket coaching during summer 2024 with a qualified (and safeguarding accredited) coach, using our outdoor facilities. Great fun for boys and girls of all ages or an adult looking to get into the game for the first time or picking it up again after a break.

£25 or more

Black Friday Offer

This is a great package and an opportunity for families associated with both junior and senior players, or local businesses, to sponsor a game AND get a chance to win some Christmas Draw prizes! Sponsor any junior or senior game of your choice in our centenary season for just £25 (reduced from £40) and we will also give you (free of charge) a strip of tickets for the Christmas Draw (valued at £5).

£35 or more

Become a VIP Centenary Club Member for 2024

Pledge £35 today and we'll reward you with a unique centenary year membership card, with just 100 such cards available. This gives you one year non playing adult club membership for 2024, our centenary year. The membership card enables a minimum 10% off all club bar prices.

£50 or more

Hour long Golf Lesson with a PGA Professional

PGA Golf professional Phil Newnes has kindly donated two golf lessons, each an hour long, which can be taken at the Chilli Dip Golf facility at Blackrod. Great christmas present. 20% discount from usual price. http://www.golftuition.net

£150 or more

6 months Gym membership including daily classes

What a great way to start 2024, with a full 6 months membership of a local gym owned by Nick, a qualified personal trainer and owner of Gym Freak Fitness. https://www.facebook.com/NHFitnessandmassage. You can access the gym as often as you wish, and attend any of the c 15 small group classes each week.

£150 or more

Matchday Sponsorship inc Hospitality for 10 guests

Sponsor a weekend senior game during the summer of 2024 and enjoy a Pie and Peas tea for up to 10 guests. Chose a game from our senior home fixtures and have your name or business featured on our Matchday Board situated by the main entrance, as well as on our social media and website.

£200 or more

Maths Tuition Package - 8 lessons

8 one hour sessions delivered by highly experienced Maths teacher up to higher level GCSE standard.

£450 or more

3 YEAR SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE inc ADVERTISING BOARD

Your business will be featured on your very own Advertising Board on Ground. Package covers Advertising Board for 3 years and includes initial production costs. PLUS two match day sponsorships a year, permanent recognition on sponsors board on website and and social media/website coverage throughout year

£10 or more

Get Fitter In 2024 With Your Own Personal Trainer!

Get fitter in 2024 with the support of a Personal Trainer, Nick Hill. You will enjoy a 45mins programme with Nick, based at his own Gym in Wigan. Usual price £25. https://www.facebook.com/NHFitnessandmassage

£15 or more

£20 voucher for Missy’s Beauty Bakes

Missys Beauty Bakes is a local baker who produces Brownies, Cheesecakes and other yummy treats. https://instagram.com/missysbeautybakes?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

£15 or more

Candle Gift Set from “So Kay”

“So Kay” are based in Wigan, retailing homemade soaps, candles, wax melts and so much more. https://instagram.com/sokay_2022?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== This Candle Gift set retails at £24.

£15 or more

Christmas Gifts

Janey has donated a £30 Voucher against anything on her Facebook page “FM and Gifts” by janey g. https://www.facebook.com/fm.and.gifts.by.janey.g

£20 or more

Hand painted Pet Portrait on wood

Simply share your pet photo with Donna at “Northerngirl208” and she will produce a hand painted wooden slice including your pet portrait. They usually retail at £25. https://instagram.com/northerngirl208?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

£20 or more

Christmas Day Veg Box from Windy Arbour Farm

Your Christmas Day Vegetables can be sorted with this Box, collectible from Windy Arbour Farm, Winstanley, Wigan on 21,22,23rd December. https://www.windy-arbour.co.uk/

£25 or more

Full Body Massage

Luxe Beauty are offering a full body massage, normally priced at £40. https://www.facebook.com/luxebeautywigan

£25 or more

Holistic Treatments

Take your choice from a range of treatments which Josh delivers from his Lodge in Winstanley. The treatments have a usual value of between £25 and £50. http://www.facebook.com/timefortherevival

£40 or more

Ladies Pamper Package at Radiant Living Parbold

Ladies Pamper Package: Pedicure plus Blow Dry with Olaplex treatment. RRP £85 https://www.facebook.com/RadiantLivingSpa

£50 or more

Let Roberta Dean Aesthetics Sort Those Wrinkles

A £100 voucher for Roberta Dean Aesthetics, who can provide anti wrinkle injections and dermal fillers. Fully qualified. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064743637196

£80 or more

Enjoy a four ball game of golf at Ashton Golf Club

Great opportunity to play at Ashton Golf Club. The reward comprises a four ball round of golf, tee times subject to availability during 2024.

£100 or more

Overnight Dinner, B&B at Dunkenhalgh Hotel.

One night dinner for two person (2 course), plus bed and breakfast at the beautiful 4* Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa, near Blackburn. Valid until December 2024. Usual price c £145 https://all.accor.com/hotel/6617/index.en.shtml?utm_campaign=seo+maps&utm_medium=seo+maps&utm_source=google+Maps

£150 or more

Enjoy a four ball round of golf at Wigan Golf Club

Great opportunity to play at the quaint Wigan Golf Club. The reward comprises a four ball round of golf, tee times subject to availability during 2024.

£180 or more

Hand Crafted Commemorative Benches

These hand-made benches are built from high-quality sleepers, ensuring durability and timeless elegance. Whether commemorating a loved one, marking an anniversary, or creating a lasting tribute, our benches will be a lasting statement personalised just for you with your chosen inscription on an included plaque. 1.8m wide, 30cm deep and sitting 50cm off the ground. Locations will be offered on a first come first served basis.

£550 or more

Holiday Break in North Wales for 6 people

A 4 night mid-week or 3 night weekend mini break for up to six people in a stunning holiday home 'Y Nyth' on the Menai Straits in North Wales. https://www.walescottageholidays.co.uk/search?areaid=171&locationid=5492&nights=7&plusminus=1&attribute428=false. This represents a c.30% average discount to the website price.To be taken subject to availability before end 2024, term time only and excluding July and August.

£1,500 or more

Headline Sponsorship - Highfield Centenary

Become the headline sponsor for a wide programme of celebratory activities during Highfield CC centenary year. Please contact Gary on 07721639970 to discuss further.

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