Hundreds gather to bid farewell to Budleigh's historic cricket ground

Emotions were high as crowds, unfazed by showers, gathered on Sunday September 4 to say their farewells to Budleigh's cricket ground in a day of family fun, nostalgia and celebration.

A match between the 1st XI and the Club Legends drew many stalwarts back for one last chance to play on the historic ground - on this occasion no amount of rain could have stopped play.

More than 300 came along to enjoy cricket, food, live music from local band Good Question, and side stalls at the Over and Out event to mark the club's departure from the Ottermouth ground. Later this month the club will leave the site as part of the EAs £9m scheme to breach the embankments of the River Otter in several places to allow it to reconnect to its original flood plains.

A fun quiz tested members on their knowledge of the ground's history and a display of old photos gave visitors the chance to glance back at the club's rich history.

A fireworks display, courtesy of the club's former chairman and sponsor Malcolm Baker was a fitting finale to the day.

But, as well as an official farewell, the event was as much about celebrating the club's move to its new home, Janey's Field on East Budleigh Road – a cutting edge facility capable of meeting the needs of men's, ladies' and junior cricket and all forms of disability cricket.

A club spokesperson said: "It was heartwarming to see how many people came along to say farewell to the ground and to share memories of their times here. Many of those who helped us mark the day spent much of their childhoods here and have generations of their family tied up in the club's history.

"The weather didn't deter people, the side stalls were well supported and the bar did a roaring trade! We'd like to thank all the volunteers that made the day possible and all those who came along to share in this piece of history. We look forward to seeing everyone up at the new ground for the 2023 season!"