HOWZAT! VILLAGE CRICKET CLUB BACKED WITH FUNDING

ACRICKET club in Gotherington has been bowled over after receiving £1,000 from a leading regional housebuilder to help purchase a new mower. Gotherington Cricket Club, which caters for all ages, from six-years-old to senior teams, received the cash injection from Persimmon Homes South Midlands. The club has ongoing fundraising activities and relies on donations to help with larger items. The charity was awarded the money via Persimmon Homes Community Champions initiative, where charities and groups can apply for funding up to the value of £1,000. Nationally, the scheme has donated more than £2million to good causes right across the UK. Rob Sharp, from the club, said: “Everyone at the club was thrilled to receive the brilliant news from Persimmon Homes. “We are lucky enough to have fantastic volunteers who work tirelessly for the club, helping to make it a popular part of the community. “The donation will help fund our new mower, which will be of great benefit to our club for years to come. Many clubs near our patch are folding due to lack of support so we are very grateful to Persimmon for its kind donation.” Carol Selway, sales director for Persimmon Homes South Midlands, said: “We are delighted to show our support for a cricket club that is at the heart of the community. “The team in Gotherington rely heavily on fundraising and donations, so we wanted to do anything we could to help the club purchase its new mower. “We are passionate about the communities we build in and offer our Community Champions scheme as a way to support charities and groups in these areas.” Persimmon Homes’ sister company Charles Church has a range of two, three, four and five bedroom homes at Gotherington Grange. Other charities and groups are encouraged to apply for match-funding by filling in the quick and easy form on the company’s website at www. persimmonhomes.com/charity.