On Wednesday 29 November the mechanical roller belonging to Coombe Bissett and Homington Cricket Club was stolen from the recreation ground. The thieves cut through the fence behind the pavilion and removed the most important and valuable piece of machinery belonging to the Club.

This is a very serious loss for the Cricket Club and indeed for the village as a whole. Without a roller our groundsman will not able to prepare the pitch to the necessary standard on which cricket can be played next season. There is therefore the possibility that cricket might no longer be played in Coombe Bissett and that the Club of which we are justifiably proud (and which has existed in its current form for over 30 years) might cease to exist.

The impact of this loss is arguably much wider than just the absence of cricket matches. The Cricket Club is one of the many thriving and mutually beneficial organisations in our villages to which so many of us belong. It is the Cricket Club that maintains the village recreation ground on behalf of the Parish Council.

The funds required to replace the roller are greater than the Club on its own can afford. The cost of a replacement is estimated at £8,500.00. This figure includes the provision of suitable secure storage without which it will not possible to secure and insure the machine against future loss.

The Club has already allocated a significant proportion of its own funds towards the cost of a replacement roller. We are also approaching a wide range of groups and organisations, both within the village and further afield, whom we hope might be willing to help us reach our target. We are also increasing our Club fundraising activity next year.