On Thursday 13th October, the Dowlish Wake Pavilion in Somerset was destroyed by fire in suspicious circumstances. This much loved community asset was designed, built, and funded entirely by volunteers in 2005, and is run by the Lawrence Kellett Playing Field Trust. The pavilion was home to a croquet club, a football team and a mah jong club.
The largest user is The Dowlish Wake Golf Croquet Club who have a huge problem to solve as they have committed to running 3 league teams next season with no prospect of a new pavilion until the Autumn of 2017!
They are determined to organise some temporary facilities and are looking at portable buildings and marquees. If, as a like-minded croquet player, you wish to make a donation to this appeal it would really help the club. If you identify yourself as a croquet player, the proceeds will be allocated to helping provide facilities for croquet next season and would be much appreciated.
The Trust is determined to rebuild it as quickly as possible so the community can once again use it's facilities. Although properly insured, the insurance amount is unlikely to cover the full cost of rebuilding and re-fitting the pavilion. We have already had many promises of financial help from the local community, but we will need the goodwill of everyone to be able to rebuild the pavilion.
I am Chairman of the Trust, and I will be leading the fundraising campaign. I have set up this page as we require an immediate 'fighting fund' to enable work to start, and provide temporary facilities. I have been asked by many people how they can donate money, and hopefully this page will provide the answer. All donations received will go directly to the rebuilding of the pavilion. If anyone can help financially, even with just a small amount through this page, then we would be enormously grateful, and your contribution will be vital to us providing a new pavilion to the community.