Lansdown Cricket Club has launched a major fundraising campaign for two local charities ahead of its bicentenary year in 2025.
Unveiling the special Rob Parry commemorative bench at Combe Park | Photo © Lansdown Cricket Club
To celebrate the club being at the heart of Bath sport and community inclusion for two centuries, it is setting a challenge to raise £200,000.
The 200 for 200 Campaign will be in aid of RUHX, the official charity of Bath’s Royal United Hospital, and Dorothy House Hospice Care.
A memorial match held earlier this month for the launch raised £1,250 for the two charities.
Scott Longstaff, chairman of Lansdown Cricket Club, said: “We hope that members and the wider community in Bath will share with us our desire to make a difference to the work these fantastic local charities do, for us all.
“Everyone is invited to get involved and share fundraising ideas.”
Ruby Guymer-Parker, the community and volunteer officer at RUHX, said: “A huge thank you to Lansdown Cricket Club for choosing to support RUHX with their 200 for 200 campaign.
“The club is at the heart of the community here in Bath and their support will make a huge difference in supporting the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust (RUH), and the local community, to help more people to live healthier and happier lives in Bath and beyond.
“We look forward to supporting the club throughout their campaign.”
Dan Varley, community and events fundraiser at Dorothy House Hospice Care, said: “We simply could not do the work we do caring for patients, families and carers without the support of the community that we serve, and so for Lansdown Cricket Club to do so as part of their incredible 200 for 200 campaign means the world to the entire Dorothy House team.”
The launch weekend coincided with the first League fixture of 2024 – the First XI home match vs Bath Cricket Club.
The following day, Sunday 5th May, saw the inaugural Rob Parry Memorial Match at Combe Park between Lansdown Cricket Club and The Star CC to remember and celebrate Rob who played for The Star over many years and was also the clubhouse manager at Lansdown.
Rob passed away last year after suffering from cancer. A commemorative bench was unveiled at Combe Park on the day of the match.
The organisers said: “Despite the rain, it was a fantastic day with a good turnout. It was a great get-together to celebrate Rob’s life with his family.”
Many events and fundraising initiatives will be announced through 2024 and 2025.
Family fun days to fire walks are being planned, and a Big Cycle Ride taking place in May next year will see a Lansdown team cycling to every test cricket ground in England.
