As we start the second half reach the halfway point of the season, with a key fixture against Mildenhall on Saturday 16 July, Bury St Edmunds Cricket Club has more than a demanding fixture list on their agenda.

For the past two years, the club, whose home at the Victory Ground, on Nowton Road, is regarded as one of the best in East Anglia, have been actively fundraising to further enhance the facilities they offer; in this case the provision of a new outdoor training net facility that will be constructed to the highest standards.

Local cricket fans, like supporters across the country, will, after a disappointing winter in Australia and the Caribbean, been delighted by the transformation in our national teams performances over recent weeks. The reasons for the upturn are many and varied, and have been picked over by the TV pundits in great detail. One thing however, is unarguable, better performance starts with practice. Hours spent practicing, and developing skills, allows players to become the best they can; whether that be at local, county, or International level.

That is why the club (Registered Charity No 1172366) are so keen to provide quality facilities for Adults, Boys and Girls and the Disabled, and they need all the help they can. Although their fundraising has been very successful, they have still to reach their target, and are calling on all committed cricket lovers in West Suffolk for HELP, by becoming a ‘Donor Friend’ of the club for £5 per month payable by standing order to the club.

Although the club will be grateful for any financial help, they also want to grow their support base and be seen as a welcoming venue for local cricket lovers. So why not get down to the Victory Ground in person, and support the club at one of their forthcoming fixtures. In addition to Saturday's match with Mildenhall, the first team have games against Copdock, Sawston, Witham and Saffron Walden before the season is over. Plus there are other matches taking place most weekends. Whatever fixture you choose, and these can be found on the club website www.bsecc.co.uk, you are assured of a warm welcome. As an added incentive, if you take the voucher from the advert in the Bury Free Press you will receive a pint of GREENE KING IPA beer for £1.

If you do decide to become a ‘Donor Friend’ please contact the club treasurer David E Barker MBE at david@ejbarker.co.uk, or 07876 496064.