The Heytesbury Recreation Ground Trust (HRGT) officially launched its ambitious fundraising campaign on the evening of Thursday, 27th February, at the village church. Nearly 60 residents attended the meeting, with many more expressing their support for the initiative, which aims to purchase a cherished area of parkland currently up for sale. The land, long used by generations of villagers for recreation and home to successful local sports clubs such as the Heytesbury & Sutton Veny Cricket Club, holds deep historical and cultural significance.
The campaign has already seen a remarkable response, with a six-figure sum pledged after just the first meeting. While there is still some way to go to reach the £330,000 target, the overwhelming support from the community offers hope that the vendors will recognise the importance of preserving this vital green space for future generations.
The parkland is particularly notable for its association with the celebrated World War I poet and author, Siegfried Sassoon, who made Heytesbury his home in 1933 and lived there until his passing. A passionate sportsman, Sassoon’s love for cricket and football was well known. He was often seen at village matches, and it is said that he would occasionally don his whites and join in the play, much to the amusement (and sometimes dismay) of his teammates. A fervent supporter of grassroots sport, he believed in the unifying power of the game and delighted in the camaraderie of local matches.
HRGT spokesman Roly Rickcord shared his enthusiasm for the early success of the fundraising effort: “Upholding Siegfried Sassoon’s legacy, especially his passion for the cricket pitch and its surrounding parkland, is of paramount importance to us. The outpouring of support from the community has been nothing short of inspiring. It’s clear that the people of Heytesbury deeply value this parkland, and we are hopeful that the vendors will acknowledge the passion and commitment of the village in protecting this historic space. We remain optimistic about working together to achieve a positive outcome, ensuring that this treasured land remains a place of recreation and inspiration for generations to come.”
The HRGT is now calling on all those who cherish Heytesbury’s heritage and green spaces to contribute to this vital campaign. With the momentum already building, the trust remains confident that, through collective effort, the village can secure this treasured land for generations to come.
For further information on how to support the campaign, please contact: mcjhutchings@hrgtrust.co.uk