Geoff Banks-Smith Memorial Cricket Ground
Lilley's cricket ground is one of the more picturesque in Hertfordshire, nestled between fields, farmland and the village church and overlooked by the hills alongside Lilley. It has been Lilley's home since 1976 when Lilley Cricket Club was re-formed by enthusiasts from the village, with the land leased from Hertfordshire Council.
In 1998 however tragedy struck when the pavilion at the ground, largely wooden and built by club members some years before, was burnt to the ground in a fire, the origins of which the Fire Service could not determine.
Lilley Cricket Club were insured for the loss, however the amount was not even close to what the pavilion required to be re-built.
The club has released the following plans of the proposed new pavilion.
Despite the setbacks, Lilley have returned to playing cricket at the ground, albeit utilising the nearby village hall's kitchen and stage to get changed on! A funding application has been submitted to North Herts District Council's PACIF funding scheme and it is hoped building work will commence in Spring 2009 if successful. The replacement building will have multiple benefits for the village and surrounding area, allowing the return of not only full time cricket but also football and other sports too.
We are always looking for new ways to raise money or people who wish to give to help this cause. We believe that the mark of the strength of our club is that we have continued to go from strength to strength on and off the pitch for eight years without being able to use our home. We want to return village cricket to this beautiful ground and encourage a new generation of people from in and around Lilley to play and enjoy cricket. If you can help or want to know more, please e-mail lilley1895@aol.com or call our Club Secretary Stew Collinson on 07775 620 771.
Any updates on the pavilion replacement project will appear right here at www.lilleycc.com