Preservation Trust
The Broadhalfpenny Down Preservation Trust ensures the long-term future of Broadhalfpenny Down, on which cricket continues to be played regularly for the enjoyment of players, spectators and the many who make pilgrimages to the ground from all over the world.
About The Trust
The Broadhalfpenny Down Preservation Trust was incorporated in 2010 and granted charitable status in 2012. It is responsible for raising the funds to fulfil the following objectives:
1. For the benefit of the public to protect, preserve, maintain and improve the historic cricket ground at Broadhalfpenny Down as a feature of special historical interest and its facilities.
Working closely with the Brigands Cricket Club the trust has worked on a number of continuous ground improvement projects ensuring the buildings, infrastructure and equipment is well cared for.
2.To promote community participation in healthy recreation by providing the cricket ground for the training and playing of cricket for the benefit of (amongst others) young people including those with learning difficulties and disabilities and those who might otherwise have limited access to recreational facilities.
To actively support the ECB’s strategy ‘Inspiring a generation’ the Trust hosts a number of youth, disability and visually impaired matches throughout the season.
3. To promote the education of the public on matters connected with the history of the cricket ground and thus the history of cricket itself.
The Trust is delighted to arrange media visits, events and tours to promote the history of the ground and the ‘Glory Days of Hambledon’.
4. To do all such things as shall be conducive to the attainment of the above objects.
It is the Preservation Trust's responsibility to raise the funds required for the maintenance and improvement of the ground and the hosting of matches and events it sponsors.
The Trust is proactive in seeking opportunities to promote both the history and the future of Cricket. It is the Preservation Trust's responsibility to raise the funds required for the maintenance and improvement of the ground and the hosting of matches and the events it sponsors.
Patrons
Dr Ali Bacher, JRT Barclay DL, David Gower OBE, Lord Maclaurin of Knebworth DL, The Rt Hon Sir John Major KG CH, Mark Nicholas, The Hon Sir Oliver Popplewell, Sir Tim Rice, Sir Garfield Sobers, Richard Stilgoe OBE DL, Raman Subba Row CBE, John Woodcock OBE
Chairman
Michael Beardall
Click on the video below to hear the Chairman give a history of Broadhalfpenny Down and his thoughts on the 250th anniversary of the first First Class match in 2022 (with thanks to the ICC).
Support Our Future
Corporate bodies, trusts and individuals are invited to help Broadhalfpenny Down by contributing to its running costs and development. The future of the ground, which holds such a special place in the history of cricket and is revered by cricket lovers throughout the world.
Your support enables our endeavours to preserve Broadhalfpenny Down, help young cricketers, particularly those with learning difficulties, the disadvantaged and the visually impaired.
Hampshire Visually Impaired Cricket Club
The club was formed in 2008 and played its first match in 2009 in the same year that they first played at Broadhalfpenny Down against a Sussex XI as part of the Brigands’ Jubilee cricket week. They are sponsored by the Primary Club, Hampshire CC, British Blind Sports and Sport England and affiliated to Blind Cricket England and Wales (BCEW). Visually impaired cricket is played with a small-sized football which makes a clearly discernible noise when it bounces. It is a skilful and competitive game.
Special Schools Cricket
Hampshire CCC was a pioneer in setting up cricket coaching for the disabled and youngsters with special educational needs. Kwik-cricket coaching takes place in Special Schools across the county and their seasons work towards a finale which has been hosted on Broadhalfpenny Down for many years. For secondary schools, the finals of the Danny Bond League take place on the Down. For primary schools, after coaching and playing Kwik-cricket through the Summer, up to 8 schools participate in the Festival at the Down to find the shield winners.
Hampshire CCC Regional Performance Centre Cricket
Young cricketers from ages 10 to 16 are nurtured through inter-district matches and competitions throughout the season at which selections are made for County representative teams. Broadhalfpenny Down hosts matches and is a training venue in the early part of the season.
Trusts, Institutions and Corporate Donations
If you are part of a trust, institution or corporate body, you can make donations for general use or specified projects within the club. Your contributions may be acknowledged in a variety of ways.
Individual Donations
Individuals can make donations, preferably with Gift Aid (for tax payers). If you donate more than £1,000 you are recorded as major donor and may, if you wish, host a match on Broadhalfpenny Down.
