Club rises from ashes

Scores of priceless old photographs went up in flames when the wooden pavilion at Lye Cricket Club was burnt down.

But these from the day the building opened back in 1971 still survive.

The pictures were found by club historian Dave Perks when searching the building after the fire last year. They will take pride of place on the wall when a new £260,000 brick built pavilion – the fifth in the clubs 150-year history – opens later this year.

Mr Perks was present on the opening day nearly 40 years ago when a star-studded Worcestershire side including Ron Headley, Basil D'Olivieira, Norman Gifford, Jim Yardley and Jack Flavell made the short trip to take on Lye in a friendly.

Wolves director and former England ladies captain Rachael Heyhoe Flint also guested for Lye – and Mr Perks recalled what happened when she was brought on to bowl.

He said: "I don't remember much about the game or the result, although I am sure they probably absolutely murdered us. But I do remember D'Olivieira's innings.

"He was on 99 and he had flailed us to all four corners of the ground. Then the skipper brought Rachael Heyhoe Flint on to bowl.

"Basil turned round and said 'I have never hit a woman in my life' and with that promptly gave his wicket away one short of a century.

"It summed up what a true gentleman he really was."

Ms Heyhoe Flint said: "I can so vividly remember the occasion because I have been dining out on that story ever since that day."

She added: "It was a lovely gesture."

Lord Cobham, of Hagley Hall, officially cut the red ribbon to declare the pavilion open and hundreds turned out for the occasion on a beautiful summers day.

Lord Cobham also presented a carriage clock to Lye club captain Ray Burrows, who almost single-handedly raised the £30,000 needed to build the pavilion.

Mr Perks said: "He worked in insurance but he did have time on his hands. He did everything, the ringing around, getting money in.

"Thirty thousand pounds was a hell of a lot of money in those days and without him we would not have been able to get the pavilion up as quick as we did."

The club is appealing for anyone with old photographs to come forward so they can be used as part of the opening plans for the new pavilion.

Anyone who can help is urged to call Mr Perks on 01384 423458.