Ramblers v. Astolat - 1972. Letter exchange commenting on the 'new' facility at Woolmer Hill. The match is listed in the fixture card but not in the relevant scorebook and so was probably cancelled.

9th December 1971

Hugh Gauntlett, Esq.
Hon. Secretary
Sydenhurst Ramblers Cricket Club
2 Crossways Cottages
BROOK
Nr. Godalming
Surrey.

Dear Hugh,

Astolat 1972

The rather long silence suggests you may not have received my letter of the 16th November in which I asked. you about a fixture with the Ramblers next season.
We had in mind either 26th May or 2nd June for a half day game preferably at Brook rather than Woolmer Hill.
Those who played in the fixture last season have told me that the ground at Brook is much to be preferred and I hope we can agree something.
Yours sincerely,
John Burstow.

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J.Burstow, Esq. ,
c/o The Surveyors Department,
Hitchin Urban District Council,
Council Offices,
Brand Street,
Hitchin,
Herts.

Dear John, 25th January, 1972

I must apologise for notot replying to your letter dated 9th December, and your previous one earlier, but as you will see from the above I have moved house and they have taken some time to catch up with me. Please note my new address in your records.
I can do the 26th May, but not 2nd June, 2.30 start, but unfortunately it wll not be possible for the game to be played at Brook.
It has been necessary for us to move the majority of our mid-week games
away from Brook to try and preserve the wicket which has been deteriorating in recent years to Woolmer Hill. This is not a matter of choice on our part but of necessity.
However, I can advise you that conditions at Woolmer Hill have improved markedly over the last year which was after all its first year of use as a cricket field. The Council have now built a Pavilion with all facilities, the lack of which was I feel the main draw back in the past.
I have pencilled in this date and look forward to receiving you confirmation that it is acceptable in due course.
Yours sincerely,
Hugh Gauntlett.