Illustrious authors will swap the tapping of keyboards for the gentle thwack of leather on willow in a bid to protect some of Suffolk’s most treasured landscapes from flooding.
The Alde and Ore Estuary Trust has enlisted The Authors Cricket Club to play a Suffolk fundraising match as part of its £12million flood defence campaign.
The Authors Club, whose players include Sebastian Faulks, Tom Holland, Richard Beard, Anthony McGowan and captain Charlie Campbell, will take on Sudbourne Hall Cricket Club on Sunday, September 2,
Spectators will also be encouraged to donate £10 to the AOET’s “Save Our Suffolk Estuary” campaign by texting AOET10 £10 to 70070.
The campaign, which launched last year, aims to raise around £12million to upgrade the Alde and Ore estuary flood defences in recognition of its importance to the economy, particularly tourism.
Mr Campbell explained why the team was happy to support the campaign. “With its historic landmarks including a 12th century castle, pagodas on Orford Ness and largest single spit in Europe, Orford is unquestionably one of the prettiest villages in Suffolk, enjoyed all year round by villagers and visitors alike,” he said.
“It is important we all play a part in helping to reduce the risks the Alde and Ore estuary faces from tidal surges and the devastating impact this flooding would have on the area.”
The AOET was set up to highlight the need to make the river defences more resilient to the threat of devastating flooding, such as those of 1953 and the 2013 storm surge which breached the Hazelwood Marsh.
Trust chairman Jane Maxim said: “We are enormously grateful to Sudbourne Hall Cricket Club and all the renowned authors supporting this fundraising match and highlighting the important fundraising work of the Trust as the Save Our Suffolk Estuary campaign continues to gather momentum.”
It is estimated £12m is needed for upgrading the river defences, with £2m expected to come from statutory funding and £5m from farmers and landowners.
The remaining £5m will need to be raised through donations, applications to charitable foundations and local businesses.
The match is available for all to attend.
People who would like to donate cakes or sandwiches should contact Clare Greenwell on 01394 450440.
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