MILDENHALL Cricket Club is to hold a one-day tournament in memory of two long-serving members.

Ricky Handy and Beryl Squire, who both passed away earlier this year, spent their final days at St Nicholas Hospice Care in Bury St Edmunds. Beryl, 77, was a long-serving social committee member, while first-team batsman Rick, who was diagnosed with cancer around four years ago, lost his battle against the disease aged just 44.

After their families received many enquiries as to what they could do to show their appreciation of the care both received in their final days, the club has decided to raise funds for the hospice.

The tournament, which is taking place at Mildenhall’s Wamil Way ground on Bank Holiday Monday, May 7, will see a team captained by Andy Squire contest a 15 overs, eight-ball per innings match against a team captained by Ian Handy’s XI.

Players from several of the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship - the competition Mildenhall field four men’s and one women’s team in - and beyond have agreed to participate.

In a second match a Mildenhall Present XI will play a Mildenhall Past XI with many of Rick’s former team mates returning to take part.

Winners of the two matches will go head-to-head in a final using the same match format.

Tony Cornell, president of Mildenhall CC, said: “Mildenhall are celebrating 40 years at Wamil Way this summer and both Beryl and Rick played a large part in the development of the club throughout that time. Fund-raising is planned for all day with bacon and egg rolls (a Beryl speciality) along with tea and coffee being served throughout the matches.

“Then after the match there will be a barbecue along with an alternative curry available. There will also be an auction for some personalised items that have been donated to support the St Nicholas Hospice appeal. A ground draw is also planned.”

As this is a one-off event, which is due to start at 10.30am, contingency plans are in place to combat poor weather conditions and alternative activities will take place using the artificial wicket or indoors in the pavilion.

Everyone is invited to attend all or part of the day and hopefully support this worthwhile fund-raising event. If you cannot get along but would like to donate please contact Andy Squire or Lou Handy via http://mildenhallcricketclub.hitscricket.com/home.aspx