This document was first published in 1985 as a potted history of the club. It is to be overhauled to cover the years 1985 to the year 2003, and is expected to continue to grow with the club, and, as all good cricket tales do.

The Cotswold Village of Dumbleton lies within the northern boundary of Gloucestershire and the cricket ground is situated on the outskirts of the village in the parkland of Dumbleton Hall, surrounded by trees; oaks, maples, land willows, golden willows, yews, scotts pines and chestnuts.

The wooded hills provide a beautiful backdrop to what must be one of the most picturesque cricket grounds and the lack of passing traffic provides a peaceful setting for many a highly charged emotional local derby.

A pond with a small island is situated immediately behind the pavilion and when high spirits prevail, many a cricketer has taken the plunge.

The outfield is very flat and well kept. The wicket itself has always been a batsman's wicket; easy paced and very true and with a bed of ashes below the square the wicket dries out very quickly.

Although this book has taken many months of research it is not intended as a complete history but merely a brief outline. Some interesting facts have come to light such as there has always been a Hopkins playing for the club since 1885 and Joe Slatter playing for over fifty years, but no doubt there are other facts not appearing in this book. We can only apologize in advance for such omissions.

The aim of this book is to put down on record for all time some of the history, which makes this club so unique. We hope in the months to come you will derive much pleasure from the contents herein and perhaps help to pass a long winter's evening more pleasantly.

Vernon Powell, Peter White

August, 1985

A Brief History of Dumbleton Cricket Club