Quite apart from the contribution this lively and proud club makes to NCU cricket we should always look out for our neighbours when times get tough and provide support.
If Craigavon Borough Council has inflicted the punitive financial levy on the club without consultation it is a poor reflection on their political leadership and their disregard for the history, tradition and culture of their area. Cricket has been played in the area for over 150 years and Lurgan Demesne was one of the first teams to play cricket in the town. Their part in our history and subsequently the huge contribution by the Lurgan and Victoria clubs has made Lurgan and its lovely park integral parts of the Ulster cricket story. Victoria Park is one of the most idyllic settings for a cricket match and if it is under threat then we must do everything in our power to help the Victoria Club. That’s the message that has to be sent to the club and its members at this stage, and it has to come from everyone who has a cricket interest.
The Rally Round Victoria campaign needs to start within the club and once they identify the problem and possible solutions we can all join the cause. This campaign should start without delay and the club needs to identify councillors that are behind their plight and integrate them into their campaign. Councillors are elected representatives of the community and rarely do they show complete unanimity so we suspect there are individuals who disagree with this decision and will be willing to help. It is not the first time a council has made a financials decision that has been rescinded later so the cause is never lost. The issue also needs widespread publicity in the local and national press and hopefully that is already in place. Councillors love good publicity and bad publicity hits hard when they make decisions that are against the public interest. Of course they will claim the higher tariff is warranted, but expenses on a Council Balance Sheet cover a multitude of items and this outlay should not be taken out of context. It is small beer on their Balance Sheet!
There will be plenty of supporters around and they will embrace cricketers, cricket clubs, cricket unions, community groups and local people, so the message we are sending out to the Victoria members is mobilize your campaign, let everyone know how they can help and let’s ensure we protect the long-term future of cricket in Victoria Park.
Clarence Hiles
Editor
