A fundraising campaign for a new accessible pavilion at Purton Cricket Club, Ainslie’s Pavilion, in memory of Ainslie Duffell, is nearing its initial target of £50,000.
Launched in 2015 by cricket coach and club member Phil Duffell, the campaign aims to build a timber-framed, sustainable pavilion with solar panels and rainwater capture.
Ainslie, Phil’s wife, passed away in 2015 after a long battle with breast cancer, leaving behind her husband and son Alex, also a Purton club member.
The family discovered Ainslie’s sadness about not being able to watch games due to her illness and wheelchair limitations. The new pavilion, designed for full accessibility, will also provide facilities for the clubs female players.
The fund now stands at £60,000, but Phil believes they’ll need £170,000 for the new timber-framed building, which will be sustainable, with solar panels and rainwater capture.
“We launched the fund in 2015 and gave ourselves five years to raise an initial £50,000. We were doing well but then Covid hit and so much had to be cancelled, plus a lot of available grant money dried up,” said Phil.
“Added to that, building costs have risen, so all this means we have had to increase the amount needed, but I am sure we will get there.”
Swindon PR consultancy Scott Media, led by Fiona Scott, a close friend of Ainslie’s, has been instrumental in raising around £8,000 through various fundraising efforts.
Fiona’s fundraising endeavours, including an event in 2023 to mark her business’s 15th anniversary, have brought in around £8,000.
Fiona said: “It’s a real pleasure to help fundraise for the pavilion in my friend Ainslie’s memory. I can’t wait for the day when the new building is open, and we can welcome everyone in and offer much-improved facilities for female players.”
Phil said he was bowled over by the help people have given – Fiona, in particular.
“She’s the second most amazing woman I have met in my life, second only to Ainslie. Right from the beginning she has been so invested in this.”
The next fundraiser will be a raffle for a bat signed by England opening batsman Zak Crawley, donated by cricket clothing and equipment retailer Gray-Nicolls. To learn more about the raffle, campaign, or to make a donation, visit Purton Cricket Club’s website or contact Phil at apa.duffell@btinternet.com.
