A cricket club is once again battling the aftermath of flooding 10 years after major repairs were needed to save its clubhouse.
During the flooding in January, Hurley Cricket Club's building was damaged and its playing fields were left under water.
Across the region, many towns and villages were experiencing the worst flooding in January since 2014, with Hurley, Cookham and the four villages of Datchet, Horton, Wraysbury and Old Windsor all suffering from rising water levels.
Turning to GoFundMe after the club was denied insurance due to its location on a flood plain, Mike Walton has appealed to the public to help raise £30,000 to repair the club.
The fundraiser has since seen 89 donations raise £11,647.
He wrote how the River Thames flooding has caused "devastation" to the club.
"After the last flood in 2014 we had to refurbish the pavilion and repair all our machinery," he added.
"Since then we have been unable to obtain insurance for flooding and the future of the club is in doubt."
Now a month on, Mike says the sodden carpets have been removed and dehumidifiers are operating to dry the club room out in time for cricket season, which begins in April and lasts until September.
Speaking to The Observer, Mike, 64, who is the facilities manager at the club, shared how he has been playing for the club since he was 14 years old and continues to be an active member despite living in Bracknell. "It is a big part of my life," he added.
Mike was one of the first to notice the precarious situation in January, stating: "It went from no water on the Saturday to loads of water on the Sunday - it was all very sudden.
"Water levels were roughly the same as in 2014 but I don't think the damage was quite the same. Last time we had to replace all the kitchen cabinets as well as the flooring. This time the kitchen cabinets were on legs and above the water level."
Despite this, the club is currently forking out £300 a week to hire dehumidifiers, on top of a "horrendous" electricity bill.
Outside, Mike believes it is going to take quite a bit of time to get the grounds in a playable state.
"The playing square doesn't look too bad but the outfield was under water for a couple of days.
"Our main problem will be getting onto the outfield to cut it as it is still too wet. Normally in winter that would be kept under control, cutting it every month or so. We haven't been able to do that yet."
Since starting the fundraiser Mike has been "amazed" at the generosity of local people.
"A lot of players and people from other clubs that have played at Hurley over the years have been very generous in their support. It is encouraging to see that.
"Last time it was all covered by insurance so we didn't suffer financially from it. £30,000 is what we think it will cost to repair. Hopefully we will be able to cover the costs with the fundraiser and other help from organisations."
Mike said the next steps for the club will be to have vinyl flooring laid, getting the machinery serviced and their main priority - getting the grounds ready.
"We are grateful for the support we are getting from people and hopefully that will continue and we can get it all back up and running by the start of the season."
To view the fundraiser visit gofundme.com/f/restore-our-cricket-club-after-flooding
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