Greatest Moment

The 1997 pavilion redevelopment.

Local Hero

Sue Woolford – key club official who masterminded the recent pavilion redevelopment grant application.

Bizarre Fact

Other early clubs in the village were named Luddendenfoot Rising Star and Luddendenfoot Jolly Boys.

Fields, Roads and Greenery

Luddendenfoot's ground, high up on the south bank of the River Calder, is surrounded by farmers' fields, winding valley roads, dry stone walls, enticing cottages and greenery unlimited.

From the pavilion, the Calder Valley panorama is magnificent: to the west, Hebden Bridge and surrounds; to the east, Sowerby Bridge and satellite communities; and straight in front, the handsome north bank of the river, complete with gleaming-white wind turbines on the far horizon.

So, on account of its high, rural location, the ground has its appeal for opposition players. It is also viewed as a good wicket to bat on. One opposition batsman declared: 'I like coming here because it's a small venue and the boundaries are pretty short. But the other side of the coin is that there's a lot of bounce, so some bowlers can put up with the short boundaries because they know they'll always get a bit of life out of the pitch.'

Playing Arena and Pavilion

The playing arena is neatly marked out, the sightscreens are on rollers, and there are several rows of benches in front of the pavilion building. There is also a neat little stone path for incoming and outgoing batsmen to navigate.

The pavilion comprises changing rooms, tea area and lounge. As one waits for the barman, one can peruse the many and various team photos that line the top rim of the bar. And from the posters on display, it is clear that there is always a lot going on - even a 'Fun & Frolics' day (whatever that is exactly). One visiting spectator says: 'Great facilities for children and a friendly club - if just a little exposed!'

In the early days, there were two buildings at the ground: one hut housed changing rooms and scorers; the other, the tea room. Both, however, were destroyed by fire.

In the 1970s, the club erected a prefabricated building that, in the context of its era, was state-of-the- art. It was home to changing and tea-making facilities, but still lacked running water and electricity.

The Dam and Dogs

Then, in 1997, the club opened a new enlarged pavilion complex - basically, a new prefab added on to the old one. The club got showers, a new storeroom and a new tea room. For this project, the club gained financial support from the Foundation for Sport and the Arts.

To the right of the pavilion is a farmer's field with a pond, known locally as 'The Dam'. It is not a case of losing cricket balls in The Dam, but rather cricketers. After the last match of the season, or as the club celebrates a championship triumph or a famous cup victory, club members have been known to celebrate in soaking fashion.

There is a definite family atmosphere at High Lee Green: mums and dads in deckchairs or picnicking around the ground, teenagers on duty in the scorebox, and a cosy little playground for younger children just to the side of the pavilion. (This area is cordoned off with high netting, so the kiddies are protected from any firmly hit sixes or fours).

But locals must beware. A sign by the main entrance says unambiguously: PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW YOUR DOGS TO USE THIS FIELD AS A TOILET.