G'Day UK 2009

The National Trust Old England XI v Lord Sheffield’s Australian XI Cricket Match, Sheffield Park Garden

During the 1890s, Sheffield Park in Sussex was the site of the opening match between the Australian national cricket team and Lord Sheffield’s XI. To celebrate the return of country house cricket to Sheffield Park, the National Trust is pleased to announce its commemorative cricket match which will be held on Sunday 28 June 2009, during the week-long activities of G’dayUK.

This year the Old England team, managed by Jim Parks, includes John Lever (Captain) and John Snow. Lord Sheffield’s special Australian XI is the Australian High Commission cricket team in London and tickets are now available.

The match will be played on the historic pitch, in the centenary year of the third Earl of Sheffield’s death.

The garden will open at 11am giving guests the chance to walk in the third Earl’s footsteps from the house to the cricket pitch and enjoy some time in the garden before the match. The match begins at 2pm and finishes around 7.30pm. There will be catering available on site throughout the day and opportunities to meet the teams. Additionally, the Sheffield Shield has a rare outing from Australia and will be onsite for one day only!

Tickets are £20 for adults, £10 for children (Age 5 – 16 yrs), £50 for families (2 adults and up to 3 children). Under 5’s are free. Prices apply to everyone attending the event, including NT members. Hospitality packages are available for £100 per person and include your match ticket, fabulous food and drink throughout the afternoon and a commemorative programme in a prime location to see the action from the boundary.

The garden will be closed to the general public for the day. Tickets can be booked by telephoning on 01825 790231 (please quote G’Day UK). Details are also available from the National Trust website http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-global/w-localtoyou/w-south_east/...

Tickets are limited and have been in great demand - so don’t delay in booking your space at this historic event.

About the National Trust:
The National Trust was created for ‘the benefit of the nation’ and people are still at the heart of everything it does. The National Trust is committed to learning and creating opportunities for life-changing experiences, ensuring its historic houses, gardens, coastline and open countryside become spaces where visitors can experience inspiration, relaxation, enjoyment and enrichment for all. The National Trust is Europe’s biggest conservation organisation, benefits from the support of over 3.5 million members, over 50,000 volunteers and welcomes 500,000 school children every year. For further information: www.nationaltrust.org.uk