VILLAGERS enjoyed a kickabout as they celebrated the reopening of a sports pavilion dedicated to a Second World War hero who lived in the village.

The pavilion in Michaels’ Field, Hannington, was officially opened on Sunday, 5 November with a “turn up and play” football match to honour the occasions.

Michaels’ Field was given to the village in perpetuity by the parents of Captain Michael Mosley who was killed in action in the battle of El Alamein in Egypt.

A fundraising drive was kicked off by Cpt Mosley’s great-niece, Kath Clarke, who also lives in Hannington, to rally the community to raise as much as possible to help with the much-needed renovations of the pavilion at the field.

Kath also undertook a sponsored walk from Michel Mosley’s Oxford college back to his home to mark the 100th anniversary of his birth to raise cash.

This followed a £5,000 legacy donation from Margaret Nicholls, who lived in the village, a six-a-side cricket tournament and other events to raise the total to more than £25,000.

Greenham Common Trust gave £7,500 in match funding and top-up grants with the remaining £29,900 needed given in a grant from Basingstoke and Deane Council.

Tania Brookes, chair of the Michael’s Field Committee said: “We are now hoping that the much-enhanced building with new kitchen and showers and enlarged central room will attract local events, parties, cricket and football matches and bring in enough revenue to make the field financially sustainable.”

As part of the renovation works, a new all-weather cricket strip was installed in March this year and work on the pavilion started in July following the granting of planning permission.

The initial designs for the renovated pavilion were put forward by local architect, Max Davison, and with additional input from the committee and other residents.

The committee still needs to raise funds for a children’s play area which has had to be closed due to health and safety concerns. The target to raise is £10,000 for repairs and maintenance.

To donate to the cause, go to virginmoneygiving.com/fund/michaelsfieldplayground.