Solicitors at a leading City of London law firm have successfully renegotiated the 100-year lease on a Kent cricket club’s historic ground and pavilion.
Lawyers at Carter Lemon Camerons LLP renegotiated a 100-year lease for Town Malling Cricket Club on its ground, together with a licence to Kent Adult Social Services for the use of the pavilion during the working week for adult learning courses.
The lease, renegotiated by solicitor, Chris Picardo, was announced and ceremonially signed at a celebratory cricket match and marquee lunch on Sunday 28 August.
The ground at West Malling has an illustrious history, having previously been the Kent County Ground for around 40 years in the 1800s and having held cricket matches since at least 1705.
It was also said to have been the setting for the match between All Muggleton and Dingley Dell in Dickens’ Pickwick Papers. An illustration of the ground featured on the back of the £10 note in the early 1990s.
Town Malling Cricket Club also has particular significance for Carter Lemon Camerons LLP. Seamus Smyth, a Partner at the firm is also the President of the Club and a trustee. His son, Jacob Smyth is the Club’s record scorer, having reached 196 not out.
Seamus Smyth said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to renew the lease on the ground, helping secure Town Malling Cricket Club’s future for the next century. It’s also wonderful to have been able to secure a home for adult learning courses locally.
“I hope Town Malling Cricket Club will now go on from strength to strength, with the future of the ground secure into the 22nd century.”
