Dear Lord Leverhulme,

During the war I have not been much in touch with the club, and now the Committee of Upton Cricket Club have consulted me regarding their tenancy of the ground.

Remembering the generous treatment the Club have always received first from your late father and afterwards from you, I feel that it is better that I should write to you before the club makes any official approach to the Leverhulme Estates.

The position is that the pavilion built in 1906 is now completely worn out, and must be replaced as early as restrictions will allow in post-war. The cost may be from £1,000 to £2,000 according to funds available. The committee are doubtful of procedure, as under present arrangements it would mean undertaking big expense and erecting a costly building on land which they do not own and on which they have no right of continuous tenancy.

For your information the Committee had similar building ideas in 1938 when they were in touch with the Estates Office. They were offered a 42 years lease, which was actually drafted by Tom Harley, but was not completed prior to the war. The lease contained a clause that if the land or any portion of it was required for development 2 months notice should terminate the tenancy. In the view of the present Committee it would be rash to undertake big expense with such a clause hanging over them.

With my knowledge of the kind interest you have taken in the Club since the old days when you used to come out and play, I have advised the committee that in my opinion they will gain nothing by a lease and are far better to continue on the old terms with your personal friendly interest, and that on such terms there is no risk in building.

Do you agree, or would you advise a lease? Alternatively would you be willing to say that in the event of Leverhulme Estates wishing to sell the land, that the Club should have the first offer of the ground at a figure to be agreed now. Otherwise with building and development, in another generation the ground might be valued at such a price that precludes any Sports Club from purchasing.

During the war the Committee have done good work in keeping the Club going. Service men in the locality have been welcome, and an Annual Charity match has been played each of the five years, as a result of which a sum of £500 has been raised for War Charities.