Think for a moment of Village Cricket - real village cricket - the very essence of Englishness. What comes to mind: the drowsy heat, the lazy days, the smells and sounds of Summer? Do you yearn for days long gone: of fair play, polite applause and hand-made teas al fresco? Do you rue the demise of the gentler game, the rise of the ruthless, win-at-all-costs doctrine?

Despair not! Village Cricket is alive and well in the Westcountry, and flourishes in Denbury, near Newton Abbot.

Denbury Village Cricket Club has a simple philosophy: to offer local people the opportunity to play village cricket the way it used be played, with respect for umpires, fellow players and opposing teams, a real will to win, and an overriding emphasis on enjoyment of the game. The Club does not play in any league: preferring friendly fixtures against like-minded opponents from nearby villages. Every member is equally important, and has the opportunity to develop his or her strengths and preferences.

Membership encompasses all ages and abilities, including several father-and-son joint members (the opportunity for fathers and sons to play cricket together is a Club priority). The Club has both a lady chairman and a lady umpire (no regular lady players yet - but who knows?)

There is, as yet, no clubhouse and no pavilion. But DVCC does share its own beautiful ground with Dartmoor views, practice facility, changing rooms with showers, and, nearby, a very good pub as well! Every member is encouraged to get involved, to help out with pitch preparation, the tea rota and other necessities. Most do.

The Club is keen to recruit new members who share its philosophy. And at £25 for the season (£10 for juniors) plus a £5 match fee, cost should not be a barrier.

So, if you thought the spirit of village cricket was dead and buried, think again: and if you would like to experience being part of a truly democratic, genuinely friendly club, get in touch