In Memoriam

The village of Sutton Veny has a strong bond with Australia.

The 143 servicemen and nurses who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country, and who died halfway round the world at the end of the Great War, are buried in the graveyard of St John’s church. Their uniformly laid out gravestones are meticulously tended and the church always recognises them with services both on ANZAC Sunday in April and at Remembrance in November.

Australia House CC is made up of both military and civil servants as well as some expat Australians. They play a variety of matches, that include The Royal Household, The Bank of England, as well as Eton College, etc.

Our humble match is very much a celebration of the ties between the village and Australia and the friendship that sport brings. Certainly like all Australian teams who set foot on English soil, the matches are competitive, especially in an Ashes Summer.

Recent dignities for AHCC include His Excellency John Dauth who played against us in 2009 and 2010.

The annual match is traditionally played on a Sunday in early to mid-June. The start is usually 1130, with a BBQ lunch, then followed by a spectacular tea to round off the day’s events. Speeches, presentations and the famous raffle are as well supported as the match itself. The day is always welcomed by the village, as well as the local branch of the British Australia Society (West Country) whose members meet up to enjoy the sport and friendship of the day.