A CORRESPONDENT told of the village newcomers who, despite hating the sound of church bells, moved into a house near the village church (HAS, Dec 11). It reminded me of an unpleasant incident some years ago.

My wife and I went to watch Etherley Cricket Club contest a trophy final at Bill Quay. It was a glorious summer’s afternoon and the hosts made us very welcome at their lovely ground with its panoramic views over the River Tyne.

During the match, a six was deposited into the garden of one of the houses bordering the ground.

The ball was eventually thrown back, but not until it had been neatly sawn in half with a power saw.

It’s difficult to think of more spiteful and calculated act of meanness, and although the cricket was enjoyable, that distasteful incident remains in the memory.

It does make one wonder. The houses were relatively new, but cricket has been played on that ground since 1866. What on earth did the occupants expect when they bought the house?

VJ Connor, Bishop Auckland.