Shout out

Volunteer Tributes

THE STAN DAVIES VOLUNTEER SHOUT OUT

Begun in November 2021, the Volunteer Shout-Out is a tribute to many fantastic volunteers who support Grass Roots cricket throughout Cheshire. If you have a club or community colleague that you wish to recognise for their hard work and dedication, then please get in touch with either Ben Tomlinson or your local Development & Coaching Officer. Please send us a suitable photograph of your Grass Roots hero, together with a few short sentences (max 100 words) and we will feature them on the honour roll below.

As a grassroot volunteer himself, Stan Davies was a member of the Cheshire Cricket Board for over 20 years. He was Board Chair in 2007 and 2008, and Chair of the Cheshire Cricket Board Management Group from 2009 where he was the driving force in developing the Board’s strong and sustainable workforce. A great forward thinker, always willing to give people an opportunity to develop and would support them throughout.

Stan will probably be best remembered for his leadership of Cheshire Youth Cricket with whom he managed County Age Group Teams for 30 years. He was also greatly involved in Club cricket as Junior Chair of the Cheshire County League from 1993 to 2007, Cheshire County Cricket League President 2011/2012 and Honorary Life Vice President from 2008. He was also a well-respected member of the County League Umpires’ Panel. 

OUR SHOUT OUT VOLUNTEERS

2024

Gary Bland - Birkenhead Park CC

Gary will be retiring at the end of the 2024 season after 31 years as Groundsman at Birkenhead Park CC. Maintaining 2 grounds in an iconic public park presents unique challenges but the quality of the playing surfaces has never been compromised. The pitches on the main square are amongst the very best in the ECB Premier League as rated by umpires’ pitch marks. The grounds host 8-14 matches every week and have seen a number of showpiece Finals Days in recent years. Gary’s advice is much sought after by other local groundskeepers - he is the gaffer - we all wish him a restful retirement.

2024

Richard Hill - Hale Barns CC

Richard Hill has done amazing work in the club at Hale Barns managing the girls team, coaching them and also promoting the junior section. Without this gentleman we simply would not function . Amazing man and family.

2024

Noel Webb - Elworth CC

Noel for almost 30 years has given his time tirelessly to prepare wickets for all our senior and junior teams at Elworth CC. Gone are the days when someone puts in so much of his own time, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year. He has also worked on the ground at Sandbach CC and at Sandbach School preparing brilliant pitches over the years. Thank you for all the work you do.

2024

Paul Brown - Cheshire Youth Cricket

Paul acts as a volunteer to support Cheshire Youth Cricket programmes, both as Secretary and also as a manager of a Cheshire Youth Team (this year Boys U12). Paul has undertaken this role for the last 3 years, and fills the role with humour and lots of hard work in his spare time. He has come to terms with the various IT systems used for organising teams and managing availability. He is an ever-present at the indoor training sessions over the close season, and is a vital asset in preparations on every match day. Without people like Paul giving their time freely the demands on the CCB staff would be much greater.

2024

Ray Samuels - Heaton Mersey Village CC

Heaton Mersey Village Cricket Club is very proud to nominate Raymond Samuels for the Volunteer Grounds Team of the Year award. Raymond found groundskeeping after a long career as a talented batsman (hitting the biggest six ever seen at HMVCC, clearing a block of flats next to the ground). At HMVCC since 1983, he commenced the mystic art of groundskeeping and successfully completed a course in groundskeeping, with Cheshire County Cricket. In 2000 HMVCC was in danger of folding, but Raymond wouldn’t accept this and raised a new team convincing many old team mates to keep the club going. The time Raymond dedicates to the club is legendary and today Raymond sometimes has to be a one-man grounds-keeping team. We’re not a wealthy club so equipment and help can be in very short supply, but Raymond seems to live in “the shed” and spends every waking hour nursing our ancient mower. This rainy 2024 season has impacted many clubs, but Raymond would not concede, even to mother nature, ultimately wrestling a playable pitch out of a pond. Raymond never seeks recognition although he deserves it every day. This award would demonstrate exactly how much his efforts mean to us.

2024

Kam Padania - Alsager CC

Kam is a fantastic force around the club, encouraging and pushing all the juniors to get involved and develop. He has stepped in for the u10s and really boosted them this season when asked, giving both teams excellent encouragement and pep talks both on and off the field giving coaching tips and encouragement to keep going even when the results aren’t going how the team may want. Kam genuinely is a happy soul who everyone benefits from spending time with. He is a credit to the club!

2024

Olivia Taylor - Upton CC

Liv coaches the girls section at Upton Cricket Club. She also has helped her U13 school teams at local competitions and is a fantastic inspiration to the young girls she is coaching with her brilliant work ethic and lovely nature.

2024

Alan Lloyd - Bowdon Vale CC

Alan works tirelessly in the background to make Bowdon Vale CC tick. He helps run the pavilion for Saturday morning All Stars cricket & is there to help run the bar in the evening. He's present on a Monday evening, helping run the pavilion for junior cricket & does the same for junior home matches. He helps out at social events, running the BBQ, opening up, setting up, clearing up & locking up. He's on the committee looking after the building, making sure we meet H&S requirements. He's great at welcoming new people to the club & deserves to get recognition for all the work he does behind the scenes.

2024

Jack Grundy - Marple CC

Jack has done whatever is asked of him over the last couple of years and has enabled the senior captains to do their jobs on the field while making sure that every other aspect of game day is covered. He is Mr Marple and the man that every team needs to be able to work on a week to week basis. He works tireless off the field of play also socially to make things run smoothly and we are proud of his contribution.

2024

Alan Lloyd - Bowdon Vale CC

Alan works tirelessly in the background to make Bowdon Vale CC tick. He helps run the pavilion for Saturday morning All Stars cricket & is there to help run the bar in the evening. He's present on a Monday evening, helping run the pavilion for junior cricket & does the same for junior home matches. He helps out at social events, running the BBQ, opening up, setting up, clearing up & locking up. He's on the committee looking after the building, making sure we meet H&S requirements. He's great at welcoming new people to the club & deserves to get recognition for all the work he does behind the scenes.

2024

Emma Hamilton - Toft CC

Emma became involved at the Club when her sons started playing about 5 years ago. Her efforts and work in the last 12 months have been enormous. She has joined the Committee and seeks to help and support wherever possible. For the Juniors she manages all fixtures, liaises between the coaches and ensures there is fairness and support at every age level. She has played a very active role in supporting all fundraising activities, helps organise events, sells tickets and makes sure that , on the day, everything works. For the Women's team she plays and equally importantly helps with the organisation and offers wise words to those involved to ensure the team develops in the right way. She has taken a key role in managing social media content and to make sure the right messages go out and that our members and supporters are aware of what is going on. She seems to be ever present, throughout the winter, when the volunteer grounds team were at work - she was there making sure coffee and biscuits were available. Emma helps wherever she sees help is needed, she does it with a smile on her face and wise words. She is an absolute star.

2024

Chris Smith - Wistaston CC

Chris has worked tirelessly as a parent coach/helper for his son's team since 2019. He has helped organise and run summer holiday camps for the team as well as attending all junior league matches to umpire. He has never played cricket but has since gone on to introduce and run a Development Team to aid the transition of junior to senior cricket as well as training himself up to captain the side. This has massively increased the retainment of U15s at Wistaston CC who are now available to play at senior level. He has given up his time to help at winter nets to encourage this group of players to continue playing, which they do so with great enthusiasm thanks to Chris's efforts. He has liaised with other local clubs to organise a midweek and Sunday set of fixtures and now sits on the Committee as the Development Team Captain. He does all this as well as working full time as he sees fully the benefits of young players playing the sport and feels passionate about sustaining the future of cricket for these individuals and the club in a supported environment.

2024

Keith Clayton - Hazel Grove CC

The Club is indebted to this ‘Jack of all trades’ performer who is a committed, diligent operator with a passion to ensure that all Club facilities are maintained to the highest level and has done this consistently over so many years. His role is truly expansive from cutting the outfield, replacing turf, mending & erecting boundary fencing, maintaining the trees which surround the ground, looking after the stock of ground equipment and undertaking jobs within the pavilion to ensure it’s fit for purpose. The list goes on! An extremely sociable individual too who always puts others first and giving up his time (like so many others) to ensure members and players at the Club enjoy themselves. Keith is someone who is extremely collaborative, and a good listener, and as a member of the Club committee provides solid input and is always looking to make improvements to what we have. He’s unique and someone we value extremely highly. We’re lucky to have him.

2024

Vic Hearnden - Macclesfield CC

Vic’s help behind the scenes at Macclesfield CC is invaluable, whether it's setting up the score box or Frogbox, making sure the changing rooms are clean and tidy ready for matches, there is enough fuel in the generator to power the Scorebox, clearing glasses, emptying bins, keeping the bar stocked, making a repair or simply making sure that the players get their drinks on time during play and that teas are ready for the end of an innings. Much of his work goes unseen, however, the Club would not function as it does without him and he is always there to lend a helping hand. Vic has done this for as long as I have been associated with the Club over the last 10 years and it would be great to give him the recognition he deserves. Thank you Vic.

2024

Gary Zimmer - Officials Association

Gary has been the umpire co-ordinator for CYC, CCCL and others for a number of years with the thankless task of sourcing and allocating umpires to hundreds of league games and CYC county and district games for both the boys and girls teams all over the county.

2024

Paul Cudby - Holmes Chapel CC

HCCC only had a senior men’s team 4 years ago. Thanks to Paul’s amazing work we now have over 100 juniors across all age groups and this year he introduced a girls and ladies team. Paul has also been instrumental in us achieving Clubmark this year. Through Paul’s tireless work, HCCC are in a fantastic position for the future.

2024

Toby Ward - Bowdon CC

Toby has grown in the last 12 months the women and girls offer over at Bowdon. They now have regular training and are competing in fixtures versus other clubs. Thanks Toby for all your hard work!

2024

Kim Davies - Wallasey CC

Kim goes above and beyond to always help promote the women and girls game over at Wallasey. She does a fantastic job and we'd like to say thank you.

2024

James McCarthy - High Lane CC

At High Lane CC, James is a fabulous member to the team who supports all children and young adults to help coach giving advice and supporting them all in to becoming young cricketers

2024

Mark Mottram - Macclesfield CC

Macclesfield Academy could not operate in the way it does without Mark. Through his attention to detail he ensures fairness, equality & well planned games ensuring the coaches job is easy. This year he has ensured u15 - u13 players have had equal fame time, invites, selection and even identified crease and bowling time making their enjoyment and fulfilment.

2024

Joanna Seddon - Lindow CC

Jo at Lindow CC has worked incredibly hard to build a thriving women's and girl's section at the club. The club have gone from strength to strength and now have 4 senior women's teams as well as a team at each age group. The teams often feature junior players who have developed up through the ranks.

2024

Sam Goodwin - Alsager CC

Sam has brought the fun in to training this year, mixing skills with games so the learning has been enjoyable and upbeat. He has lifted the team and made the team much more cohesive. Alsager CC and the children involved are so grateful for Sam's work.

2024

Adrian Burden - Kingsley CC

Adrian has made the world of difference to all our players on the Kingsley Women’s team, a team he helped form and has coached from scratch (all players new to cricket), with no ties to the team, no daughter or wife that plays, he does it out of his own time and for the love of the game. He has coached and supported us throughout the summer and winter seasons for the past 3 years, introducing us to hardball this season. He consistently goes above and beyond in terms of the time he gives (weekly training & matches). Irrespective of the skill level or experience of any player, he always provides constructive, challenging coaching, with unfaltering respect, patience and humour. He takes the role seriously, which, coupled with his nuanced and flexible coaching instruction, has instilled in our players confidence, skill, and ambition for the team. Adrian has also created an inclusive environment where everyone is encouraged and supported, whatever their ability. He is so generous with his time and sharing his expertise and have helped to create a very friendly atmosphere where all are welcome. He has inspired an enduring love for the game among us all through his infectious passion for all things cricket, and is outstanding in his advocacy for us as a women's team. We can’t recommend him highly enough for this award.

2024

Ed Leneghan - Kingsley CC

Ed has made the world of difference to all our players on the Kingsley Women’s team, a team he helped form and has coached from scratch (all players new to cricket), with no ties to the team, no daughter or wife that plays, he does it out of his own time and for the love of the game. He has coached and supported us throughout the summer and winter seasons for the past 3 years, introducing us to hardball this season. He consistently goes above and beyond in terms of the time he gives (weekly training & matches). Irrespective of the skill level or experience of any player, he always provides constructive, challenging coaching, with unfaltering respect, patience and humour. He takes the role seriously, which, coupled with his nuanced and flexible coaching instruction, has instilled in our players confidence, skill, and ambition for the team. Adrian has also created an inclusive environment where everyone is encouraged and supported, whatever their ability. He is so generous with his time and sharing his expertise and have helped to create a very friendly atmosphere where all are welcome. He has inspired an enduring love for the game among us all through his infectious passion for all things cricket, and is outstanding in his advocacy for us as a women's team. We can’t recommend him highly enough for this award.

2024

Andrew Bratt - Kingsley CC

Andrew has made the world of difference to all our players on the Kingsley Women’s team, a team he helped form and has coached from scratch (all players new to cricket), he does it out of his own time and for the love of the game. He has coached and supported us throughout the summer and winter seasons for the past 3 years, introducing us to hardball this season. He consistently goes above and beyond in terms of the time he gives (weekly training & matches). Irrespective of the skill level or experience of any player, he always provides constructive, challenging coaching, with unfaltering respect, patience and humour. He takes the role seriously, which, coupled with his nuanced and flexible coaching instruction, has instilled in our players confidence, skill, and ambition for the team. Adrian has also created an inclusive environment where everyone is encouraged and supported, whatever their ability. He is so generous with his time and sharing his expertise and have helped to create a very friendly atmosphere where all are welcome. He has inspired an enduring love for the game among us all through his infectious passion for all things cricket, and is outstanding in his advocacy for us as a women's team. We can’t recommend him highly enough for this award.

2024

Ben Wilson - Irby CC

Ben is the cornerstone Irby Cricket Club. He effortlessly coordinates all the cricket that happens on a Friday evening with hundreds of juniors and women taking part in coaching run by the club. Coaches responds to queries from players and parents. And insures that the safe environment of the club continues to be enjoyed by all, this is no small feat.

2024

Geoff Wales - Winnington Park CC

Geoff has given up so much time to the cricket club at Winnington Park. Regularly volunteering on the bar, opening up for midweek community groups to use the facility(Both Winnington Park and Hartford). Whilst also being secretary of the club. The club would be a very different place without the work Geoff does.

2024

Tirumala Dayama - Westminster Park CC

This man does everything at the ground. Tirumala has been training community girls for free, promoting inclusivity and encouraging young women to embrace cricket. His vision for girls' cricket is particularly inspiring, with a five-year plan to have at least 40 girls actively playing in the club. What makes Tirumala’s contributions even more remarkable is his personal investment in the club. He often spends money from his own pocket to ensure the smooth running of the club. His dedication is further exemplified by the constant presence of his entire family at the ground, supporting and contributing to the club’s activities. He has expanded the junior league for all the ages nearly 60 plus kids at the club in last 2 years this is big achievement.

2024

Paul Davies - Birkenhead St Mary’s CC

Birkenhead St Mary’s haven’t had a junior section for 10 years. Paul started a Dynamos section last year and now has also created an under 11s team. Paul is really trying to bring a junior section to a club and has worked tirelessly on his own to make this happen.

2024

Alice Kilburn - Bowdon Vale CC

Alice has been instrumental in creating a Women and Girls team at Bowdon Vale Cricket Club. She has worked with other volunteers at the club to introduce 'Crickfit' to women of the community and also connecting with Girlguiding groups in the local area to build a girls section at her club too.

2024

Richard Wall - Heaton Mersey CC

Since Richard took over the lead coaching of the U10s when they were U8s they rapidly became confident committed kids that love cricket. They are the most successful team at the club and the most successful team that has been at the club. They are also friendly confident and supportive and have encouraged younger players to join them and develop. Richard is an inclusive coach who ensures that all players get fair game time and that development players are encouraged and developed along with the academy ones. The kids respect and admire him wanting to do their best at every level for him and the club. He has coached older groups prior to this as an assistant and is still held in high regard by them too.

2024

Ben Rees - Runcorn CC

Ben began supporting the Runcorn CC junior section in summer 2023 when his eldest daughter enrolled in the All Stars programme. A keen cricketer himself, Ben's initial involvement was as a 'parent helper' but over the course of the winter he qualified as an ECB Core Coach and agreed to run the club's Under 9s for the 2024 season. With only 4 players enrolled (the rest had moved up to U11) Ben helped to organise and deliver some taster sessions at schools and in the community and by the start of the summer the club had close to 20 children on the books. The team have enjoyed a full fixture programme in the NCJCA, with all players (many who were completely new to cricket) improving enormously over the course of the summer. Ben has continued to support the All Stars programme and is a vital cog in the junior coaching team.

2024

Jack Prince - Didsbury CC

Jack does a fantastic job at Didsbury CC and has learnt quickly from a range of different environments he has been exposed to. He is always looking to develop his knowledge and he has an exciting future ahead of him as a coach. All of the players he works with love his sessions and think very highly of him. Thanks Jack.

2024

Stuart Ryan - Toft CC

Stuart puts himself out for anyone and everyone at Toft. He is the Captain of our 3a’s team which is a pathway from our juniors to seniors and he ensures that the juniors that are ready for senior cricket get the chance to be involved in a senior game on a Saturday. Stuart also runs our All Stars programme on a Friday evening at Toft from May to July. He organises the coaches, plans each session and is also known for coming down and rolling the square and helping out around the ground whenever he can. He really is one of the most helpful, supportive and selfless people I know. A true superstar and Toft are very lucky to have such a wonderful volunteer! Our All Stars sessions consist of up to 145 children every Friday for 10 weeks and Stuart volunteers his time each year to run the programme at Toft!

2024

Charlotte Jennings - Macclesfield CC

Congratulations to Charlotte Jennings on winning an ECB Safeguarding Reward & Recognition Award.

“It has been a pleasure being involved in safeguarding and the committee at Macclesfield Cricket Club over the last few years. We have worked hard to implement the systems, processes and training put in place by the ECB and Cheshire Cricket, which have been invaluable in supporting our young players to enjoy a safe, welcoming environment, as well as helping develop confident and able coaching teams. We have had excellent support from Cheshire and our County Safeguarding Officer, enabling us to react to and pre-empt safeguarding concerns. I'm very proud of what we have achieved to date - and how many of our young players are enjoying their cricket and progressing through our senior sides. “ Charlotte Sept 2024

2024

John Kenny - Offerton CC

John has single-handedly kept Offerton's junior section going. In the 23/24 season and again this winter he has organised, attend and coached every training session. He umpires and organises our Junior section. He only asks for help when things coincide despite our insistence to help. It's sad to say but without John Kenny 100s of juniors would've missed out on the joys of cricket. He also donated large sums of his own money to fence our square and install a defib. The man is a true legend.

2024

Sam O'Connell - Wirral CC

Sam has taken on a number of roles within the club entirely as a volunteer including club chairman, selection panel member and u9 head coach. He undertakes a large of amount of work in each of these roles which takes up numerous hours of his time each week on top of his full time role as a teacher at Wirral Grammar School. He is head coach of the u9 team which entails running training sessions midweek and matches at the weekend. He dedicates his time to this team without having any children of his own which for a young man of his age is a huge commitment. Quite simply our Cricket Club would cease to function without Sam. He is a great ambassador for the club and role model for the children whom he coaches.

2024

Jon Jones - Runcorn CC

Having played only two fixtures in 2023 and with just seven players enrolled for this summer, things were looking bleak for Runcorn U15s. Step forward Jon Jones, an enthusiastic parent (with no cricket background) who volunteered to coach and run the team. Jon attended an ECB Foundation Course in the Spring and became a qualified coach. Working with a club colleague and mentor, Jon organised the team’s winter training programme and struck an agreement with another local club (Widnes CC) to form a joint U15 team, ensuing all players would have a full fixture programme for the 2024 season. Jon went one step further, sourcing a kit sponsor and purchasing some match shirts which featured both clubs’ logos, helping to bring the team together under one banner. He arranged additional practice sessions outside of the usual training slots and encouraged the players to attend a Junior Activator Course to build their confidence and leadership skills. Throughout the summer, Jon engaged regularly with the club’s head coach, looking to upskill at every opportunity to give the players what they needed. He also trained as an Activator and helped to deliver the Runcorn All Stars Programme, attending all 8 weeks. Everyone at RCC has been ‘inspired’ to play by Jon.

2024

Paul Trowler - Runcorn CC

Paul is Runcorn CC's Unsung Hero. He has been part of the junior coaching team for several years now (his own son plays in the U13s) fulfilling a multitude of roles to ensure the club can 'get the game on' at every opportunity. Not one to seek the limelight, Paul is not interested in a 'head coach' role, but is always the first person to raise their hand when others need support. He has acted as a scorer, umpire, team manager and coach to all age groups, as well as supporting the club's All Stars programme on a weekly basis. Whenever someone is unable to be with their team on match days, Paul will gladly take their place and is a great role model for the kids. Paul is the first to arrive and the last to leave and always has a smile and a friendly word for the children.

2024

Stewart Macleod - Crewe CC

It is impossible to sum up Stewart Macleod’s contribution to Cheshire Cricket in just a few short words, such has been the impact he has made. A level 3 ECB coach, Stewart has volunteered at several clubs including Nantwich, Oulton Park and Crewe Rolls Royce, leading the latter to the U15 national finals. He worked as a county age group coach and manager for many years, latterly running the Cheshire Men’s Academy and 2nd XI teams while also serving as the County Club safeguarding officer. Stewart has been chair of the South Cheshire Junior League for many years and still plays to a high standard, representing the County Over 70s team. There could not be a more fitting recipient of the Lifetime Achiever Award.

2024

Olivia Brennan - Haslington CC

Olivia has recently taken on the responsibility of starting Women and Girls cricket sessions at Haslington CC on a weekly basis. The interest in the sessions grows week on week. She is also a junior activator at the club and supports Allstars every week delivering with great confidence to small groups. During the winter months she supports the younger children at sessions indoors. She also umpires for the U9s and runs their pre-match warm ups. She has also been asked to support an U11 child who has learning difficulties (at the request of his grandparents) and is helping to ease him into cricket. She also has attended a YCO course in 2023 and is a the 1st team scorer every week.

2024

Harry Carter - Lymm Oughtrington Park CC

Harry exemplifies everything you would want from a player and volunteer at the club. He is there week in week out on a Friday night, helping with the juniors. This season he has spent most weeks with the U9- their session finishes at 7.30, but at 8pm and beyond, Harry is still there - coaching, supporting and being a fantastic role model. The club relies heavily on Volunteers- Harry is always willing to help. Just this week he has volunteered to umpire and score for the Women’s Prosecco cricket night. Harry always comes to our ground force days to help maintain the club. Juniors like Harry are shining stars and we are so grateful to have him.

2024

Roger Pickering – Oakmere CC

Roger is the backbone of the thriving junior section at Oakmere Cricket Club. He has been instrumental in changing the coaching philosophy of the club, which has led to a significant increase in recruitment and retention of junior cricketers and coaches. The success of his ‘Minis’ programme, which pre-dated All Stars, and then reaped the benefits of the National Programme, has led to the fantastic outcome that finds our club with not just one team at each age group but multiple. It’s very promising for the club’s future.

2024

Amelia Short - Warrington CC

A little over a year ago I offered Amelia the opportunity to support me with the coaching of our club's U9 age group which was the first time she had a formal coaching role within the club. Within the space of a few weeks she took on this role herself and built up great relationships with children and parents. A year on this group of children have developed well technically, tactically and perhaps most of all socially as friendships have been formed that will I am sure last for a long time all thanks to Amelia's coaching. What I have observed is a growing sense of self belief and confidence in Amelia and a respect from parents for the coaching role she provides to the children.

2024

Jane Williams – Romiley CC

Jane ‘spirits-up’ cricket opportunities. This winter, she initiated the Cheshire & High Peak Indoor W&Gs Softball League, creating playing opportunities where previously there were none. Bringing 16 teams together was a huge undertaking of networking and dedication; every Sunday afternoon Jane was there to supervise the matches. The impact has significantly raised the standard of the W&Gs' game but importantly it’s instilled confidence in beginners through playing fun regular cricket. In dedicated fashion, Jane then established the first DCCL Women’s Three Peaks Knockout competition this summer. With limited home pitch availability Jane secured a second ground rental for Romiley ladies this year. It enabled us to participate in both the DCCL and Cheshire Leagues, effectively doubling the number of games for us and all teams involved. Jane works with our U9s, taking them to festivals, giving them their first experience of team cricket in a safe and friendly environment. She has also persuaded RCC ladies to get involved by encouraging them to gain coaching, scoring and umpiring experience. Thinking outside the box, selfless, incredibly hard-working, planting the seeds for further growth and all the above achieved in 12 months. Jane with her trademark ‘odd socks’ is a true cricket gem!

2024

Sharon Short - Warrington CC

Sharon is someone who represents the fundamental aspects of the Safeguarding role without any fuss or bother but in a safe and respected way. Whatever your query may be, Sharon treats each one with the epitomy of respect and confidentiality and is always mindful of doing the right thing in the right way in a timely manner. Therefore Sharon is someone in whom you can fully trust and that is the reason why I believe she deserves recognition for all the time and effort she puts into this role.

Shout Out-2024-Graham-Isaacs-Connecting-Communities--1014x1500

2024

Graham Isaacs – Heaton Mersey CC

Graham is junior coordinator at Heaton Mersey Cricket Club. He has supported 2 of his junior cricketers, aged 15 and 16, who are also Afghan refugees and in foster care, to develop their love of cricket. He has worked with Cheshire Cricket Board to get them onto the Cheshire pathway programmes, even to the extent of travelling with them from their homes to the CCB training facilities via public transport. Graham has been a vital conduit between club and foster parents, and both boys have excelled in their new environment and made many new friends along the way. His nurture and support for both boys has benefitted them, the club and Cheshire Youth Cricket tremendously, and is a great example of how cricket can unite people from different communities.

Shout Out-2024-Offerton CC Grounds Team

2024

Offerton CC Grounds Team

Offerton for a long time have suffered from a lack of funds and volunteers. In the last 18 months Adam, Cian, Peter and Bailey have invested 100s of volunteer hours to dig drains, fence squares, fight off bikes and maintain a square that has nine teams playing on it over 15 pitches. Consistently turning out some of the best pitch marks in the CCL and driving the club forward. It's a professional operation being delivered by volunteers and they deserve all the plaudits their hard work warrants. We'd be gone without them.

Shout Out-2024-Karen-Meese-Metro-Bank-Champions--880x1500

2024

Karen Meese – Woodford CC

Woodford CC and Karen have worked very hard over the last couple of years to develop a thriving girls section. They partnered with another local club to support the inception of each club. Karen has worked hard to get one of their own female players to support coaching as well as game day. They have hosted many women and girls cricket festivals and are always supporting us as a county.

Neil Moss Oulton Park

2024

Neil Moss – Oulton Park CC

Neil has been at OPCC for over 40 years. Previously played but now helps cut the outfield saving the ground staff several hours a week. He also prepares food at all the club's social functions. Legend.

Chelle Bryan

2023

Chelle Bryan – Runcorn CC

Chelle was pivotal in the outstanding success of RUNCORN’S first ever women’s soft ball cricket festival this summer. A huge thank you to Chelle for reaching out in to their local community by getting g more women to have a go at cricket but also welcoming the community in to the club to support the event! The event allowed every individual to feel valued and welcomed which will hopefully develop a life long love of cricket so thank you Chelle for all your hard work with Claire and Barry and producing the welcome bags, fixtures, and organising an amazing event.

Cricket Collective Thanks

2023

Ian Ross – Tattenhall CC

Ian has taken on massive responsibility this season, by leading our All Stars and Dynamos sections after our previous co-ordinator stepped away after a couple of years.  We saw great numbers participating in both sections this year - with the All Stars fully booked up. Ian is already making steps to ensure that Tattenhall uses these sections to create a sustainable player pathway, built for the future.  He has used Dynamos to start an U11s side (the first in several seasons) and has arranged matches with neighbouring clubs, giving our young players experience of match situations and transitioning towards hardball cricket. Ian has set up summer camps during the school holidays, allowing youngsters to access the game. He has asked our home grown coaching team to run these camps and we have seen good uptake so far. Ian has been instrumental in pushing our junior section to new levels in 2023 and fully deserves recognition

.

Olivia Brennan

2023

Olivia Brennan – Haslington CC

Olivia is a junior activator at the club and supports Allstars every week delivering to small groups with great confidence.  During the winter months she supports the younger children at sessions. She also umpires for the U9s and runs their pre match warm up. She has also been asked to support an U11 child who has learning difficulties (at the request of his grandparents) and is helping to ease him into cricket. She also has registered for the upcoming YCO course and is a the 1st team scorer every week.

Cricket Collective Thanks

2023

Karen Gallagher - Davenham CC

Karen was awarded a lifetime membership last year for her continued hard work and dedication to the club.  It has been many years now since her boys joined the club as juniors (both now adults and play senior cricket).   She has taken on many roles including tea lady, social media and now junior and senior coordinator. She ensures all our teams are registered and matches are organised, creates weekly grounds timetable and ensures we have it covered. She is the main admin for play cricket, and attends most of the CCB training sessions. She is a complete all rounder!  It simply wouldn’t be the club we are today without her huge commitment of time and energy.

.

Unsung hereos 2 (002)

2023

Phil Cheetham – Newton CC

Phil has been associated with our cricket club for over 50 years. In his illustrious career He has held a number of positions from opening bowler, chairman and is our current president.  His most important job throughout the years has to be that of NCC groundman, come rain or shine he has looked after our ground and prepared us great wickets for over 30 years.   All his time has been volunteered and just currently he has expressed an interest about looking to retire from his groundsman position in the next few years.  We are really going to struggle to get someone to fill the vast hole he will leave when he finally does retire. We’d like him to know just how much all his time and effort has been so much appreciated by all of the Newton family over the years.

Cricket Collective Thanks

2023

Keith Rickett – Malpas CC

We are a growing club, and that continued growth is in large part due to Keith’s support in every aspect of our club.  Captain of the first team maybe what most see, what is not seen are his ongoing efforts behind the scenes, always present at the club and if a job needs doing Keith will be the first to volunteer. His support of the juniors cannot be overstated – coaching the U15’s, even seeing some successfully into the first XI, and always there with an encouraging word to our All-Stars and Dynamo’s, who look up to him as the role model he is.  What sticks in my mind, was when Keith spoke at one of our junior awards evenings, whilst presenting he spoke with passion, enthusiasm and a tear in his eye about every player, whatever their ability, and ended by saying “well done boys’ Thanks Keith.

HelenLindop

2023

Helen Lindrop – Old Parkonians CC

Helen has introduced cricket to so many women and girls in our local area over the past 12 months. Starting last season with a group of only 6 ladies, she has ran open days, started a softball team and managed to increase our participation group to over 40 females playing softball. We were able to host a softball festival for the first time this season and next year Helen aims to run 2 softball League teams and introduce ladies hardball cricket to the club. Without Helen's drive, organisational skills and eagerness, we would have no women and girls playing cricket at our club

Tom Muise

2023

Tom Muise – Wirral CC

Tom is an instrumental cog at Wirral CC giving up many hours of his time to help and support the club. Even at a relatively young age to be so heavily involved, Tom wears a multitude of hats. These include coaching and managing U11 team and can often be seen helping out with the National Programmes. Tom, also sits on the cricket committee meeting and spend hours helping to prepare ground before the weekend. Tom is passionate and dedicated about Wirral cricket club and therefore deserves his recognition for all the time and effort he affords the club.

Claire Bowen

2023

Claire Bowen – Runcorn CC

Claire has ceaseless energy not just for her family, work and day to day life that involves a lot of cricket but goes above and beyond to help develop women’s cricket at Runcorn CC - thank you. Whilst working with Barry and Chelle and encouraging others to make RUNCORN’S first women’s cricket festival an outstanding success! From the details, to the big welcome for new women to come and give cricket a go, whether that was on Field or off field! Well done Claire! Looking forward to watching Runcorn women’s section continue to develop.

Martin Othick

2023

Martin Othick –  Cheshire Disability Programme

Martin runs Cheshire’s Super 9s cougars squad who had great success in the north region competition in 2023. He gives up countless hours to support disability cricket in the county running weekly training sessions as well as attending all match days. We couldn’t do it without Martin’s dedication and commitment and everyone involved with the programme is so appreciative of his work. Thank you.

Sandra Holebrook

2023

Sandra Holebrook – Cheadle Hulme Ladybridge CC

Sandra has been crucial in the continuation of Cheadle Hulme Ladybridge women’s section this summer so far, so thank you Sandra. This year to ensure their continued success Sandra organised to host their first women’s soft ball cricket festival at Ladybridge, which was fantastic not only for the weather but spreading the word of women’s cricket. By encouraging others to have a go and offering a stepping stone between festival and league soft ball cricket by organising a slightly longer format of pairs cricket to all players that joined in! Recently Sandra was presented with the clubs President’s award which is a fantastic achievement. They say the sun shines on the righteous and it was a glorious day thanks to Sandra.

Tony Foran (002)

2023

Tony Foran – Birkenhead Park CC

Tony works tirelessly in support of the junior section, scoring umpiring and coaching at every age group. When required he also umpires and plays in senior games. Since the refurb in 2021, his promotion and management of the indoor nets and the associated booking process has turned the facility into a major revenue stream for the Club and into a genuine community hub for cricket coaching on the in the area. The Club are lucky to have this facility but are even luckier to have volunteers like Tony to run the show.

Mike Hubble

2023

Mike Hubble – Birkenhead Park CC

Mike took over as Junior Co-ordinator in 2019 which has let to the section growing exponentially. He lead the retention and recruitment of new junior players during and post Pandemic. Most crucially this has been supported by his succession planning of adult volunteers to manage teams and run national programmes at the club, plus activation of youth volunteers. Best recruit the club has made in the last 10 years!

Mark Inchley

2023

Mark Inchley – Christleton CC

Since coming to the club Mark has had a huge impact, as a coach and a mentor. He ran the junior section for a number of years implementing new national programmes, as well as introducing coaching opportunities for juniors to learn and coach at the club.  He has helped junior coaches  gain experience and development through courses. Now they are taking big roles at the club thanks to his support and mentoring. Recently he’s done a fantastic job with helping to run the women’s softball team and taking on new challenges like clubmark and senior teams for his personal development as a coach and member. He  always keeps a positivity around the club.

Alen Roberts

2023

Alen Roberts & Barrow CC Grounds Team

We’d like to thank Alen Roberts and John Weaver who have been out in all weathers working on the ground and to Lee Dwyer who is overseeing everything that is going on with the facilities. Lee is currently refitting the garage behind the score box (the score box is now our new café/bar) and is creating the Club’s new Kit Room. Preparation for next year started immediately after the last game of the season. Alen and John have been working their magic and the outfield and it looks in the best shape in its history.

Ray Bell

2023

Ray Bell – Stockport Georgians CC

Ray is head of women & girls cricket section at SGCC which is thriving with over 120 females involved. Ray is influential in the success at Georgians and gives us countless hours to support training sessions on a Thursday and Friday as well as match days. Ray was also instrumental in setting up Stockport Georgians as a ‘Disability Champion Club’ This has been running for the past 3 years on a Saturday morning and has doubled in participants during this time. Thank you for all the time and effort you put into the club.

Annie Mills

2023

Annie Mills - Neston CC

Annie Mills is the Women’s Soft Ball Cricket Captain at Neston CC and what an amazing environment she creates to welcome everyone to come and have a go at cricket. Not only is Annie an outstanding player hitting 6s for fun this summer but she motivates her teammates, recruits new players to come to the club to play in the league and festival games. As well as this she is potentially organising a women’s soft ball cricket tour to Spain next year 2024. Thank you Annie.

Kate Barratt

2023

Kate Barratt - South Cheshire Junior League

Kate has been the linchpin of the South Cheshire Junior League for many years, working tirelessly to arrange fixtures for the Under 9, Under 11, Under 13 and Under 15 in both the league and cup competitions as well as administering the results process during the season which provides cricket across the South Cheshire region for around 50 teams every year. Thank you Kate!

Chris Lord

2023

Chris Lord - Glazebury CC

Chris works hard to ensure the safest environment for all at the club. This includes managing activity on the SHMS. Chris ensure appropriate checks take place before someone comes into post (DBS). Not only this but Chris explains the importance of creating the right environment to all to allow them to enjoy there cricket.   Chris regularly support junior sessions also having conversations with others around the environment and if anything can be done to help make others feel more comfortable. Chris helps ensure Glazebury is a safer place for all.

Sue Sherratt (002)

2023

Sue Sherratt - New Brighton CC

Sue has been Junior Cricket Secretary at NBCC for close to fifteen years and has been instrumental in the club’s connection with the local community and growing the game. Sue has worked tirelessly to successfully manage hundreds of children through the junior system and ensured that the club recruits, retains and develops as many young cricketers as possible! In recent years, Sue has helped drive connections with local schools, organised summer camps, ensured qualifications of coaches, fundraised to ensure membership can remain free, led trips to watch first class games and improved our social media coverage! Sue helps create a fun, welcoming and safe environment which upholds the values of our club and ensures an effective pathway of players from junior to senior cricket! Well done Sue!

Graham Isaacs

2023

Graham Isaacs - Heaton Mersey CC

Graham’s dedication, commitment, vision and unbridled enthusiasm for cricket and particularly junior cricket the club has 535 registered juniors of which 375 are active this season. The junior section now has a minimum of 3 teams (some have 5) at every age group from u9 to u19. Graham is extremely focused on inclusivity and diversity firstly promoting the girls and women’s game - he was pivotal in setting up the women’s team. He also firmly believes that the club should provide suitable kit and equipment for the juniors to use in practice and games, keeping expenses down for parents.   He has led the way in developing relationships with local schools as well.  His desire to grow the game is infectious and he believes that cricket can provide opportunities for lasting friendships along with personal growth and development that will benefit all in years to come. All of this goes unseen by many but those of who see Graham in action know that his tireless work and contribution to the club and the local community is immense.

Paula Lomas (002)

2023

Paula Lomas - Bollington CC

Paula is the true definition of an ‘unsung hero’. On a Saturday morning, Paula is at the club from 7.45am to help set up our All Stars Cricket programme, where she then runs the bacon butty stand and sets up for senior home games, until she has to leave at 11am to go to her actual job.  She then comes back down at the end of her shift and sells some BCC merchandise to the crowd!  Paula has taken on the running of the 100 club for Bollington this year, gaining many new members due to her enthusiasm and persistence. Some members in the club are probably unaware that on the Tuesday evening whilst junior training is on, Paula cleans the changing rooms, the toilets and the kitchen area of the clubhouse.  We really couldn’t do it without Paula!!

Gagan Juneja

2023

Gagan Juneja - Warrington Blasters

Gagan is part of Warrington Blasters, an informal community group who formed as a result of the pandemic and have grown an active membership of around 60 members. Gagan has shown so much passion for ensuring young children get this opportunity to play cricket and has recruited volunteers and helpers from within. He also took it upon himself to contact parents and members to offer this opportunity to their children. So many children benefitted from his actions.’

Richard Clorley

2023

Rich Clorley - Middlewich CC

Richard has built up such a great team of coaches at the club whose enthusiasm and dedication to team building has meant my son now plays regularly at u11s and this wouldn’t have been possible without him. My son was very shy and hadn’t really had the opportunity to play cricket before and now loves playing. Richard gives up countless hours for the club and his work is really appreciated.

George Marsden

2023

George Marsden - Cheshire Disability Programme Coach

George is head coach of the Cheshire S9’s Leopards team for 2023 and his role is to bring through young cricketers with a disability and involve them within the sport. George does a fantastic job of coaching the team and his giving up his time and sharing his expertise. Geoge often helps with the D40 team too. Thanks George!

Willow Halford

2023

Willow Halford - Hazel Grove CC

Willow gives up so much of her time every week in order to volunteer at the club. She spends 2 hours a week with our Allstars and Dynamos helping run groups. She also has helped set up our new ladies and girls section and spends 2 hours a week coaching those. She has done the Young Officials course and so now helps with umpiring/ coaching at the ladies' games and festivals each week. She umpires our under11’s team every week. She is also our first team scorer, trains up other scorers for the other teams and is used by the league to score the league team fixtures - being recognised as the best scorer in the league.

 

Lorna Robinson

2023

Lorna Robinson – Bowdon Vale CC

Lorna has been the constant driver of creating a disability cricket section within Bowdon Vale CC. Her enthusiasm, organisation and positivity all contribute to creating a fun environment not only for the BVCC disability group but also for visiting disability teams where she has hosted Cheshire and their opponents. She has dedicated many hours to this on top of the work she does for the Club in other roles. She is heavily involved with the junior section as well and has recently set up a forum to give young people a voice and share their views on how the club should be run.

Nicola Halford

2023

Nichola Halford – Hazel Grove CC

Nichola has shown tremendous drive to set up a ladies section within Hazel Grove Cricket club, from having no players in 2022, she has brought together a squad of around 30 ladies and girls.  She has got a coach, arranged festivals, convinced the club and girls to join a structured league, continued to develop links within the community to attract new players from outside the club and been a hugely positive influence.  She arranged for winter nets and has encouraged everyone at all times.  This has brought in not just more playing members, but new volunteers and families to be part of our club.

Tariq Razzaq

2023

Tariq Razzaq – Three Meem Foundation

Dr Tariq is so passionate about others and he has a love for helping people. He has been instrumental in creating so many offers with his community organisation that go above and beyond what is expected of him. When he met with CCB, he was so keen on providing cricket to the young members that he went off and worked tremendously hard and his dedication was unmatched, filling out 48/48 spaces for All Stars & Dynamos. Without his efforts and dedication, so many young children would not have gotten this opportunity to take part in these cricket programmes and all credit must go to him for making this happen.

Sharon Short

2023

Sharon Short – Warrington CC

Sharon gives everyone at the club confidence that the environment which we offer for juniors and adults to play cricket is safe and fit for purpose. Sharon is an invaluable volunteer whose commitment to the cause is 100% and whose mentoring and support is appreciated by everyone at Warrington CC.

Jo Page (002)

2023

Jo Page – Warrington CC

Jo is an Unsung Hero. It is Jo that keeps cricket going in our club. She does far more than her official club roles but she is the first person everyone seeks out to help solve problems, find answers to cricketing conundrums and be a positive sounding board. Her continued support of the club's All Stars Programme has meant so much to so many young children and their families. She scores for junior and senior teams without having to be asked; she arranges fixtures, books pitches and is the individual who gives so much of her time and energy to ensure that cricket runs smoothly at the club. We are all so very grateful to Jo.’

Sue Jones

2023

Sue Jones – Lymm Oughtrington Park CC

Sue joined our Committee in 2015 in a new role created to represent Women and Girls Cricket. Her ground improvements receive regular complements and her work extends to environmental improvements including LED lighting, chemical reduction and bird boxes.  Sue organises four grounds volunteer days and since 2021 has provided volunteer opportunities for Petty Pool College, a specialist provision for young adults with learning disabilities. Sue has developed her extensive ground keeping skills and knowledge by working closely with our local suppliers, researching and speaking with experts. Sue has professionalised the management of our grounds and clubhouse. She updates our members though regular newsletter articles and photos.

Colin Day

2023

Colin Day & Davenham CC Grounds Team

Colin Day is our head groundsman and puts in lots of volunteer hours, energy and enthusiasm to keep the cricket square in excellent condition. Colin and his assistant Bob Floyd have encouraged local residents to join a DCC grounds volunteer team who meet at least twice weekly to look after the pavilion, outfield, hedges, trees, entrance drive. Rain harvesting, drainage, hedge laying, planting, outdoor furniture repaired and stained, landscaping, decorating are amongst the many achievements by the volunteer team.  All members of the team take a pride in DCC being a superb community asset and the camaraderie is a big part of the lives of Col, Bob, Dave, Owen, Alan, Chris, Andy and Mike who collectively put in at least 1500 hours each year.

Tandy Palmes

2023

Tandy Palmes – Macclesfield CC

Tandy’s contribution to Macc CC is irreplaceable. This year she has been working hard on an initiative to integrate the local Tamil community into our club. Tandy has also been developing cricketing links with state schools. Within the club she has been supporting the ladies and girls team as they slowly become more developed. O, and btw she is in the process of establishing cricket for the disabled! She also takes the lead for our firework display, a fundraiser that is integral to our financial stability. More importantly as our Club has grown, she has become a source of knowledge and support for the most challenging problems to the silliest question. And she does so with a smile and a laugh! She is a remarkable lady.

Tirumala Dayama

2023

Tirumala Dayama – Westminster Park CC

Having left India for England in 2009 with a couple of cricket bags for luggage, Tiru settled in Chester and formed Westminster Park CC. In the intervening years he has been the driving force behind this fantastic community club, taking on every role from club chair, to welfare officer, treasurer and groundsman - working hard to prepare and improve the pitches at this council owned facility. Tiru kickstarted the club's junior section, offering coaching free of charge for families who could not afford it, and has also volunteered at neighbouring clubs, supporting junior and girls cricket. He also arranged for Afghan refugees to join the club's indoor training, free of charge, throughout the winter. Never one to seek the limelight, he is the true definition of an unsung hero!

Heather Mukherjee

2023

Heather Mukherjee – North East Cheshire CC

Heather is a pivotal member of the club committee and wider sporting community at North East Cheshire CC (Poynton Sports Club).  She ensures all members can enjoy their cricket in a safe and welcoming environment, working with diligence to complete the necessary training and keep colleagues up to date with the latest developments within the Safe Hands framework. The few safeguarding issues that have arise have always been dealt with professionally and efficiently. Heather has also been instrumental in setting up the women’s section at the club and ensuring the new players feel connected to the rest of the club.

Olivia Gladwin

2023

Olivia Gladwin – Lymm Oughtrington Park CC

As the first female to play senior 1st X1 cricket for Lymm, she has inspired other girls to have confidence to progress.  She challenges club officials to use and promote gender neutral language (on & off field) and to embrace diversity and inclusion.

She challenged her high school about why girls cricket was not a sport option and they changed the curriculum.  She actively seeks out leadership positions (eg 3rd Team Vice-Captain) so she can learn more about strategy, administration and leadership.  She is always the first to volunteer to score or umpire demonstrating to other youngsters that they can do likewise.  This Wow factor is augmented by her volunteering work. Every Friday she leads the hospitality program for Junior training (BBQ, Tuck Shop, Bar).  Along with her support of structured coaching (All Stars to U11’s) Friday nights have become a great social community event that Olivia is a significant part of.

Jon Linford

2023

Jon Linford – Barrow CC

Jon has been instrumental in the development of Barrow CC both on and off the field. As the junior lead, he has overseen the growth of the junior section from a small number of cricketers at each age group to fielding multiple teams, including running separate (softball) development teams and local festivals for those children not ready to transition to hard ball. Jon spearheaded the coaching and development of the club's new women's section and has also contributed to improvement to club facilities. He is the first to arrive and last to leave each week, and has done so much to grow the game for Barrow CC and cricket locally.  He is also the first there and last to leave he is the heart of growing barrow into the fabulous club it is today.

Simon Griffiths

2023

Simon Griffiths – Macclesfield CC

Simon has been the driving force behind Macclesfield Cricket Club’s progression for over 20 years. Initially as a supportive parent helping with umpiring, scoring and many other jobs, he became Junior Chairman in 2003 and brought his considerable professional experience to bear on the organization of the junior Academy section. He became Club Chairman a few years later, and has been instrumental in a number of ground improvements (clubhouse renovation, new scorers hut, outdoor nets, grounds sheds, etc). He has also improved the administration of the club whilst building up an effective committee. Since retiring, he has taken on the role “full-time”, addressing multiple challenges including club response to Covid and ongoing representations to the Health Trust over ownership of the second ground. Simon leaves the role at the end of the 2023 season, and whilst he has provided an amazing legacy for those following, it is hard to see how he can be replaced by the club.

Nathan Brown

2023

Nathan Brown – Timperley CC

Nathan has been instrumental in developing junior cricket at Timperley CC. Despite living an hour's drive from the club, he personally runs the training sessions for the junior players. His practical and patient approach helps get the best out of the children, making him a fantastic role model. In the autumn of 2020, Nathan introduced three weeks of free cricket training to local girls, to kickstart Timperley CC's girls section -  the club now boasts teams at U11 and U13 level, with four players earning County recognition this summer. Nathan is passionate about stretching the talented youth players at the club and has been able to recruit specialist coaches to supplement the many group and individual coaching sessions available within the club. As club Chairman, he has also been instrumental in leading the club's sponsorship agenda, helping to generate much needed revenue to support junior cricket.

Rebecca Ellis - Grappenhall

2023

Rebecca Ellis – Grappenhall CC

Rebecca Ellis has been instrumental to the growing success of the Ladies section of Grappenhall Cricket Club.  We started some fun days last summer with the help of Jo and we are now 1 game off completing our first outdoor softball league season.

Bex has taken the lead in captaining the side, entering the league and softball festivals to ensure that there’s playing opportunities for all and sourcing sponsors and a kit to bring us together as a team. The squad continues to grow and we regularly have between 15 and 20 ladies at training. She has completed her initial coaching qualification to bring structure to both winter nets and summer training. She has been incredible at growing the opportunities that are available for women to get involved in cricket locally.

Chris Barnes

2023

Chris Barnes – Bunbury CC

Chris is pivotal to everything that takes place at Bunbury CC. As well as being an integral part of the committee being Chairman, he's also a junior coach, volunteering his time to take training sessions and teams to matches each week. On a weekend he often represents the club on the field too. We'd like to say a massive thank you for everything you do!

Patrick Hutchinson - Oakmere CC

2023

Patrick Hutchinson – Oakmere CC

We’d like to recognise the enormous effort that Patrick puts in to preparing the fantastic ground we have at Oakmere.
Patrick puts in countless hours of work in all weathers to make sure the ground is always looking spectacular and filling us all with pride every time we drive through the gates. There were more than 70 games played at Oakmere across our teams in the 2022 season so it is no mean feat! Thank you!

PaulFaircloughMacc

2023

Paul Fairclough – Macclesfield CC

As part of  #groundsweek2023 this gives us an opportunity to celebrate and thank our groundsman, Paulo, for all the hard work he puts into our grounds, Victoria Road and Parkside. Paulo can be found hard at work in all weathers preparing the best possible pitches. Thank you Paulo for all you do.

AlexKeggChesterBHCC

2023

Alex Kegg - Chester Boughton Hall CC

We’d like to recognise the great work that goes on at the club by head groundsman Alex Kegg, for which we are all thankful for. In particular the behind the scenes work of dragging covers on and off with the great British weather and ensuring that all pitch requirements are catered for - for club and for when Lancashire and Cheshire use our ground. Keggy always makes the facilities look in great condition amongst his never ended list of other jobs around the ground.

wilmslow

2023

The Grounds Team - Wilmslow CC

Everyone at Wilmslow Cricket Club would like to say a massive thank you to Lloyd, Les, Ollie, John & the rest of our incredible volunteer grounds team, who work tirelessly to ensure that cricket can be played every weekend in the heart of Wilmslow! Thank you!!!

NoelWebbelworth

2023

Noel Webb - Elworth CC

Everyone at Elworth Cricket Club would like to thank Noel Webb for everything that he does for the club. For almost 30 years Webby has given his time tirelessly to prepare wickets for all our senior and junior teams. Gone are the days when someone puts in so much of his own time, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year. Thank you for all the work you do.

Steve Robinson

2023

Steve 'Rocker' Robinson - Bowdon Vale CC

.During Steve's 47 years involvement with BVCC he has served in almost every capacity. His roles have included - Secretary, Treasurer, Groundsman Assistant, Bar Manager, both Assistant Secretary & Treasurer, Club Mark Lead, League Representative, 2nd XI Captain, 2nd XI Vice Captain and ECB Level 2 Coach. He has also led a number of projects over the years. On the field he represented both the 1st & 2nd XI's to a very high standard. Steve epitomises the term 'clubman'. Thank you Steve for your efforts over so many years.

SamanthaSmith

2022

Samantha Smith - Stockport CC

Sam does a fantastic job for Stockport CC both on and off the field. She has been the figurehead for the SCC Girls team for a number of years in addition to leading on the club’s All Stars programme, helping to develop both players and volunteers. Behind the scenes she is heavily involved in fundraising and takes a leading role with Clubmark, which saw Stockport CC successfully reaccredit in 2022. Thanks Sam for everything you do!

Christian Sandbach

2022

Christian Sandbach – Frodsham CC

Christian is the major driving force behind junior cricket at Frodsham CC. As Junior Organiser he helps to plan and deliver fun and engaging sessions for all children on Friday evenings, in addition to his role as coach/manager for the U11 and U13 age groups. Christian is also the main contact for the club’s All Stars and Dynamos programmes, ensuring the next generation of children have an opportunity to play. He is the current Frodsham CC Treasurer and committee member and everyone at the club is grateful for his efforts – thank you Christian.

MikeCook

2022

Mike Cook – Oulton Park CC

Mike is an integral part of Oulton Park CC, performing multiple roles to make the club run as effectively as possible.
If being Chairman of a cricket club isn't hard and time consuming enough, along with putting on his whites every weekend, Mike is also head groundsman making sure the ground and playing surface is always in the best condition for both senior and junior teams.
There isn't a day that goes by that he isn't thinking about how to improve the club, so on behalf of all the supporters and members of Oulton Park CC, thanks Mike.

KevinJobbins

2022

Kevin Jobbins – Wistaston CC

Kevin has been a key volunteer at Wistaston CC for many years dedicating countless hours to the club. As well as the fantastic work he does as groundsman, he also coaches the juniors on a Friday evening and has been pivotal in raising funds for the club and also in the clubmark reaccreditations. He has also held the position of Chairman and is instrumental in the set up of Women and girls cricket and has created a fantastic relationship with the local primary school. Well done Kevin.

PeterHenshall

2022

Pete Henshall – Bollington CC

As well as leading up a very busy Saturday morning of All Stars and Dynamos at Bollington Rec, Pete has managed the junior section at Bollington for a couple of years now, taking on the challenge of limited numbers at some age groups by forming a strong link-up with Pott Shrigley CC so that Under 13 and Under 15 teams have been able to compete all season. Pete is also Safeguarding lead at the club, and has been the focal point for the club gaining Clubmark re-accreditation this year.

Kingsley Warman

2022

Kingsley Warman - Kingsley CC

Kingsley has been coaching the juniors at Kingsley CC for several years but in 2022 he took on the additional major roles of Junior Coordinator and Clubmark Officer. Kingsley can be found at the club every Friday evening throughout the summer, coaching different junior age groups and also supporting on match days. Away from the club he has spent countless hours devoted to the successful Clubmark re-accreditation, including managing and updating the club’s Safe Hands Management System. Thank you Kingsley!

HelenLindop

2022

Helen Lindop – Old Parkonians CC

Helen has played an integral part in helping women's cricket continue to grow across the Wirral. Not only has Helen played for Irby Valkyries but she has recognised the need for local opposition and with the support of her family club Old Parkonians, she helped them to develop Women's training on a Sunday morning, attend their first festival at Wallasey CC and progress onto Indoor leagues and more opportunities in 2023. Thank you so much Helen for being so proactive and considerate when growing the women and girls game.

Mandy Clarke

2022

Mandy Clarke – Davenham CC

Mandy over the last couple of years has been an ECB All Stars activator and helped run the sessions at Davenham on a Thursday night, as her Grandson was involved. At the start of 2022 Davenham CC decided to run a Girls-only Dynamos programme and Mandy volunteered to by the main activator for this. During the season Mandy was ever present at these sessions, making the sessions fun and exciting for the young girls. Mandy always has lots of energy and the girls loved been involved in the sessions with her. She is already looking forward 2023.

TonySmith

2022

Tony Smith – Alderley Edge CC

Tony has a pivotal role at Alderley Edge, splitting any time he has between multiple hats as cricket chairman, safeguarding lead and junior coordinator. He was also instrumental in the work to get Clubmark re-accreditation this year. He is the first point of contact with the club and always finds a way to get things done when they are needed.

BradDonelan

2022

Brad Donelan – Neston CC

Brad has been the head coach at Neston CC for many years leading both our junior and senior coaching sessions every week. His sessions are impeccably planned and implemented and his organsational skills and technical knowledge are second to none. He encourages and inspires our entire coaching team and he is a top class mentor to all of our newly qualified coaches. He also manages our Under 15s side and plays regularly for our senior sides on Saturdays and our Over 40s midweek side.
Every player at Neston (young and old) benefits significantly from Brad's experience and his overall contribution to the success of Neston CC is immense.

Charlie Ward

2022

Charlie Ward – Upton CC

Charlie has worked with the Under 9s at Upton for the last four years. Every Friday, with support from other coaches, he plans and delivers fun and purposeful activities for approximately 40 children ranging in age and ability. Charlie supports an U9 team on Sunday mornings and plans to move up to U11 (hard ball) cricket with them next season. The young people have grown in confidence and ability under Charlie’s coaching and his enthusiasm continues to inspire everyone at the club. Thank you Charlie!

Ruth Kavanagh

2022

Ruth Kavanagh – Wallasey CC

Following her support coach course in 2022, Ruth’s coaching journey started with the under 7s and under 9s. As a new coach, Ruth’s ability to quickly learn and help the juniors start their own cricketing journey has been brilliant. She is much loved among the juniors and even her own daughter is on #teamruth. Ruth is a wonderful person to have on the coaching team at Wallasey CC

Amberley Callas

2022

Amberley Callas – Aston CC

A big thank you to Amberley for all the fantastic work she does for the club. Holding multiple roles such as Junior Coordinator, Safeguarding Officer and 2nd Xl scorer she gives up hundreds of hours in support of Aston CC. As well as this she was also instrumental in the clubmark reaccreditation this year and also helped securing funding for the club to support the junior section. Amberley is also a parent to children involved at the club and has recently enrolled on the ‘Core Coach’ and Umpiring Level 1 courses.

Leigh Broadbent

2022

Leigh Broadbent – Wallasey CC

As an established football coach, we knew cricket coach Leigh would be a hit from the beginning. Never had a coach risen to the favourite so quickly among the under 7s. Leigh is such a fabulous person to have on the coaching team at Wallasey CC, always bringing new ideas and energy to all the coaching sessions. We love having Leigh on the team and can’t wait for 2023 season.

SD

2022

Stephen Davies – Haslington CC

Stephen is the Chairman of Haslington CC and holds multiple roles which include being a junior coach and the Clubmark lead. He is also a key person in the organisation of fundraising events such as the popular annual bonfire which brings the local community together, and has created excellent relationships with the local primary school which has seen the junior section grow from strength to strength over recent years. He’s always willing to support Cheshire cricket regularly offering the clubs facilities for fixtures, summer courses and coach development. He’s very influential and pro-active volunteer and does a fantastic Job for the club.

MarkSussexAlsager

2022

Mark Sussex - Alsager CC

Mark Sussex is an influential and inspirational volunteer, performing multiple roles to the benefit of everyone at Alsager CC. Still an active player, Mark is the Club Welfare Officer, Clubmark Coordinator, Junior Coordinator and Lead Activator for All Stars and he is responsible for the development and welfare of 100+ junior cricketers. This year he has also helped forge closer links with the community, with the club opening their doors to a small number of Afghan refugees who have become part of the Alsager CC family. Thanks Mark for everything you do!

.

Andy Ward

2022

Andy Ward – Wallasey CC

It’s difficult to describe the impact that Andy Ward has at Wallasey Cricket Club. As Head Coach, his passion and drive to support all of our junior members, from under 7s all the way up to under 15s, is simply inspiring. All of the juniors love him, learn from him and respect him, and working alongside Andy and learning from his expertise makes us all better coaches. We’re all very grateful for the time and energy he puts in.

Mark Inchley & JAmes WArburton

2022

Mark Inchley and James Warburton - Christleton CC

Mark & James have led the All-Stars session at Christleton admirably. His manner with the children has inspired the children to have fun and develop their skills. This shows when the children turn up early and are getting their own equipment out to practice their skills with their grown-ups before the start.

James is also able to pass on some of his experience to the young activators helping make sure that the club has lots of helpers in the future also.

.

JuniorActivatorsWarrington

2022

 Junior Activators - Warrington CC

The junior activators at Warrington CC are second to none. Each week they turn up, set up all the stations for the players and help the activators sort the children into groups. The Junior activators go on to ensure the sessions are energy filled, personable to the children and ensure they want to come back week after week.

Often after a session while tidying up they continue the fun playing some games with some of the children really helping to show that cricket is a game for everyone.

Without the Junior Activators the sessions would not be the same.

.

Glazebury CC – Nirpal Bansel

2022

Nirpal Bansel - Glazebury CC

 Nirpal ensures that those who come to Glazebury get a fun experience of junior cricket. He works tirelessly to make sure that sessions are engaging and adapted to suit those in front of him.

Nirpal also engages with the senior members of the club on Saturday morning sessions to help grow the volunteer network at the club.

Albert Pennington Ghall

2022

Albert Pennington - Grappenhall CC

With All Stars back up and running now at Grappenhall Albert has been great with the reception children. His time, patience and ability to adapt in the session has helped make sure they have all had fun as they start their cricket journey.

Not only this he has engaged with some of the parents to help support the growth of the coaches of the future, as well as the children having lots of turns.

MarkSandsAppleton

2022

Mark Sands - Appleton CC

Mark leads U11 training so that everyone is able to have fun and achieve. The sessions are well thought out to help all children make progress in their skills but most importantly enjoying the game of cricket. If for some reason training is called off by the British weather, he always tries to make up an extra session somewhere else in the week or squeeze and extra match into an already busy season. Thank you Mark!

JonLinfordBarrow

2022

Jon Linford - Barrow CC

Jon is such a great support down at Barrow. Anything is always possible. He has been a great support not only to the committee but to making sure that junior training on a Friday runs smoothly as well as the many fixtures.

Helping bring more parent helpers on board Jon has managed to get more children playing in fixtures to help develop their skills, with the introduction of monthly family nights at the club, as well as the start of a girls offer, the club is lucky to have Jon helping to support all these opportunities for everyone.

GaryParsonsLymm

2022

Gary Parsons - Lymm OP CC

Since taking over as Junior co-ordinator, Gary has continued to build on the strong foundations that had already been set for the club. Gary ensures there are enough coaches each Friday, and then leads from the front starting the evening with the energetic All Stars sessions. When not coaching, Gary can often be found trying to make sure everyone at Lymm is getting game opportunities to put their skills from practice to the test.

TomMuiseWirral

2022

Tom Muise – Wirral CC

Tom is a fantastic young man and a vital part of the junior section at Wirral CC . He is the lead activator on our dynamos course as well as being the coach of the u9s team . He dedicates many hours of his own spare time to the club most importantly ensuring that many children have a fantastic time learning the beautiful game. All of this without yet having any children of his own which indicates his level of commitment. He is a huge asset to the club and we would be lost without him .

Emma Hamilton Toft

2022

Emma Hamilton – Toft CC

Emma’s back garden may as well be Toft Cricket Club, not only because she lives so close to the ground but she also spends most of her time there! An integral part of the club committee, Emma organises all the junior fixtures and has played a pivotal role in the development of the club’s Women’s section too. Thanks to Emma’s support, additional volunteers like Christine and Kirsty have also come on board and this year the club successfully launched its first ever Girls Dynamos Sessions. Well done to all involved!

Jackie Faulkner Oakmere

2022

Jackie Faulkner – Oakmere CC

Bringing boundless energy and unparalleled enthusiasm, Jackie Faulkner is a fantastic advocate for women and girls cricket. In addition to her playing commitments, Jackie goes above and beyond to support and develop the W&G pathway at her club Oakmere. She has helped to organise and deliver the club’s first ‘girls only’ Dynamos group, which will lay the foundations for the Oakmere Girls teams and ultimately feed into the well-established women’s senior section. Jackie is equally adept at working with complete novices and experienced cricketers, and passes on her passion to everyone she meets. Thanks Jackie!

Nicki Jarvis Wistaston

2022

Nicki Jarvis (Wistaston CC)

This image perfectly depicts what Nicki Jarvis brings to Women’s cricket at Wistaston CC – passion, commitment and a very safe pair of hands. Nicki (and her colleagues) continue to develop the women’s cricket offer at the club, which now features hard ball and soft ball teams in the Cheshire Women’s Cricket League plus teams entered into the Board’s Autumn Astro and Winter Indoor League series. Not only does Nicki give up her own time to play, but she continues to support other volunteers including new captains and team organisers, helping to bring everyone together. Thank you Nicki!

Ellie Grisdale Oxton CC

2022

Ellie Grisdale (Oxton CC)

Pictured in the centre of this photo is Ellie Grisdale – a fitting place for someone at the heart of everything good about Oxton CC’s Women’s team. On the field, Ellie has continued to be the lynchpin of Oxton’s challenge in the Cheshire Women’s Cricket League, while off the field her enthusiasm and commitment knows no bounds. Whether it’s welcoming new players, developing existing ones or creating fantastic memories for everyone, Ellie is a credit to herself and the club. Thank you Ellie!

dave collyer

2022

Dave Collyer (Neston CC)

Dave Collyer (along with a few other magnificent volunteers) has continued to help Women and Girls Cricket thrive at Neston CC. Since beginning their journey last year, the club have now hosted two women's soft ball festivals, attended various others, delivered winter and outdoor training for all ages and this year entered the Division 5 of the Cheshire Women’s Cricket League. Dave does much more than just get involved in the coaching - he facilitates club events, organises training and, fixtures and has helped lay the foundations for the newly formed girls section at the club. Thanks Dave for everything you do!

RonAmandaBernieCreweVagrants2022

2022

Ron Lawson and Amanda and Bernie Bishop (Crewe Vagrants CC)

Rebuilding the junior section after Covid, Crewe Vagrants CC now have healthy All Stars and Dynamos programmes, and have been proactive with local school delivery, hosting free taster sessions for children. The club have agreed to host the South Cheshire Dynamos Festival (organised by Ron and Bernie) in addition to the Crewe and Nantwich Dynamos School festival delivered in conjunction with CCB. Off the field, Amanda is the driving force behind the junior section acting as Safeguarding Officer and Clubmark lead, while continuing to prepare teas for senior and representative fixtures. A great team effort all round.

 

JimShaw&AnnNightingale

2022
Sam Nightingale & Jim Shaw – Over Peover CC

Jim is the Chairman of Over Peover Cricket Club and is instrumental in moving the club forward positively on both the playing and wider club fronts. Jim is galvanising the club to bring it in line with ClubMark requirements, sorting fundraisers and grants for club development projects, as well as overseeing the organisation of the junior and women’s training through which the club is growing its membership.
Sam is leading Over Peover’s first venture into All Stars with massive enthusiasm, and along with a great team of assistants the club are providing amazing sessions to 32 young children who are making the club a vibrant and community-oriented place to be on a Monday evening.

 

Jen Lamidey

2022
Jen & Abbi Lamidey – Prestbury CC

Jen has been running Prestbury All Stars for 4 years now with massive enthusiasm and energy. Her connection with the children is amazing, and I’m sure benefits from Jen’s day job as head of a special needs school. Jen has kept the All Stars programme running despite her daughter Abbi graduating from junior age groups at the club and now playing at a very high level herself for Stockport Trinity, although this has had the added benefit to the club of Abbi assisting at the All Stars sessions and acting as a great role model for the children.

HuwRicketts

2022
Huw Ricketts – North East Cheshire CC

'In 2021, new to the Junior Chair role, Huw restructured the training for the youngest players and rebranded them as “Mini Jets”.Heading into the season, NECCC now have around 120 “Mini Jets” from Reception to Year 3 all looking smart in their branded t-shirts and caps.
Huw leads the sessions from the front, recruiting parents and older juniors to join in. Training is fun and engaging with the children wanting to come back for more cricket.
The whole of NECCC would like to say a huge thank you for Huw’s dedication, time and effort running the junior section..'

PrathamShetty

2022
Pratham Shetty – Maritime CC

'Nothing great is achieved without tremendous leadership, work ethic and pure enthusiasm. This has been Pratham, always going above and beyond his role as Secretary of Maritime CC. Through his drive alone the first junior coaching sessions commenced last summer and were a great success with over 30 children attending. Pratham has also worked tirelessly with sponsors, raising money so the club can purchase an electronic score board and new sightscreens this summer. Thank you Pratham for giving so much back to the game.'

Dave

2022
David Beckett – Woodford CC

'Woodford CC would like to say a huge thank you to our fantastic junior coordinator Dave Beckett, who has been working tirelessly throughout the winter to support the club’s youngest players. Dave has been the driving force behind a rejuvenated junior section which continues to attract a good number of All Stars and Dynamos, as well as providing coaching and match opportunities for children aged 11 plus, some of whom are now making an impact with the club’s senior sides. For his continued passion, energy and enthusiasm we wanted to give Dave and the junior coaching team a big ‘shout out’ and wish them well for the season ahead.'

'

RachelGreen

2022
Rachel Green - High Lane CC

'A massive thank you to Rachel who has driven the turnaround of the social side of High Lane Cricket club.  Following a recent refurbishment, our former clubhouse is now a social venue hosting christenings, weddings and family parties most weekends.  Rachel has shown amazing commitment in co-ordinating and hosting events alongside a busy family life and two other jobs.  The club is now financially secure and able to offer affordable cricket to all thanks to the extra income Rachel is bringing to community cricket in High Lane'

JoPageWarringtonCC

2022
Jo Page - Warrington CC

'How can I keep my recognition, thanks and appreciation of Jo to just 100 words? She gives so much to the club it is remarkable that she has any time left for herself. She goes over and above her role as Secretary for Cricket in so many ways too many to mention. However it is her delightful personality and way with people that shines through all the time and I would go so far as to say that every club up and down the country needs to bottle just a little of Jo’s personality and it would add so much value, positivity, support and generosity to their environment. We are very lucky to have Jo at Warrington and extremely grateful for all she does'

Colin Wilks

2022
Colin Wilks - Stockport CC

A true stalwart of the club for more years than he cares to remember. He’s been involved at all levels and has been Head Groundsman for a long time now. The ‘Cale Green Oval’ at Stockport Cricket Club stands as testament to this man’s skills and love of the club. Well know throughout the County and always encouraging to old and new players and members, and an invaluable source of advice and help to everyone here.

AlexParr

2022
Alex Parr - Oxton CC

Alex Parr has been contributing to a number of voluntary hours at the club for some time now. He’s our Sunday XI captain, and often volunteers for various coaching activities including the ‘All Stars’ programme, junior net coaching and helping out around the ground. In 2022, he will also take on overseeing the ‘All Stars’ programme, with the aim of providing basic fundamentals and fun sessions for junior cricketers. He is a good club person and means well to help the club continue to go from strength to strength. All at the club thank him for his efforts.

GrahamSale

2022
Graham Sale - Wallasey CC

Graham Sale is a Wallasey CC member that we would all be lost without. He’s our Club Secretary, and often volunteers for various coaching activities, most recently with the junior teams and our newly-formed women’s teams - both in summer and throughout the winter. In 2022, he will also take on the leadership of an additional 3rd team, with the aim of providing match opportunities to junior cricketers. All of this as well as volunteering for the RNLI. Saley is a fantastic club volunteer and a great friend to us all. We can’t thank him enough for everything he does.

Geoff Nuzum

2022
Geoff Nuzum - Runcorn CC

Please can you send a Shout Out to Geoff Nuzum from Runcorn Cricket Club for all his support, time and encouragement getting us women out and playing cricket. He is one awesome coach and makes our cricket sessions fun, enjoyable and for all. Thank you Geoff. From all the Rebels X

DerekWatson

2021
Derek Watson - New Brighton CC

Derek truly deserves a “Volunteer Shout Out” for all the tireless work he does in maintaining our website. Derek is often very busy in the background ensuring that our website is regularly updated with all the news, fixtures, results and social events from across the club to keep all our members informed! In addition, Derek has a passion for the 165-year-old history of the club, providing archiving of our old scorebooks to preserve online for future generations, which allows for interesting content from historic games to be shared across our social media and website. Thank you Derek!

Scroll to Top