Celebrating 75 years of Westbury Cricket Club

WESTBURY and District Cricket Club, which was founded at the end of the Second World War to honour those who fought in the war, is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

The club has, over the decades, maintained a spirit of giving back to the community and though Covid-19 has affected everyone and imposed conditions unseen since those war years, members are hopeful 2021 will give them a full season. 

If the vaccine rollout goes to plan, the club’s aspiration is that people can once more share the friendship and camaraderie of the teams and club and the challenge of bat meeting ball.

Neil Hawker, chairman, said, “If Covid-19 brought any silver linings in such a difficult time for so many people, for work and their health, it was in the ‘esprit de corps’ and spirit to play that shone through on club days and which was seen in the men’s, women’s and youth  sides. 

“More heartening still was the charity work and fundraising put in, led by Grant Savides, to raise money for the local schools and those in need.”

The club raised nearly £1,000 over the Christmas period to donate to the town’s food bank, having raised about £400 last year to help support the district’s local schools.

Last year also saw the first full season for the newly-formed women’s team, under captain Claire Bates, and a series of local fixtures for the men’s team under captain Richard Oakley.

The club reports, “The club is focused with this year’s celebration on how it can give back to the community following three generations of Westbury town and district’s support to the cricket club. 

“Players have donated to the food bank and last month volunteered to deliver to local people in need. 

“The club has also committed to donate about £1,000 to local schools and community projects before the season begins in a charity club day on 9 April (subject to Covid-19 restrictions). 

“Once the cricket season begins, the 75th anniversary will see the second season for the women’s team and new youth coordinator prepare an inter-schools competition and the senior men’s teams will compete in their usual leagues, mid-week and Sunday friendly games. This will build up to the chairman, Neil Hawker’s, club day that will see a veterans’ XI of former and invited players matched against the cream of the current cricketers. This will have a special theme in memory of the sacrifices made by those in the Second World War.

“For new players, all ages, abilities are welcome and can check out the site for details on nets, registration, this season’s new kit and games here:

www.westburyanddistrictcc.co.uk/news/new-kit-2592261.html

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