Yorkshire pay tribute to volunteers
The Yorkshire Cricket Board honoured the county’s volunteers today at a ceremony celebrating their achievements.
Board vice-chairman Philip Radcliffe, director of development Andrew Watson and Yorkshire chief executive Stewart Regan presented the following Outstanding Service to Cricket Awards at the Indoor Cricket Centre at Headingley Carnegie:
Another Way
Volunteers or groups who have alternative ways of development by thinking outside the boundary
Winner: Keith Blagg, Sutton CC
Created a flagship club for Street Cricket and Citi Cricket by building partnerships with local schools for a club whose catchment area includes inner city Hull and some of the most deprived estates in England and creating a vibrant and successful club providing cricket for all. “Through his efforts Sutton CC is a beacon of hope for the area.”
Building Partnerships
A volunteer who has created sustainable partnerships with other organisations
Winner: Ray Atkinson, Sheffield & District JCL, Sheffield Area Cricket Council
For 19 years the organiser of Sheffield & District Junior League winter coaching schemes building a partnership of clubs, leagues and the local authority covering 300 young cricketers each year. Until 2008 also chairman of Sheffield Area Cricket Council.
Services to Groundsmanship
A groundsman who has given long-term service to groundsmanship and their club
Winner: Carl Robinson, Sewerby Cricket Club
Played for Sewerby since 1952 aged 13 and club captain aged 17. Held every administrative post in the club but it is his contribution as a groundsman that has been most significant. Since 1973 he has produced arguably the best playing surface in the area. Now Retiring after nearly 60 years serving the club. “Despite lack of paper qualifications his knowledge is second to none and his advice frequently sought and freely given.”
Runner-up: Graham Rhodes, Streethouse Cricket Club
Worked tirelessly since 1962 to turn a rough piece of arable land into a much admired cricket field. Club now has representative fixtures as a result of his voluntary efforts and he has saved the club thousands of pounds with his mechanical knowledge. “Graham is indispensable and the club would be lost without him.”
Services to Umpiring
An umpire who had given long-term service and made a difference to umpiring
Winner: Derek Shuttleworth, Bradford Cricket Leagues
Has umpired since 1964 serving as chairman of Bradford League umpires for 25 years, now as president. An ACU&S course instructor since 1974 and regional training office 1976-2008. Umpired 44 seasons and over 1000 matches to his retirement this year. “Forty-four years of dedicated service to umpire and scoring.”
Runner-up: Eric Whitton, East Riding Umpires & Scorers Association
Eric never played cricket but has umpired for 66 years from age 16 to 82. The only surviving founder member of the East Riding Umpires and Scorers formed in 1953 with his late brother. Umpired in Yorkshire League and all local leagues. Now aged 91, has filled every position in his local association. “A fabulous servant to local cricket and umpiring.”
Services to Youth Representative Cricket
An individual who has given a life-long commitment to youth representative cricket
Winner: Harold Galley, Yorkshire Schools Cricket Association
Secretary of Yorkshire Schools since time began - or since Late Harry Lindley. Records and arranges matches, venues for age group cricket. Scores for YCCC Academy and many other teams, Member of many YCB sub-groups for youth cricket. Past Chairman of England Schools CA. “Devoted to service to Youth Representative Cricket at all levels.”
Outstanding Coaching Achievement
A coach who has made a significant difference in shaping the lives of cricketers
Winner: Richard Horner, Broad Oak CC, Leeds/Bradford UCCE
Coached and developed players at Broad Oak for many years. Director in YCB Pathways to Excellence scheme and secretary of YCB Coaches Association, retiring this year. Recent impact has been as coach to Leeds Bradford University Centre for Cricket Excellence side, taking them to Lords with an excellent reputation and significant impact. “A great mentor to young cricketers.”
Runner-up: John Ambler, Wombwell Main CC, Wombwell Cricket Lovers Society
Has had over 55 years with Wombwell Main as player and coach. Recently coaching co-ordinator for Wombwell Cricket Lovers Society and Wombwell High School. Aged 71 he stills turns out each week to inspire others. “An ambassador of the game who works tirelessly for the game and for the benefit of others.”
Services to Cricket Coaching
A coach who has created a legacy through the development of coaching and increased activity
Winner: Ralph Middlebrook, Pudsey Congs CC, YCB Coach Education
A lifetime devoted to coaching cricketers and coaches at his club, Yorkshire Cricket School and as a Pathways coach. A driving force with YCA and YCB in pushing forward the boundaries of coaching and the coaches of the future and a inspiration for youngsters. Chairman of West Yorkshire branch for many years until 2008. “A driving force in Coach Education.”
Runner-up: Mark Beckles Willson, South Yorkshire Coaches Association
Chairman of South Yorkshire Coaches Association for many years with much hard work in increasing the number of new coaches in the area and a driving force behind the area under-9 age group league. Also the main author of YCB Health and Safety Policy. “Significant contribution to Coach Education in South Yorkshire.”
Services to Disability Cricket
A dedicated individual who has made a huge difference in the availability of cricket for those with a disability
Winner: James Rossdale, Yorkshire Terriers CC
Founder and still organiser of the county disability team and squad, Yorkshire Terriers. Has a huge commitment to providing representative cricket for cricketers with a disability resulting in two county squads for hardball and incrediball cricket. Ensured disability cricket gets its proper platform at Headingley and other stadiums. “The driving and motivating force behind Disability cricket in Yorkshire.”
NatWest CricketForce
A volunteer or group of volunteers who made an outstanding contribution to this event
Winner: Ashley Metcalfe, Farsley CC
Farsley Cricket Club were the showcase club in the North for NatWest CricketForce 2008, gaining much national attention with their clubhouse refurbishment and re-roofing. An example for all clubs to follow and with a resultant impetus to the club to carry them to promotion on the field. “Awarded to chairman Ashley Metcalfe, a major driving force on behalf of the club, but the award is for the club and its members.”
Leagues and Boards
An dedicated individual who has achieved sustainable results for a League
Winner: Terry Wynne, Halifax Cricket League, Halifax & Huddersfield ACC
Served his club Bradshaw in almost every category and a major influence as president of Halifax Cricket League for many years. Also chaired Halifax and Huddersfield Area Council until his retirement three years ago and a long-term member of YCA Council of which is as an honorary life member. “Opinions carefully considered with a wise counsel always respected.”
Behind the Scenes
The clubman of the year - someone who a club could not do without
Winner: Tom Slater, Upper Wharfedale CC
A Dalesman through and through, he started his cricket career with Gargrave over 50 years ago and in then in 1960s helped form the Dales Villages League which he still serves today. Also formed Upper Wharfedale Cricket Club, did the ground, found the funds and managed the initial teams and now, aged 75, he has guided the club into Airedale & Wharfedale League Division B fielding two senior and six junior teams each week. “Dales Cricket owes so much to his service and dedication.”
Runner-up: Mary Seal,Bradford & Bingley CC
Now in her later 70s, she has been associated with B&B since the age of three and has led the ladies catering team for 42 years hosting county 2nd X1 matches and Priestley Cup finals. Also improved club fund-raising in many ways and honorary secretary since 1988. Despite serious illness, continues all this and witgh work with the Childrens Charity Circle. “The lynchpin of our club, an inspiration and wonderful example to all volunteers.”
Disability Achiever of the Year
A player or official from a disability group who has achieved highly in 2008 and so raised the aspirations of others
Winner: Andrew Matthewman, Green Moor CC
Involved with cricket all his life but lost the sight in his right eye four years ago and still on heavy drugs. But continues to play for 1st X1, albeit batting No 11 not No3. Since taken his ECB UK Level 1 coach award and coaches club under-15s as well as coaching in schools and organising Kwik Cricket. “Many would have retired with his condition but his under-15s look up to him with admiration.”
Young Coach of the Year
A coach under 25 years who has made a clear impact with schools, clubs and the community in 2008
Winner: Luke Brooksby, Illingworth St Marys CC
Regularly makes a 90-mile round trip from university to coach at six challenging schools (ages 6-17) in Calderdale including the infamous Ridings School from 8am school clubs through to twilight. Leads 4 Cricket Festivals and Partnerships. National Chance to Shine Coach of Year 2007. “A vital role in the development of grassroots cricket in Calderdale.”
Runner-up: Heather Hales, Almondbury Wesleyans CC
Just 18 years and ECB UK 1 And 2 coach awards and several workshops. Manager of club U13s 2008. Assists in Club Kwik Cricket programme for schools with 50-60 youngsters. “A great role model for young girls.”
Volunteer of the Year
An individual whose volunteering in 2008 has truly made a difference
Winner: Owen Dyson, Silkstone United CC
Started as a 12-year-old spectator, player from 16, graduating to club captain becoming club secretary 25 years ago. Played major role in lottery award in 1998 which saw cricket facilities transformed. The driving force behind the club achieving Clubmark status, he also coaches the club U13s and is groundsman as well as organising knock-outs and Harvest Festivals for the club. “It is true to say Silkstone United would not be where it is today and may not even be in existence without Owen.”
Runner-up: John Edge, Rastrick CC
Has been at his club for 33 years and is still playing in his 50s. Cricket chairman, child welfare officer, spends hours on the ground and organises umpires and scorers. Overseen expansion of junior teams from 1 to 5. Also on Calderdale Development Group and Huddersfield League committee. “A true club servant over many years with many roles.”
Young Volunteer of the Year
A young volunteer Under 21 years who has made a difference in 2008
Winner: Adam Cutmore, Brodsworth Main CC
Aged 17 at Don Valley Sixth Form College, where he is a Sports Ambassador, Adam has volunteered at his club for four years and for the last two has been an ECB UK L1 coach with Disability Workshop qualification. Manages Pontefract Under-11s and as a player captains and organises his club U17s, plays Joe Lumb Cricket for Pontefract League and is in his club 1st X1 as well as coaching in 12 schools. In 2007 he took over all pitch preparation at his club with excellent results. He has obtained external funding for a batting cage last year and new roll on covers for 2008. “An irreplaceable asset to our club. A role model for all young people.”
Lifetime Achiever
An individual who has made an outstanding difference to cricket over a sustained period
Winner: Rod Heyhoe, Lightcliffe CCC & Groundsmanship
Joined his club as an eight-year-old, 55 years ago. Served 20 years on the committee, 16 as groundsman and 10 as secretary. Also on Bradford Junior League Committee for over 30 years and Bradford League 18. West Yorkshire branch Secretary of Institute of Groundsmanship for over 10 years and chairman of YCB Groundsman Association since its inception. “An inspiration and example to us all.”
Runner-up: Trevor Heeley, Skelmanthorpe CC, Halifax and Huddersfield ACC
Filled every position with his club Skelmanthorpe and still involved with them. Secretary of Halifax and Huddersfield Area Cricket Council; for many years until his retirement 18 months ago. Honourary life member of YCA and still active as an umpire. “A true gentleman of cricket.”
Special Award
A special individual who qualified to win in many categories for a lifetime‘s dedication to cricket
Winner: Alan Shaw, Adwick-upon-Dearne CC, Barnsley & District Junior Cricket Association
Involved with cricket for 48 years, joining his club when 14 years old and captaining every team. Vitally involved in the clubs junior development, ending with six teams and over 150 members. Also, past involvement with South Yorks Women and Girls seeing inclusion as vital to the game. Chairman of Barnsley Junior Cricket Association, organising their U17 side (eight years) and Doncaster U21 (eight Years). Member of YSCA committee 1999-2006, running Lords Taverners under-14 competition and again in 2008, reaching a record 121 entries. Involved with positive results in a number of political campaigns on behalf of sport, cricket and young people - and this is just some of it. “His contribution to South Yorkshire cricket in Barnsley and Doncaster has been immense and his wider agenda setting vital to the future of the game.”
