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DCB Reward and Recognition Awards Evening

On Thursday 4^th August 2011, after months of planning and record nominations, the Derbyshire Cricket Board welcomed a wealth of volunteers, both young and old to celebrate their success and hard work throughout the county at the DCB Reward and recognition event.

This year we decided to hold an event not just for the Outstanding Services to cricket Awards (OSCA’s) but also for the volunteers who coach in our clubs and have dedicated there lives to helping create a cricketing dynasty in Derbyshire.

This event is the DCB’s way of recognising the tremendous contribution given by volunteers who are so often the unsung heroes of the game.  Many work tirelessly behind the scenes from preparing pitches to making the teas and without them cricket as a whole would be the poorer. The evening was also enriched as many other volunteers took advantage of complimentary ground entry tickets provided by the County Club.  The DCB and County Club worked closely together to give club volunteers, coaches, groundsman and officials the opportunity to be part of the celebrations.

On a grey overcast evening with showers threatening to spoil the evening people turned up in great numbers to watch the Derbyshire Falcons take on the Worcestershire Royals in a Clydesdale Bank 40 over floodlit match. The match was shortened to 36 overs per side due to a sharp shower just after the start of play that resulted in a loss of 45 minutes of playing time. The event took place in the brilliant Marquee Hospitality Suite at the County Ground, a fitting venue for such a fantastic event.

Jon Salisbury, The DCB Chairman started the evening off by welcoming all those in attendance and thanking them for their continued support and help in keeping Cricket alive & well in Derbyshire. Chris Grant, Chairman of Derbyshire County Cricket Club then made a short speech reiterating John’s points, outlining the future of the Club and the Board relationship and wished all in attendance a enjoyable evening  

Once the game was underway a hot buffet was served and everyone ‘tucked in’. 

During the interval between innings the presentations for the NatWest OSCA's were made by Mick Glenn (DCB Club Cricket Development Manager), Jon Salisbury (DCB Chairman), Mike Stones ( DCB Director), Neil Birkitt ( DCB Volunteer Coordinator), Howard Dytham (DCB Executive Manger), Richard Lightbown (ECB Volunteer and Participation Manager), Peter Gibson (DCB Director), Greig Wight ( DCB performance Officer), John Lindsay (DCB Groundsmans Association) and Chris Park (DCB Director).  The nominees in each award were called up to the front to receive their certificate followed by the winners who were presented with a framed certificate for their Outstanding Contribution to Cricket.

The winners in each category will be invited to the National OSCA’s event at Lord’s which takes place on Monday 17^th October 2011.  Last year, Kevin Malone of Killamarsh Juniors CC won the National Award in the Behind the scenes category.  Let’s hope that Derbyshire can emerge with another winner in 2011.

The County winners are as follows:

Behind the Scenes

Andrew France – Brailsford & Ednaston CC

Andrew has been totally dedicated and committed to Brailsford Cricket Club for 37 years, since he was 16, and can be found at the club most days. His numerous roles at the club include umpire, coach, groundsman, junior chairman, event organizer, cleaner and caterer – as well as playing for and captaining the club’s fourth team. Andrew recruits players for the Kwik, U11, U13 and U15 teams at the club. He is a level 2 coach and trains and organizes the teams during the summer and in the indoor leagues throughout the winter. He organizes the annual awards presentation for the juniors and also helps in the coaching of the Derbyshire Dales district teams. Andrew plays for and captain’s the club’s fourth team, and always arrives early to prepare the wicket, clean the clubhouse and even provide the teas. He serves on the club committee as groundsman and junior chairman, and looks after the club’s second ground in Shirley. Andrew also organizes the annual NatWest CricketForce event at the club, which has been used as a delivery arm to carry out improvements to the facilities - including the refurbishment of the showers, ladies toilets and the bar serving area. Andrew’s endeavors ensure that there is a constant stream of talented young players at the club, who progress to one of the four senior teams that this small village club is able to run. Many local youngsters, regardless of ability, are given the opportunity to play cricket and Andrew’s hard work across the board guarantees a bright future for the club.

Other nominees in the 'Behind the Scenes' Category were Neil Armstrong - Duffield CC,  Dave Gilbert and Mick Kirk - Denby CC, David Heath - Mugginton CC, Paul Baines - W & M CC, Gill Barwell - Ashbourne CC, Kim Baker - Spondon CC, Paul Green - Spondon CC, Jane Hough - Ockbrook & Borrowash CC, John Ball - Tintwistle CC, Susan Williamson - Glossop CC, Mike Taylor - Chesterfield CC, Julie Clarke - Clay Cross CC, Tom Pearson - Holmesfield CC, Beryl & Patrick Burrows - Lullington Park CC, Steven Oliver - Lullington Park CC, Steven Tomlin - Hartshorne CC, Andrew Johnson - Elvaston CC, Andrew Lindsay - Elvaston CC

Building Partnerships

Kath Green – Spondon CC

Kath is club secretary and alongside her ‘day-to-day’ secretary work she is playing a key role in progressing Spondon Cricket Club’s solar panel project. An important aspect of the project has been the partnerships between the club and external funding bodies, five local schools and the Spondon Neighborhood Board – which is made up of local residents, councilors and others. Thanks to Kath’s hard work the club has strong local partnerships, and this has been instrumental in securing successful bids worth more than £9,000 so far towards the £16,500 solar panel installation costs. The club is planning to install 16 Solar PV panels on the South East facing roof of its pavilion, with a large digital display board in the pavilion which will show how many watts the system is yielding at that particular time per hour, how many units of electricity this has created and the Carbon Dioxide savings in kilograms.

As well as being kinder to the environment, the solar panels will help to save the club money by reducing electricity bills – and could even become an income stream as unused electricity can be sold back to the Grid. Kath continues to seek out new partners to help with the fundraising and Asda are the latest to help from their store at Spondon. Links with local schools will also be boosted further once the solar panels are in place as schools will be invited to bring pupils to visit the ground as part of science/environmental projects. Kath was also responsible for digitally archiving all of Spondon Cricket Club's records and photographs, charting the history of the club – a project which has linked the old with the new. The project took around four years. This has led to the club being chosen as one of the first clubs to be involved in the ‘Taking the Field’ project run by Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and the George Ewart Evans Centre for Storytelling at the University of Glamorgan.

Other nominees in the 'Building Partnerships' category were Andrew Redfern - W & M CC, Paul Fitzpatrick - Darley Abbey CC, Gill Tainton - Spondon CC, Eddie Hodgson - Darley Abbey CC, David Jepson - Darley Abbey CC, Mick McNamee - Sandiacre Town CC, David Coates - Glossop CC.

Lifetime Achiever

John Burton, West Hallam White Rose Cricket Club

John has been with West Hallam White Rose Cricket Club since the late 1950s, as a player, sometimes as Chairman and, for years, a member of the Committee. He has dedicated his life to coaching the juniors of West Hallam, having coached at the club for more than 50 years – making a difference to thousands of young people. Throughout his 50+ years service he has contributed to the development of the club in a number of ways, including establishing a dedicated junior training night many years ago, and helping West Hallam to become one of the first clubs to coach their juniors over the winter. Many of the juniors that John has coached have gone on to play for Derbyshire and play successfully in other Premier League clubs. His dedication has also helped to ensure that West Hallam has always enjoyed a thriving junior section with Kwik, U11, U13, U15 and U17 sides, despite being a relatively small club. In the early 1990s John was one of the leading lights pushing the club to develop a new ground and was involved in all the planning. After many years of work a new ground at Cock Orchard has now been officially opened – and a NatWest CricketForce event was successfully held for the first time. John is the Club Development Officer and regularly attends meetings at Erewash for junior cricket. He is a Trustee for the club and currently scores for the first team as problems with a leg prevent him from playing. However, previously, he has played in all the senior sides at West Hallam and was the successful first team captain in the 1970s.  

Other nominees in the 'Lifetime Achiever' category were Bas Bowyer - Darley Abbey CC, Simon Thompson - Elvaston CC, Edith and Ian Barber - Hilton CC, Terry Gorman - Elvaston CC

NatWest CricketForce

Sawley & Long Eaton Park Cricket Club

Sawley and Long Eaton Park Cricket Club were chosen to be the 2011 NatWest CricketForce Midlands showcase club. More than 200 volunteers, 40 guests and 60 children enjoyed a remarkable day improving and refurbishing the facilities at Sawley and Long Eaton Park Cricket Club. Around £60,000 of work was completed on the day from painting the changing rooms, erecting some new sight screens to enlarging the patio outside the main pavilion. Around 30 local businesses and organizations contributed £18,000 worth of in-kind donations. For every £1 the club spent, others invested £17 – a fantastic return.

Help and support came from a variety of sources, with volunteers, materials and expertise coming from both the public and private sector. A local Scout group provided and erected the marquees in the hospitality area, while local Brownies served refreshments in the hospitality area. Local volunteers were joined on the day by former England captains Michael Vaughan and Mike Gatting, current England test player Ajmal Shahzad and Women Test cricketers Jenny Gunn and Katherine Brunt. The club charted plans for the event and details of the event itself on a dedicated blog, and information was also available via Facebook and Twitter, which helped publicize those organizations which offered support. Year 8 students from Wilsthorpe Community School produced a DVD record of the event, showing highlights and interviews from the day. The club is now selling this for £2.50 per copy. As a result of NatWest CricketForce the club has truly had a makeover. The pavilion for the third and fourth teams and junior teams has been refurbished and will transform the match-day experience. The club through its resurfaced non-turf pitch has increased the capacity of practice sessions, and a new mobile net means individuals can practice on grass wickets as opposed to exclusively on non-turf pitches. The club has attracted three new sponsors, generating £3,200 over a three-year period, the volunteer database has been boosted and new senior and junior players have joined, all thanks to the profile of the CricketForce event – creating a lasting legacy.

Other clubs recognised in the 'NatWest CricketForce' category were Belper Meadows CC, Darley Abbey CC, Buxton CC and Elvaston CC.

Officiating – Umpires and Scorers 

Cliff Loverock

Cliff has been involved with cricket for 58 years, starting as a scorer with Yoxall Cricket Club when he was just ten years old. Cliff was a member of the former Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers as an umpire in 1980. He was a panel umpire of the Burton and District League from 1982 to 2005. Cliff was also the regional representative for Staffordshire at the Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers meetings from 1982 to 2005. He has also stood as an assistant secretary for the East Midlands for 15 years. He has been the treasurer of the Burton Umpires Association for 15 years and secretary since 2005 undertaking his duties in a very thorough and effective manner. Cliff is currently an umpire’s instructor and began this role in 1991. He has also been a training officer since 2005. He has great skills in being able to produce and instruct training courses using PowerPoint. Since the formation of the Derbyshire Cricket Board Association of Cricket Officials Cliff has continued carrying out training umpires in the Burton area, taking the ECB ACO Level 2 instructors course.

Young Volunteer

James Frost Gilbert- Wirksworth and Middleton Cricket Club

21-year-old James has been associated with Wirksworth & Middleton Cricket Club for more than ten years, since he began playing Kwik Cricket with the club. He has played in youth teams throughout his teenage years and in the last four years has helped with coaching and training of the youth teams.

In 2006 he achieved his UKCC Level 1 qualification and began to coach at Kwik Cricket sessions on Saturday mornings and at various U11 and U12 training sessions. In 2009 and 2010 he managed and coached the U13 team with another more experienced volunteer at the club, and accompanied them to all their matches. In 2011 he took individual responsibility for the U12 boys’ team and helped them make their way to the quarter finals of the Cup. James also helps coach the U11, U12 and U13 teams, and has recently completed his UKCC Level 2 qualification. James is dependable and enthusiastic, leads by example, motivating the young players and encouraging them to enjoy cricket whatever their ability. He has made a significant contribution to youth cricket at Wirksworth & Middleton CC

Other nominees in the 'Young Volunteer' category were Nathan Clarke - Denby CC, Amy Lacey - Denby CC, Robert and Stephen Mountney- Spondon CC, James Wellings - Elvaston CC, Steve Hoskisson - Sawley and L.E.P CC, Adam White - Clowne Town CC, Jack Blaver - Elvaston CC.

Leagues and Boards

Michael Stones

Michael  (pictured centre) has chaired the Derbyshire Cricket Board Performance Committee, and previously the Development of Excellence Scheme, over many years. The role has seen him support DCB’s professional staff in delivering and developing a Player Pathway that has grown in size and performance to one which is now seen as an example of best practice by many partners and stakeholders. Prior to this role, Mike was chairman of the Derbyshire Cricket Board Coaches Association and was instrumental in taking the previous moribund organization and inspiring others to support him to set up a ‘new’ coaches association that the Derbyshire coaches could be proud of and wanted to be part of. He oversaw an expanded programme of Coach Education and Development in the county as well as hosting many Coaches Conferences. More recently Mike has been part of DCB’s successful Tutoring team which has delivered many coach education courses to new and existing coaches. Mike also served as a member of the Derbyshire County Cricket Club general committee for a few years and passionately supported the role and importance of recreational cricket to first class cricket. He has spent well over

30 years at Repton School as a French teacher, and has also put his skills as an advanced coach to good use. He has coached cricketers that have emerged through Repton School including Jon Carr, Chris Adams and Tom Poynton as well as hundreds of other boys. His approach to cricket exemplifies the spirit of the game, which he promotes at every opportunity. He is a humble, modest but determined lover of the game whose passion and organization for the game has benefitted many hundreds of cricketers.

Groundsmanship Award

This is a DCB Special Award given to a grounds person who has given long-term service and made a difference to the cause and development of groundsmanship in the county and/or at their club.  The calibre of nominees was very high but in the end the award went to Ted Shaw for his long standing service at Lullington Park CC.  Ted was unable to attend the awards evening but John Cliffe - Lullington Park CC's Chairman kindly stepped in and accepted the award on Ted's behalf.

Other nominees in the Groundsmanship Award were Alan Halfyear - Chesterfield Barbarians CC, Ken Potter - Elvaston CC, John Lindsay - Elvaston CC, Keith Smith - Elvaston CC, John Steers - Clowne Town CC, Gordon Flint - Elvaston CC,

Sky Sports Coach Awards

Sky Sports are the principal sponsor towards Coach Education in the U.K.

Some of the support given comes in the shape of coach bursaries which has seen a number of clubs/individuals receive part or all of the funding back for the courses they have attended.

Another element is the annual reward and recognition awards.

The selection for this years representatives from Derbyshire have been made based on nominations received form clubs for the 3 main categories.

Outstanding Coaching Achievement: Kevin Wilson – Denby CC

Young Coach of the Year: Sam Moseley - Breadsall CC

Outstanding Contribution and Services to Cricket Coaching: Alan Hough – Ockbrook & Borrowash CC  

Kevin Wilson has now been put forward to the National stages of the Awards together with three other Regional winners.

We wish him well

DCB Special Awards

The DCB Special Awards recognise other services to cricket. This can be for anyone who it is felt deserves special recognition for their achievements or contributions to their club or county.

Michael Roe

Mick Roe also known in many quarters as “Uncle Mick” has for the last 17 years taken charge of a County Age group squad and devoted his time to helping those squads to achieve their best. In addition to this Mick has also nurtured the best that North Derbyshire has to offer by running their district squads and training.

Mick also helps the DCB by coaching in clubs and schools in the North Derbyshire area. As well as this, Mick is the treasurer of the North Derbyshire Cricket Development Group. Mick is a popular figure both in his native North Derbyshire and throughout the county.  

He always has a smile on his face and truly is an inspiration to many. 

Arnie Gaskin  

Arnie Continued to play until his 60^th birthday. He then moved into Groundsmanship where he can still be found on the ground at Alvaston and Boulton CC up to 4 days a week. The pitches he produces are widely acknowledged as among the best batting tracks in the County. Arnie has held many roles in the club including captain, chairman & president.

He has also played a part in the improvement of ground & facilities through his work in the Derbyshire County Cricket League & the Derbyshire Groundsmans Association.

Lorna Young

Lorna Young is the sole driver of women and girls club cricket in the High Peak because since the departure of Trinity and Dinting from the Women’s evening League, Hayfield Ladies are the only all female club representing the High Peak district. Lorna is the main contact, Organiser, captain and wicket keeper for Hayfield Ladies and has been for the last 5-7 years. She has single-handedly established Friday as a training evening where as many as 25 women and girls from the High Peak district attend to work with two DCB coaches again facilitated by Lorna.

Lorna’s commitment to women’s and girls’ cricket has helped produce 5 current female Derbyshire players and 7 in total. Lorna Young has done an incredible job in establishing and sustaining Hayfield Ladies CC with the huge amount of travel that is expected from the players to play in an 18 over evening league (Which has to be played on a Sunday due to the distance)

The Hopkinson Family  

This family has shown amazing dedication to their club. From Alan aged 73 to Grace aged 11 who has started playing in the past year. The family has been involved for over 50 years both playing & most of the voluntary roles at the club. Members of this extraordinary family have been youth cricket organiser, vice chair, captain, vice captain, fundraisers, designing the new club flag, groundsmanship, bar management, machinery maintenance, teas, building work & on & on.

Words cannot adequately cover the extraordinary contribution of a truly amazing & loyal family from Wirksworth & Middleton Cricket club

Julia Coates  

The smile that welcomes visitors and members alike to Glossop Cricket Club is that of Julia Coates. Her involvement in the club has evolved over the years that her sons have played cricket at North Road, such that today most of the club’s activities revolve around Julia which she skillfully orchestrates. Her official volunteer roles (Treasurer to the Cricket section, Bookings organizer, Bar and Catering manager) are far surpassed by her unofficial roles; Kit Organizer, Junior Registrar, Occasional Scorer, Bar Maid, Tea Lady, Cleaner, Head of Public Relations, Human Resources Manager, First Aider, Counselor, Youth worker and Child minder. Problems, requests and questions are naturally directed to Julia and she handles them all with good grace and understanding. Through the closed season of 2010/2011 she has worked more hours than most can imagine, welcoming visitors to the club house, running the bars and organizing events and functions successfully. And all this has been done for the love of Glossop Cricket Club and her local community. Julia Coates is the heart and soul of Glossop Cricket Club and she is very special to all at Glossop CC

And Finally....

The DCB Rewards and Recognition Awards Evening was a huge success and it was a chance for volunteers and coaches to get the recognition they deserve - all cricket clubs rely on volunteers who put so much time and effort into their cricket club.

The DCB would like to express their thanks to Keith Loring, Kerry Madeley and everyone at Derbyshire CCC for kindly allowing us to use the Marquee Hospitality Suite for our R&R event.  There is no doubt that this excellent facility raised the profile of the event considerably making for a truly memorable experience.

A comment from Mick Glenn – DCB Club Cricket Development Manager

“The people who volunteer in cricket really are the lifeblood of our great game.  Without their continued efforts, cricket clubs and their players would be much poorer. Within Derbyshire, we are extremely fortunate to have so many dedicated and committed people working to improve clubs and cricket in our County. There is no doubt volunteers are the key to sustaining and developing clubs. The DCB is as committed as ever to provide the support and guidance they need to ensure that clubs can continue to flourish”

All photographs taken by Jess Melen