Make a date in your diary to head along to Bredon Cricket Club on Grand National Day (Saturday, April 6).
We have a great day lined up that includes some racing action with host Honest Johnny McGrath, live music from the Brethryn (with popular local singer James Caveny) and a barbecue. The clubhouse bar will be open from 1.30pm, and the Brethryn will play from 7pm.
The draw for the group games of the Bredon Hill Bash, the rapidly growing Twenty20 competition just for village teams around the hill, will also be held.
Grand National day falls within the ECB-supported NatWest CricketForce weekend, in which clubs throughout the country marshal volunteers to get themselves ready for the new season.
This year work at Hill Close will begin on the Friday evening (April 5) and continue through to the Sunday (April 7). More details nearer the time.
After a very productive annual meeting held late last year and well attended by members, Bredon Cricket Club is actively planning for the 2019 cricket season after a year of achievement.
At the meeting, our chairman, Neil Hall, commented on the successes of 2018, both on and off the field.
We suffered from two burst pipes in the ceilings of our clubhouse, and the expensive repairs led to some loss of pre-season matches.
However, the First XI finished sixth in their division, and the Second XI finished third in their division, missing out on promotion by only three points. A great achievement!
Our Third XI, which is a development XI for the benefit of our younger players, are now in their sixth season, and won 25 per cent of their matches.
Junior cricket is the real stength of the club
Our junior cricket is a real strength of the club, and the numbers attending practice on Friday evenings were most impressive.
The numbers involved increased even further with the great success of the national All Stars Cricket programme for children aged five to eight. All coaches were profusely thanked for their involvement and commitment.
The appointment of our two club coaches, Andy Stovold and Tom Walsingham, had increased players’ interest and led to improvements in playing standards.
New nets have been installed at great cost. We are still involved in fundraising to finally pay for them, and are looking for further sponsorship.
Our Hill Close ground, loving careful for by groundsman Adam Gallagher
Comments about our lovely ground at Hill Close have been very complimentary, due to the commitment and extremely hard work of our groundsman, Adam Gallagher.
More than 80 games of cricket were played last year in a glorious summer of weather.
Another massive asset is our friendly bar, and we are grateful to Will Rollett for his organisation and service.
Bredon Cricket Club Tower Run 2018 was another big success
The Bredon Hill Bash, involving clubs from around Bredon Hill, drew together teams in close and competitive matches, and we appreciated the sponsorship of Jake Denton from the Crown Inn, Kemerton.
The Worcestershire County League has been completely restructured due to a demise of many divisions of the Birmingham League. As a result, Bredon Cricket Club First XI will be playing at a slightly higher standard, with a consequent knock-on effect on all our other teams.
Plans are in place to lead Bredon Cricket Club into a new season of achievement, where we hope to attract new players of all abilities. If you are interested in playing cricket or becoming a social member, please use the form below.
The club is having a get-together for its cricket tea ladies… and fellas.
Come along for nibbles and a chat about joining our teas rota (no obligation; just a chance to find out more about what’s involved).
It will also be a chance for regulars on the rota to get a few dates in their diaries.
Mums who have a child interested in joining our All Stars Cricket coaching programme for five to eight-year-olds are also welcome, and we’ll try to answer any questions you might have.
Hope to see you on Saturday, February 2, from 3pm until 5pm at our clubhouse in Hill Close, Westmancote.
All Stars Cricket, the England and Wales Cricket Board’s entry-level coaching programme for children aged five to eight, returns to Bredon Cricket Club this spring.
There is a new look this season for the Bredon Hill Bash, the Twenty20 competition solely for clubs around the hill.
Rather than taking place in four weeks through August, games will be spread through the summer.
The first match will be at Bredon Cricket Club on the afternoon of Sunday, April 21, and it will coincide with the First of the Summer Wine, the club’s family fun day season curtain-raiser.
There will also be a game at Bredon on Sunday, May 26, the day of the Bredon Cricket Club Tower Run.
Others will be played on Sunday, June 30; Sunday, July 28, and Sunday, August 18.
The hilltop is marked by an Iron Age fort and the 18th-century Parson’s Folly tower, and it boasts glorious views of the surrounding countryside.
Entry costs £15 and includes a pre-race warm-up.
After the run, participants and their families and friends can enjoy some live music with Joel Darkes and a barbecue at the cricket club, where the fully licensed bar will be open. There will be a bouncy castle for younger children.
Later in the afternoon visitors will be invited to sit back, relax with a drink, and watch Bredon Cricket Club compete in the Bredon Hill Bash, a 20-over tournament solely for local village teams.
The tower run run is open to just 200 and is expected to be oversubscribed.
Money raised will be shared between the cricket club and the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, who will have a helicopter cockpit on display near the run’s start/finish line.
Places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
Runners must be aged 16 to 75.
All entrants receive a finisher’s medal, and there will be trophies for first male finisher, first female finisher and first member of Bredon Cricket Club to finish.
Cricket club chairman Neil Hall said: “It’s back! The popularity of Bredon Cricket Club Tower Run continues to grow, and we’re expecting to welcome even more runners to our beautiful course in 2019.
Click on the link below to register and pay securely via EntryCentral, the secure sports event ticketing specialist.
Bredon Hill Tower Run 2017: Frequently asked questions
What is it?
A 10k trail run starting and finishing at Bredon Cricket Club and following pretty country lanes, tracks and paths to the 299m summit of Bredon Hill.
When is it?
Sunday, May 26, 2019.
How much does it cost to enter?
£15 (entry includes booking fee and finisher’s medal).
How do I enter?
Follow this link to register and pay securely online at EntryCentral. This is the only method of payment. You will be emailed a receipt and should bring this with you as proof of entry.
Can I pay on behalf of more than one person?
Yes. Just complete the entry form for each runner. When all your registrations are complete you can move through to the checkout and pay for them on one card.
How many runners will there be?
Open to a maximum of 200.
Where is it?
Bredon Cricket Club, Hill Close, Westmancote, near Tewkesbury GL20 7EU.
What time does it start?
The run starts and finishes at Bredon Cricket Club. The first runners set off at 10am, but entrants must arrive at the cricket ground between 8.30am and 9.45am to collect their race number and warm-up.
Does everyone start at the same time?
You will be given a chance when you register online to grade yourself as an expert, intermediate or beginner/fun runner. The expert runners start at the front of the field, the beginners/fun runners at the rear.
Parking at or near the cricket ground will be signposted on the day.
Can I get a refund if I withdraw from the run before it starts?
Sorry, there are no refunds.
What happens if I do not turn up for the race?
Your place will remain unfilled, but you will not be given a refund. Neither will you receive your finisher’s medal. You are not required to inform us in advance.
Is there a place where I can safely store my stuff during the run?
No. Arrive in your gear. Leave a change of clothing in your car, or with a friend or relative who can meet you at the start/finish. We would like you to remain at the club after the run to enjoy our barbecue and post-race entertainment.
When do I get my race number? How do I fasten it?
Report to the chief marshal when you arrive at the cricket ground. You will be given your race number. Please bring your own safety pins to attach it to your shirt/vest.
I want to watch the race as a spectator. Where is the best place to go?
The route follows rights of way, but paths are narrow in places so choose where you watch with consideration. The best spot is the summit of Bredon Hill, where there is plenty of space. Please follow the Countryside Code on Bredon Hill.
Are there any toilet facilities?
There are limited toilet facilities in the cricket club pavilion.
Is the route clearly marked?
Parts will be signposted, and there will be lots of marshals. You will not need a map or navigation aid.
Can disabled people take part in, or watch the race?
Sorry, we are unable to offer facilities for disabled people. Anyone taking part or watching does so at their own risk.
How difficult will it be?
It is a challenging run, with steep gradients on both the uphill and downhill stretches. The terrain encompasses metalled lanes, stony tracks, and paths through fields and woods that may be muddy. But this is a fun event, and you should enjoy it. Go at your own pace… even if that means walking.
Do I need special trail shoes?
Trail shoes may be beneficial, especially in wet weather, but ordinary running shoes will be adequate.
What happens if there is bad weather on the day of the run?
It will only be called off in the event of extreme weather. We will post a notice on www.bredoncricketclub.com the morning of the run ONLY if it is cancelled.
Will water be supplied along the route?
No. Runners are responsible for their own hydration. Bottled water and soft drinks will be on sale in our licensed clubhouse bar before, during and after the run. Please do not drop empty drinks bottles along the route, which is through an area of outstanding natural beauty.
What happens after the run?
Finishers will be handed their medals as soon as they arrive back at the cricket ground. Later, trophies will be presented for the first male finisher, first female finisher, and first finisher who is a member of Bredon Cricket Club. We hope runners, friends and family will remain at the cricket ground to enjoy our hospitality. There will be music, a bouncy castle for small children, and a barbecue. Our licensed bar will also be open. Later there will be a 20-over cricket match that visitors are invited to enjoy.
What happens if all the places are gone when I try to register?
Please do not be too disappointed. Bredon Cricket Club Tower Run is an annual event. You will be given the option to join the waiting list for next year’s run, and will be alerted by email when entries for the 2020 run go on sale.
Can I be told the route in advance, and have a chance to run it?
The route uses public roads and footpaths, so anyone is free to run it in advance at their own risk. The route can be viewed and exported from Strava here.
Can I swap my place with someone?
No. This is not allowed for safety reasons.
Can I wear headphones?
Yes, but please be aware of other runners.
Can I run with my dog?
No. Runners are not allowed to take dogs on the route for safety reasons.
Can I seek sponsorship and take part in aid of a charity?
Bredon Cricket Club is donating a share of proceeds from the run to the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, but you are free to seek sponsorship for a charity of your choice.
The first of the summer wine season curtain-raiser heralded a long, hot summer of cricket at Bredon
Main points of the 2018 annual meeting were: cost of damage, refurbishment and burglaries; successes on and off the field, and election of officials. Click below for minutes in full.
Bredon Cricket Club’s Last of the Summer Wine family fun day 2018
Today’s fabulous Last of the Summer Wine family fun day ended Bredon Cricket Club’s 2018 season on a high.
Members and guests gathered at the club’s Hill Close ground for a Twenty20 between Bredon and the Crown Inn, Kemerton.
Although Bredon ran out victors, the real winners of today were cricket and community.
Live music from Little Dave, a bouncy castle, giant paella, along with the cricket, combined to make it a terrific occasion.
Awards went to Adam Gallagher for his dedication to producing the best wickets in the league, Mandy Clements-Hunt for doing so much as club person of the year, and Will Wilson for best junior player.
More accolades will be handed out at the club’s annual general meeting in November.
Thank you all for your support in 2018. Please join us again next season, when we hope to achieve even more!
