Restrictions lifted on use of outdoor nets

Outdoor nets at Bredon Cricket Club have partially re-opened
Outdoor nets at Bredon Cricket Club have partially re-opened

Bredon Cricket Club’s outdoor nets have partially re-opened following the Government’s relaxation of lockdown rules.

Two people from different households can now use outdoor nets together under the new guidelines on exercise, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has said.

Two people from separate households may take part in the same net session, and there is no limit to the number if those taking part come from the same household.

A strict booking process is in place for the use of nets at Bredon.

Anyone wishing to practise must first book their session with club chairman Neil Hall. Text 07824 365055. Use of the nets is restricted to those who have paid their special £10 membership fee for 2020.

One-on-one coaching is permitted, but social distancing (keeping at least two metres apart at all times) applies. No sweat or saliva should be rubbed on the ball, and nets should be operated on an “every other” basis, meaning two adjacent lanes should not be in use at the same time.

The clubhouse will remain closed.

• The club has launched a new £10-for-all membership scheme to help the club survive the restrictions on sport caused by the coronavirus crisis. Find out more.

£10 membership deal to help Bredon Cricket Club through coronavirus crisis

Bredon Cricket Club is currently closed due to coronavirus restrictions, but your £10 social membership will help the club survive the shutdown
Bredon Cricket Club is currently closed due to coronavirus restrictions, but your £10 social membership will help the club survive the shutdown

A personal plea from Neil Hall, chairman of Bredon Cricket Club

I hope you and your loved ones are well. My thoughts are with those who have been most seriously affected by this awful pandemic.

These are challenging times for amateur sport, and Bredon Cricket Club is no exception.

Not only have matches been suspended because of the coronavirus crisis, but our crucial fund-raising events and bar takings have been hit too.

That is why I am calling for your help.

We need your support to keep the club – which has been part of village life in Bredon since 1890 – operating and ready to resume cricket when restrictions on sport are lifted.

We have scrapped our normal membership fees for this year.

Instead, we are asking that everyone who values the club – players and non-players alike ­– contributes just £10 for a social membership.

It will help us meet essential costs such as ground maintenance, league fees, utility bills and insurance.

If you are a player it will be the only membership fee you pay this season, regardless of what happens.

Everyone who takes out our social membership will be entitled to make use of our friendly clubhouse bar once we are allowed to re-open. It boasts the best ‘beer garden’ in the area, with magnificent views of Bredon Hill, and is a wonderful place to relax on a summer afternoon or evening.

Even if it is something you do not think you will use, we urge everyone who values community life in the Bredon area to take out a membership.

I understand that many of you will have your own financial concerns at the moment, but if you are able to contribute £10 it WILL help the club survive this crisis!

You can take out your membership using our new secure online payments system. Just click on the link below.

Become a social member of Bredon Cricket Club and help us survive the coronavirus crisis

Tribute to club stalwart Bob Portch

Bredon Cricket Club stalwart Bob Portch
Bredon Cricket Club stalwart Bob Portch

It is with great sadness that I have to report the sad passing of Bob Portch.

Bob was a member of the club for many years, and served on the committee for a good number of those years.

He took a great interest in supporting the junior section of the club, and his two sons, Henry and Tom, both enjoyed great success in our junior teams. 

There was a lovely moment four years ago when Bob, playing for Bredon Veterans, was caught by Henry, who himself was caught by his dad in the same match.

Bob was a quiet, unassuming man who was always willing to help in any way required for the benefit of the club either by coaching, umpiring, scoring and any other task that needed doing.   

Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time. 

RIP Bob.

Neil Hall
Chairman

Members, former members and friends of Bredon Cricket Club form a guard of honour as Bob Portch's funeral procession passes Hill Close
Members, former members and friends of Bredon Cricket Club form a guard of honour as Bob Portch’s funeral procession passes Hill Close