Grand National day at Bredon Cricket Club

Enjoy a day of racing fun at Bredon Cricket Club.  Image provided by www.horseracingphoto.co.uk
Enjoy a day of racing fun at Bredon Cricket Club. Image provided by www.horseracingphoto.co.uk

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.

NatWest CricketForce weekend includes Grand National day

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.

A year of achievement at Bredon Cricket Club

Bredon Cricket Club First XI 2018 season
Bredon Cricket Club First XI 2018 season

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.

Bredon's Under 11s continued their winning ways with victory over Ashton
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.

general view of Bredon Cricket Club
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: Registration is now open
Bredon Cricket Club Tower Run 2018 was another big success

The second Bredon Cricket Club Tower Run proved to be an enormous success thanks to Jennie Warren’s superb organisational skills, and we intend to repeat this epic on an annual basis. You can sign up for this year’s run here.

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.

Report by Derek Ebbage

Cricket tea pre-season get-together

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.

Read Mandy Clements-Hunt’s tips on making the perfect cricket tea.

Please use the form below to get in touch with any questions.

Jennie Warren


All Stars Cricket back at Bredon for 2019

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.

Register now for All Star Cricket at Bredon

Children who register at Bredon will be guaranteed eight weeks of fun, activity and skills development.

Children receive eight weeks of coaching, plus a bat, ball, cap, All Stars Cricket activity book, backpack and personalised T-shirt.

All Stars Cricket 2019 is suitable for children new to cricket as the sessions are designed to teach the basic skills of the game.

As the weeks progress every child will earn stars that match the skills learned during the programme: 

  • Batting – hitting a moving ball
  • Throwing – underarm and overarm
  • Catching – small and large balls
  • Bowling – overarm
  • Running – lots of movement
  • Teamwork – fun games with friends
  • Communication – the basics of cricket
  • Spirit of Cricket – how to respect others

The course starts on Friday, May 17, and costs £40. Times are 5.30pm to 6.15pm (though this may be subject to minor change).

Registration for junior cricket coaching for older children opens at the clubhouse on Friday, April 26, at 6pm.

If your child is new to cricket, or to Bredon, come along for a drink and a chat with our coaches to find out more.

We’ll be posting more information about the All Stars Cricket 2019 programme at Bredon in the coming weeks.

Register now for All Stars Cricket at Bredon

Here are some pictures of last year’s All Stars Cricket at Bredon

Want to know more about junior cricket at Bredon? Visit our FAQ

New look for Bredon Hill Bash in 2019

Enjoying the action at the Bredon Hill Bash 2017
Enjoying the action at the Bredon Hill Bash 2017

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.

Finals day is scheduled for Sunday, August 18.

The bash this year is being organised by Arthur Hayward, a long-standing supporter of the club, in the absence of Jake Denton, who devised the competition.

Unfortunately, bad weather ruined the culmination of last year’s tournament, but the 2017 finals day was a huge success, drawing visitors from around Bredon Hill.

In addition to Bredon, teams from Ashton-under-Hill, Overbury, Elmley Castle and the Crown, Kemerton took part last year.

Look out for more details here later this year.

Winter nets date announced

Six weeks of winter nets begin on Tuesday, March 5, at the Cricket Centre, Prince Henry’s High School, Evesham.

Sessions are from 6.30pm until 7.45pm, and are open to anyone playing, or expecting to play, for the First, Second or Third XI this season.

Net fees are likely to be £3 per session, depending on numbers.

Use the form below to contact nets organiser Ian Fenney if you have any questions.

Entries open for Bredon Cricket Club Tower Run 2019

Entrants in the Bredon Cricket Club Tower Run 2018
Entrants in the Bredon Cricket Club Tower Run 2018

Registration for the Bredon Cricket Club Tower Run 2019 is open now!

It is returning for the third time, after growing entry numbers year on year.

This year’s it again starts and finishes at picturesque Bredon Cricket Club, Westmancote, Worcestershire, at 10am on Sunday, May 26, 2019.

The marshalled 10k route follows pretty country lanes, tracks and paths to the 299m summit of Bredon Hill.

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.

You can view the route of the run and export it to your device from Strava here.

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.

What are the age limits?

16 to 75

Is it timed?

No. Runners are responsible for monitoring their own time, if they wish. You can import the route onto your device from Strava here.

Where do I park?

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.

Are there any medical facilities?

Trained medics will be at the cricket ground.

Bredon Cricket Club annual meeting 2018 minutes

The first of the summer wine season curtain-raiser heralded a long, hot summer of cricket at Bredon
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 ends 2018 season on a high

Bredon Cricket Club's Last of the Summer Wine family fun day 2018
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!