ECB PRESS RELEASE: Mark Reynolds Wins Award At Lord's
Article Date: 4th October 2004
ECB Press Release
Volunteers from recreational cricket were recognised by the ECB when the winners of the 2004 Outstanding Service to Cricket Awards were announced at Lord's.
Supported by NatWest, the ECB held its second annual OSCAs ceremony with the aim of recognising volunteers who give so much of their time to support cricket throughout the country.
Nominees for the OSCAs fell into seven categories, with the overall winners announced on the day.
Steve Day, Head of Brand Strategy NatWest, said: “With over 24 years’ involvement in English cricket, NatWest is accutely aware of the importance of volunteers to the game.
"Without these thousands of unsung heroes the game would simply not flourish and we would like to take this opportunity to give them the recognition they so richly deserve.”
OSCA winners
The OSCAs event forms part of the ECB's Volunteers Strategy which gives cricket clubs advice on recruiting, educating and rewarding volunteers.
The ECB was the first national governing body to have a Volunteers Strategy and a National Volunteers Manager, having recruited Christine de Cruz to work in the role in August 2002.
The seven categories and their winners are as follows:
Get Involved - "volunteer who gets involved with the club because his/her child plays"
Richard Fox: Olton and West Warwickshire CC. When his son started to play, he re-established the club's youth section. In 12 years he has coached the U11s, U13s, U15s and U17s. Has built up a team of 14 coaches. In the winter he organises coaching sessions at local schools.
Volunteering - "volunteer who recruits and co-ordinates other cricket volunteers within the club and local community"
Khalda Shafiq: Newcastle City CC, Northumberland. Revolutionised the administration, organisation and development of the club. Set up the junior section. Active member of Newcastle District Cricket Development Group. As a female member within an ethnic minority club, she has helped bring down barriers to create a truly equitable club.
Make a Difference - "volunteer who brings in new commercial support through an innovative approach"
Neil Moore & Karl Brown: Willington CC, Durham. Jointly played major roles in developing the club, leading to the opening of a £300,000 new pavilion in April and the granting of ClubMark accreditation. Have gained success with numerous grant applications, run fund-raising events and changed the culture of the club to a vibrant, safe, effective, child friendly environment.
All Rounder - "volunteer who wears many hats and keeps the club running"
Graham (Gay) Clarke: Attenborough CC, Nottinghamshire. Given 47 years of voluntary service to the club. Played major role in developing clubhouse from 'changing rooms only' into one with first class Nottinghamshire club facilities. Involved in maintenance to the ground, machinery, clubhouse etc. Devotes around 30 hours per week to volunteering work in cricket.
Leagues and Boards - "volunteer who is active at local league, County Board or County age group levels"
Derek Hopkins: Bournemouth & District Cricket Association, Dorset CA. Joined BDCA committee in 1972 before becoming Chairman and then President. In his time he has formed youth leagues, formed the BDCA Over 50s, ran representative sides, produced the BDCA handbook for 28 years, organised their centenary week, initiated the double wicket competition and sat on numerous committees. Also formed Suttoners CC in 1967.
Youth - "volunteer under the age of 25 as at 06/10/03"
Mark Reynolds (24): Chipping Sodbury CC. Set up the club's excellent website, managed U11, U13 and U17 teams in 2003, managed U11 and U13 teams this season, represents youth section on club committee, organised external training and development of seven new coaches, has developed links with various external organisations to the benefit of the club.
Cricket Force - "volunteer or a group of volunteers who managed a project to improve the clubhouse and/or the club's grounds"
Chorley Cricket Club Committee, Lancashire. Saved club from verge of collapse when, in March 2003, it was in debt and about to sell its land to a developer. A new committee was formed and transformed the club in a year. Organised redecoration of the function room (to increase business by 500%), improved condition of the ground, successfully sought donations and sponsorship, brought about financial stability.
Keep an eye on the CSCC News page as Jeff and Mark provide some more gossip on their great day.
