‘How’s zat?’ for Cricketing fun and food

THAME Town cricket club is preparing to throw open its pavilion doors to the local community on Sunday, August 17, as part of a nationwide initiative to help boost grassroots cricket participation.

The club is inviting all local cricket fans and people who are interested in finding out more about the club, to head along to the ground for the day to watch some cricket, meet their members and ECB (The England and Wales Cricket Board) qualified coaches, and enjoy some Waitrose food and drink, in a bid to entice new members to sign-up.

Thame Town CC is one of hundreds of cricket clubs that will host an ECB Club Open Day this season and it is anticipated that thousands of events will be held at clubs across the country to coincide with England’s international cricket weekends throughout the summer.

Building on the successful launch of the initiative las, Waitrose, to help deliver their event.

Matt Swain, TTCC’s fixture secretary, said: “We are inviting people to come and enjoy one of the most idyllic cricket settings in the country, which is right on their doorstep. At the Open Day there will be a 6-aside tournament, BBQ, Music, Bouncy Castle, taster nets sessions, bowling machine, raffle and lots more. The event is for everyone and in particular we would like to build on the success of the Ashes-winning England Women’s Cricket team as we look to establish a strong girls’ section. Come and join us at Church Meadow, you will be most welcome.”

Former England captain and ECB’s Managing Director of Cricket Partnerships, Mike Gatting, added: “Club Open Days represent a unique opportunity for cricket clubs to capitalise on the public interest in England’s international summer. By opening their doors and showcasing what they have to offer to their local community, clubs will hopefully be able to inspire newcomers to come and join them – whether that is as a player, volunteer, social member, or even a local business as a new supporting sponsor.”

Thame Town Cricket Club runs three adult league teams on a Saturday and a friendly team on a Sunday during the cricket season. The club also has a large junior section for age groups U9’s, U’11s, U13’s, U15’s and U17’s that run during the week. The U15’s and U17’s also have the option to play for the adult league and friendly teams.