County's volunteers recognised at 2013 NatWest OSCAs awards
18 September 2013
Six of Gloucestershire cricket’s most valuable volunteers have been awarded a NatWest OSCA (Outstanding Services to Cricket Award) in recognition of their tireless dedication to the grassroots game.
Gloucestershire cricket development manager Steve Silk said: “The NatWest OSCAs are fantastic way of celebrating the individuals who don’t always get the recognition they deserve but without whom club cricket simply could not function.
“This year’s list of winners features six dedicated people who have made incredible contributions to Gloucestershire cricket whether through our clubs, leagues, committees or associations.
“Volunteers like them are the life-blood of the recreational game and I hope their achievements inspire others in Gloucestershire to give up their time and offer their support in whatever way they can.”
Winners
Category: Behind The Scenes
Winner: Kath Bovey
Club/League/Board: Chalford CC
When it comes to lending a helping hand Chalford CC’s Kath Bovey is a true allrounder
Whether in her role as secretary, scorer, youth section administrator, tea lady, fundraiser, barmaid or occasional umpire - her tireless work is integral to the success of the club.
Chalford chairman David Charlesworth said: “Kath is always at the club and involved in all aspects of it but much of what she does goes unnoticed and unseen. Her dedication is beyond doubt and she is best described as an all-rounder. She contributes in so many ways and if you want something done just ask Kath.”
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Category: Building Partnerships
Winner: Paul Buckland
Club/League/Board: Hanham CC
Since taking his coaching qualifications Paul has thrown himself in to a range of different roles with great enthusiasm and professionalism.
He is highly valued both as club and district coach but it is in his volunteer role as a coaching coordinator for the Gloucestershire Coaches Association that he has really excelled in building partnerships.
In this role Paul has taken the time to make contact with junior leads at all clubs in his area asking if they have any areas of need and doing his best to provide them with the relevant support. This can range from offering advice on training nights, to running introductory coaching evenings for parents or feeding information back to the GCB where additional help is needed.
GCB cricket development manager Steve Silk said: “Paul has a real passion for seeing young people and coaches improve and this is where his partnership work has excelled with his support to local clubs in the South Glos and Stroud area.
“His drive and determination to improve clubs has seen Paul come back to playing cricket himself as he now has the bug for the game once again. Through the coaching and relationships he is building with U11 and U13 players and parents, his club Hanham, thanks to Paul, are now reforming 3rd and 4th XIs.”
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Category: Leagues and Boards
Winner: Brian Hudson
Club/League/Board: Gloucestershire County Cricket League (Chairman), GCB Senior Club & Competitions Development Group (Chairman), Gloucestershire Cricket Board (Non-Executive Director).
Many people have opinions on how cricket can be improved but Brian Hudson is one of the very few who give up their time and energy to actually make these changes happen.
In his numerous roles Brian has shown an unstinting dedication to developing cricket at national, county, league and club levels.
As Gloucestershire County Cricket League chairman he has driven the change to league structures and formats to keep players and clubs retained in the game. This was met positively in 2012 by clubs who now play
cricket far more locally than before.
Through his leadership of the development group responsible for senior club cricket he has seen competitions rebranded and brought back successfully in to the county, increasing frequency of play and making Sunday cricket more meaningful. He has also overseen the development of GACO (Gloucestershire Association of Cricket Officials) and the new Grounds Association to name but a few project areas.
Steve Silk, cricket development manager at the GCB added: “Brian throws himself as a volunteer into as many areas of work as possible and is happy to be involved in working groups and committees. “His introduction in 2009 as a non-executive director of the GCB has changed the Board considerably and where it is now is testament to Brian’s support and time.”
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Category: Lifetime Achiever
Winner: Mike Mundy
Club/League/Board: Bradley Stoke CC
Without Mike Mundy it can be argued that Bradley Stoke CC simply wouldn’t exist.
Not only is he the current president, chief statistician and license holder – he is also the club’s founder member.
Starting with one team, Mike has overseen the club’s growth to the point where they can now boast four sides on a Saturday, two on a Sunday, host a midweek league for local businesses and run four youth teams.
Club member Barry Radford said: “Mike founded the club in 1991 and has been the lifeblood and backbone ever since. But it’s not only the sport he has overseen and nurtured over the 22 years of service, it’s the friendships, community atmosphere and the culture of our club.
“Over the years the club would not have survived without him. A stickler for the details he has been responsible for getting the club out of many a situation over the years with his hard work, expertise and persistence. And on the rare occasion that has failed it’s been his bank account that keeps the club afloat!
“I am fully aware that every club has someone like this, some are lucky enough to have a few. However I am firmly in the belief we have someone very special indeed and more than worthy of this recognition.”
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Category: Officiating – Umpires and Scorers
Winner: Sue Drinkwater
Club/League/Board: GACUS (Gloucestershire Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers)
Sue has been a member of the Association of Cricket Officials and its predecessor for over 25 years. She started scoring for her local side Chedworth over 30 years ago and is now regularly invited to score in major matches and for touring sides, including the current Australians.
For the last eight years Sue has been the scorers training officer for the Gloucestershire Association of Cricket Officials.
She designed her own courses when none existed and in recent years has seen her ideas taken on by ECBACO.
She regularly sits on committees to advise on current training and examinations and has pioneered training for computerised scoring.
In Gloucestershire she has trained the majority of scorers at clubs in both the WEPL and the County League, numbering well over 100. It is no coincidence that umpires arriving in the county from other areas comment on the quality and professionalism of these scorers.
Several of them have continued their pathways as scorers and now score in representative cricket. Despite her own busy scoring schedule, Sue still manages to guide and mentor those she has inspired.
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Category: Young Volunteer (16-25)
Winner: Jack Spence
Club/League/Board: Rockhampton CC
At the age of just 25 Jack Spence has done more for his club Rockhampton CC than most people manage in a lifetime.
On the field he has been a 1st XI player for the last seven years while off it he has also made a huge contribution.
Jack spent the last six years as fixture secretary and chaired the club’s cricket committee for the last two. This involves him overseeing all cricket played in the club, from the youth team to the first XI including chairing the adult selection committee.
In 2011 and 2012, Jack was the main organiser for hosting the Lashings XI. These were a massive logistical undertaking and generated over £10,000 profit for the club.
For the 2013 season, Jack sourced and organised the recruitment of an overseas player from Australia and has also accommodated him in his own home and sourced work for him.
In addition to this, Jack has obtained the main club sponsor for the 2013 season and oversees the club website (www.rockhamptoncc.co.uk).
Club member Paul Williams added: “Jack’s contribution to our club has been phenomenal for someone of such a young age and we have no hesitation in recommending him for an OSCA.”
