Dumbleton Cricket Club

Welcome to our fixture card for 2023 and the prospect of another busy and happy year in the life of the club and the village.

Back in the dark days of World War 2, when American Forces were renting the cricket ground on which to play baseball, for 11 shillings per year (55 pence), village boys and girls would never have imagined that in their more mature years so many people would still be able to enjoy the facilities which have been continuously improved by succeeding generations.

As custodians of one of the most remarkable cricket grounds in England, we continue to improve the immediate area. We have just completed the enhancement of the groundsman’s shed to tidy up the vicinity and to match the timber cladding on the pavilion. This improvement, together with the stunning new balcony over the lake, will make for a beautiful setting for local residents, visitors, players and anyone who wishes to use the facility.

Again this year we are continuing to provide a sporting structure for young people to enjoy a summer sport in a family atmosphere whilst learning the values of team camaraderie and respect, at the same time as being taught skills by qualified coaches. The club’s concentration on youth teams for boys and girls over many years has led to a great deal of success.

In 2022 the men’s team won the Voneous Village Cup at

Lord’s cricket ground, the home of cricket worldwide, a dream venue for every cricketer. No less than 340 village clubs, with a population of less than 10,000, entered the competition but Dumbleton won matches against villages from Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Merseyside, all but one match being played away from home, before playing the final at Lord’s.

We are also very pleased the participation of women’s teams in the club has contributed so much. The team has enjoyed a very successful season and has now been invited to participate in the inaugural West of England Premier League which will involve playing against teams from Bristol, Bath, Taunton, Bridgewater and Devizes. We all wish them every success.

Our junior boys and girls teams continue to thrive and this season there is huge support for the Dynamos and All Stars (610 year old age groups). There should also be a special mention for Tommy Boorman, who was selected for the England Under 19 X1, Danielle Gibson, who travelled to South Africa with the England Women’s T20 squad and Katie Jones to Gloucestershire Women and Western Storm cricket. Additionally several cricketers have spent the winter months overseas playing cricket in different conditions.

The season ahead will include, in addition to an England v Wales over 60’s match, our annual cricket festival week, a highly unusual event to be staged by a village club. This year’s fixtures will include the Andrew Powell Memorial match, games against the MCC, Gloucestershire Gipsies and teams from Essex, Wales and Gloucestershire. They will culminate with a fixture against Worcestershire CCC. During the week Gareth Chilcott, the England rugby player, will also be speaking at a gala dinner. Throughout the festival, lunches, teas and suppers will be available each day in the marquee for everyone who wishes to come along to enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional English summer sport.

Now in it’s 52nd year, the August Bank Holiday fete will aim to provide a very traditional feel for young and old to socialise and enjoy a fun day at a beautiful local venue away from the busy roads and traffic.

The Cricket Club would also like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed, in any way whatsoever, to helping the club on its journey since 1885. Many previous generations of local people have given their support over the years and we are so grateful that today the passion remains to continue their efforts. Your on-going support is really appreciated.

VP. March 2023.