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Hampshire cricket club celebrate historic anniversary with special fixture alongside immense Parkinson’s fundraiser
Hampshire cricket club celebrate historic anniversary with special fixture alongside immense Parkinson’s fundraiser
Whitchurch Cricket Club marked its 250th anniversary with a historic fixture at Broadhalfpenny Down.
Whitchurch Cricket Club, founded in 1776, is celebrating its 250th anniversary throughout 2026. Widely recognised as one of the oldest cricket clubs in Hampshire, the club hosted its veterans' team, Whitchurch Wednesdays, as they took on The Brigands in a fixture that has taken place annually for over 50 years at Broadhalfpenny Down in July.
The match has become a celebration of the community and power of sport, and this year lined up with an incredible fundraiser for Parkinson’s UK. For many people, a Parkinson's diagnosis can feel like the end of their sporting journey.
But among those pulling on a Whitchurch shirt was the club's Gary Shaughnessy, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2015. Having not played cricket for almost 25 years, Gary returned to the crease to raise awareness of the benefits of exercise for people living with Parkinson's.
The match formed part of his inspiring '60 Sports in my 60th Year' challenge, which sees him take on 60 different sports to encourage more people with Parkinson's to stay active and show that a diagnosis doesn't have to mean giving up the activities you love.
The historic setting made the occasion even more memorable. During the traditional tea interval, Gary swapped bat for handlebars as he took on another challenge from his campaign, learning to ride a Penny Farthing with the help of endurance cyclist Dr Bill Pollard.
The iconic Victorian bicycle was a fitting addition to a day celebrating cricket's rich history, while reinforcing the message that it's never too late to embrace a new challenge.
While not everyone with Parkinson's will run marathons or take on 60 different sports, Gary hopes his challenge shows that movement comes in many forms. Whether it's walking, gardening, yoga, cycling or cricket, staying active can make a real difference and help people continue enjoying the sports and activities they love.
“Having not played cricket for nearly a quarter of a century and not being a good player even in my heyday, I was not sure what to expect from playing against such an experienced team. It was, however, an afternoon of friendly competition.
I was delighted not to be out first ball and to score 17 fine runs before being run out when one of our players thought I was 20 years younger than I am. The Penny Farthing lesson at the tea break reinforced just how difficult a machine it was to cycle and I’ve got every respect for the Victorians who did so.”
Gary Shaughnessy, Chair of Parkinson’s UK
“The Brigands v Whitchurch Wednesdays up on Broadhalfpenny Down has been a fixture that has remained and been sustained for over 50 years, at the historic 'cradle of cricket.' Back in the days when small towns and villages stopped work on a Wednesday afternoon to meet up and socialise, Whitchurch Wednesdays was formed to achieve just that.
A ramshackle cricket team made up of local butchers, bakers, police and firemen, travelled the Hampshire countryside every summer to fulfil a packed fixture card. If ever there was a game that personified the true spirit of cricket, then this is it.”
Richard Osmond, Whitchurch Wednesday Captain
It was a closely fought encounter, with The Brigands setting a competitive 218-6 before The Wednesdays reached 203-9.
