Volunteer of the Month: Celebrating Exceptional Contributions to Cricket

Hampshire Cricket Board is thrilled to announce the 20 nominees for the first Volunteer of the Month for 2025, showcasing the incredible contributions made by individuals who help strengthen and support cricket in our community. With so many deserving nominees, this month’s selection is a testament to the outstanding dedication of our volunteers across the county.

Winner: Graham Blake (Mottisfont Cricket Club)
Graham has been a loyal player for 59 years and continues to offer his unwavering support, especially in times when the team is short-handed. This year, he raised £2,600 for the club through various fundraising events, including a skittles evening, a stall at the Village Fete, an 8-a-side cricket tournament, and a race night. Despite being diagnosed with lung cancer and undergoing surgery, Graham's dedication has not faltered. He even took on physically demanding tasks, such as staining the pavilion, clearing hedges, and digging out drainage ditches. His commitment to Mottisfont Cricket Club is unparalleled, and we are proud to recognise his incredible contributions.

Highly Commended: Craig Cox (Cadnam Cricket Club)
Craig has been coaching the Juniors at Cadnam CC for the past three years, creating engaging and fun training sessions that the children adore. He also serves as captain of the men's 3rd team and works hard to ensure everyone gets the time and fun they deserve. In addition to his coaching role, Craig is an active member of the Cadnam committee and coaches at his son's football club. Despite a busy schedule, including completing his master’s degree, Craig’s passion for giving back to the community is truly inspiring.

Highly Commended: Tom Chaplin (Hayling Island Cricket Club)
As the Media and Communications Officer for Hayling Island CC, Tom has raised over £900 in sponsorship for the club’s new net facility. He created a tiered sponsorship scheme to engage with local businesses, generating support from over 30 local businesses. Tom has also planned a sponsor’s lunch to engage and recognise the club’s sponsors. His commitment to the club’s development through media and communications has been invaluable.

February 2025 Nominees:
We are also delighted to recognise the following individuals who were nominated for their outstanding contributions this month:

• Matt Ellis (Sarisbury Athletic Cricket Club) - Matt founded NotOut to raise awareness of mental health in cricket and has worked tirelessly to bring the initiative to life, making him a true superstar.
• Nick Edens (Totton & Eling Cricket Club) - Nick has remained dedicated to Totton & Eling CC during the off-season, leading winter training, managing the new clubhouse setup, and providing valuable support as Juniors Chairman.
• Shane Lawrence (US Portsmouth Cricket Club) - Shane has kept the club alive by dedicating countless hours of personal time when it was at risk of folding.
• Gareth Bennett (New Milton Cricket Club) - Gareth has been instrumental in managing the boys' junior section, securing sponsorship, raising funds, and organising everything, ensuring the club's continued success.
• Kane Kington (Hook & Newnham Basics Cricket Club) - Kane stepped up to lead the Colts section at Hook & Newnham CC, managing season entries, securing coaches, overseeing Winter Net sessions, and continuing to coach his Winter League team with great success.
• Terry Lewis (Mottisfont Cricket Club) - Terry has stepped up to maintain the ground, complete safeguarding and first aid courses, chair the social events group, and prepare the finest teas on match days.
• Sean Burke (South Wilts Cricket Club) - Sean has selflessly supported the club in various areas, from ground care to staff management, making it a better place for everyone.
• Sam Fielder (Ampfield & North Baddesley Cricket Club) - Sam, a respected 2nd team captain at ANBCC, dedicates 30+ hours a week to groundskeeping, event organisation, and maintaining the club, making it the heart of the community.
• Angela Howes (Whiteparish Cricket Club) - Angela joined the Ladies Softball team in 2024, volunteered as Club Safeguarding Officer, and completed the necessary courses with great enthusiasm.
• Ben Saunders (Portsmouth & Southsea Cricket Club) - Ben tirelessly supports and grows Portsmouth & Southsea Cricket Club, fostering an inclusive and enthusiastic cricket family.
• Steve How (Sway Cricket Club) - Steve has been a dedicated volunteer, captaining the Sway 2nd XI and leading projects to improve the club's facilities, including the nets and scorers' hut.
• Andy Church (Redlynch & Hale Cricket Club) - Andy has coordinated Junior cricket at Redlynch & Hale CC for 30 years, set up a Ladies Softball section, developed a Club/School link, and served as Chairman, all while continuing to play for the 3rd XI.
• David Coles (Hurlsey Park Cricket Club) - Dave, the club chairman, has worked tirelessly on the pavilion project, ensuring the club has a modern facility for its 300+ members across all sections.
• Jamie Gawler (New Milton Cricket Club) - Jamie has shown exceptional commitment, leading adult training, supporting junior boys' training, and managing wicket allocations for the upcoming season, all while tirelessly working through the winter.
• Steve Chiverton (Hythe & Dibden Cricket Club) - Chiv, a dedicated Groundsman, has worked tirelessly to maintain the pitch, even recovering from surgery, ensuring the ground is ready for the season.
• Ravi Kapani (Eastleigh Warriors Cricket Club) - Ravi is the driving force behind cricket at the club and in the community, serving as a great ambassador for the game.
• Jim Ley (Sparsholt Cricket Club) - Jim has led the juniors for over 10 years, developing a love for cricket in hundreds of kids and supporting the creation of Sparsholt's first women's team.

We encourage everyone in the Hampshire cricketing community to celebrate the hard work and enthusiasm of these volunteers, who make a huge difference to the success of our clubs and the enjoyment of players.

Thank you to all our nominees, and to the thousands of volunteers across Hampshire who make cricket the wonderful game it is.