Odiham & Greywell CC - Warm Hub

When the cost-of-living crisis hit in the winter of 2022, Odiham & Greywell Cricket Club, led by the indomitable Cara, realised that it was an ideal opportunity to support the elderly and vulnerable within their community.

A few actions were needed to get it up and running, but this included:

• Applying for the Warm Hub government grant 
• Assembling a small group of volunteers
• Drawing up a cooking rota
• Advertising in the village

The OGCC warm hub was soon catering to 35 locals, many of whom relied on the weekly session not just for the food and warmth but for the friendship it offered.

The venture has been extremely successful and when it closed in April 2023, due to the government grant ending, the club came under pressure to keep going by locals.

Two weeks later, the hub restarted, offering the same regular Monday two-course lunch and the opportunity to socialise amongst others for a small donation of £2.

Claire, mum to two long-standing juniors at the club and a new player herself, is a regular volunteer and often prepares the meals. 

A recent menu comprised:

• Tasty sausage and vegetable casserole with new potatoes (or soup and fresh crusty bread)
• Bread-and-butter pudding with cream or custard – or both! (or rice pudding and jam)

The urn steams steadily away offering hot drinks, the fire crackles in the grate and there is a lively atmosphere with regulars obviously keen to catch up on the local gossip. 

The gesture provided by the club is hugely credited in Odiham and is appreciated by the locals who look forward to the forthcoming Christmas lunch.

Hampshire Cricket Board is keen to support clubs interested in doing something similar. If your club is interested, please contact Emma Cowdrill for more information.