Volunteer of the Month: Celebrating Exceptional Contributions to Cricket

Hampshire Cricket Board is thrilled to announce the 13 nominees for our second 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: Dan Wooster (New Milton Cricket Club)
Dan has been an invaluable asset to the club, recently taking on the role of chairperson while also serving as one of the head ground staff. He has worked tirelessly to organise the ground staff, fundraise, and secure new equipment and labour for ground improvements. In addition, Dan successfully negotiated a new 25-year lease with the local council and secured club sponsorships. He also finds time to train the U9 and U11 teams during winter training. Dan's dedication to the club is unmatched, and the club wouldn’t be what it is today without his unwavering commitment.

Highly Commended: Martin Skilton (Chawton Cricket Club)
Martin has been the driving force behind Chawton Cricket Club for many years, taking on multiple roles with unwavering dedication. As chairman, groundsman, and umpire, he works tirelessly to maintain the club’s high standards, ensuring the ground is always in top condition and that matches run smoothly. Martin prepares immaculate pitches week in, week out, and steps in as a player when needed. He also umpires every game, both home and away, and constantly strives to improve the club. His commitment to the club is evident in everything he does, often working behind the scenes without recognition. Martin’s passion for the game and the club is unmatched, and the club’s success is a direct result of his incredible efforts.

Highly Commended: Lindsay Perry (Clanfield Cricket Club)
Lindsay is the driving force behind Clanfield CC’s junior section, growing it from 2 to 5 teams, including a new Girls team. As Junior Coordinator, she manages multiple teams, runs the All Stars & Dynamos programs, secures sponsors, and builds strong community ties. Lindsay’s dedication and energy in all aspects of the club, from administration to coaching, are invaluable, and her contributions are crucial to the junior section's success.

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

• Amanda Jones (Grayshott Cricket Club) - Amanda led the project to launch Grayshott CC's new website, working with SISU marketing and volunteers to create a modern, user-friendly platform that showcases the club and enhances its appeal to new and existing members.
• Andrew Butler (Herriard Cricket Club) - Andrew has become a key member of the club, now serving on the sports club committee and dedicating countless hours to helping it grow.
• Archie Dunn (Paultons Cricket Club) - Archie volunteered to coach the U9s, quickly becoming a key figure in their development, fostering a strong team bond, and giving his time and energy to the club despite having no children himself.
• David Orchard (St Cross Symondians Cricket Club) - David took ownership of the clubhouse refurbishment pre-season, working tirelessly to create an inclusive space for everyone.
• Ian Prentice (Hythe & Dibden Cricket Club) - Ian has gone above and beyond in his role as Vice-Chairman, dedicating countless hours with his family to refurbish club facilities, maintain the grounds, and support coaching, ensuring the club is in excellent shape for 2025.
• Jamie Gawler (New Milton Cricket Club) - Jamie is an invaluable force at the club, taking on the roles of Club Coach, head groundsman, and an active committee member, coaching juniors and senior men, maintaining the grounds, and volunteering for every task, ensuring the club is always ready for the season.
• Lizzie Hobbs (Donnington Cricket Club) - Lizzie is the backbone of the club, serving as the scorer, safeguarding officer, and managing the Play Cricket site, while also volunteering for various other duties and balancing a busy job; her dedication and respect within the club make her absolutely invaluable.
• Richard Turnball (Frimley Phoenix Cricket Club) - Richard is a dedicated trustee, committee member, treasurer, and fixture secretary, who also volunteers as a qualified coach, providing invaluable support and encouragement to youth players, all while never seeking the spotlight.
• Stuart Cruse (Shrewton Cricket Club) - Stu, a dedicated groundsman, tirelessly maintains the grounds, supports all events, and coaches the youth and women’s teams with a supportive and encouraging approach, making him an invaluable member of Shrewton Cricket Club.
• Wayne Dennison (Hedge End Junior Cricket Club) - Wayne puts his heart and soul into the cricket club and is fantastic with the kids, making a real difference in their development and love for the game!

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.