The David Shepherd Cricket Trust Closes Down
The David Shepherd Cricket Trust (DSCT) is to draw stumps after nearly 15 years of supporting youth cricket in Devon.
The trustees have regretfully decided that now is the right time for the charity to stop its work. The trustees gratefully thank the very many members of the Trust for their fantastic loyalty and generosity over the years, especially during the Covid era.
"Times and needs change and move on," said Guy Curry, Chair of DSCT. "It has been a huge privilege to be involved with the David Shepherd Cricket Trust but now it is right for the Trust to step aside with pride in what it has done but above all acknowledging with thanks what so many cricket supporters in Devon have enabled it to do."
The trustees respectfully request all members to cancel their membership subscriptions in favour of DSCT as soon as they reasonably can (any problems, please contact Gavin Lane below).
The trustees have agreed that funds remaining will be shared between the following:
- Devon County Cricket Club in support of the Devon Lions.
- Devon Cricket League in support of their small grants scheme.
- The Devon Cricket Foundation in support of their boys' and girls' County Age Groups.
Looking back on DSCT's origins and impact on the game, Treasurer Gavin Lane said:
"It has been a most rewarding ride from the concept and ideas stage, in South Africa on an Under 15 Boys cricket tour, to having a team of enthusiasts, to form the Devon Youth Cricket Foundation, and to start raising money to support Devon youth cricket.
"Since those halcyon days, DSCT has supported all areas of cricket in Devon, from new starters all the way to elite cricketers - both male and female - whilst also strongly supporting coach and officials education.
"However, times have changed and now it is right that DSCT quietly retires to the boundary and watches others at play. Cricket in Devon is in a good place. I like to think that DSCT did its bit to make that so."
Over the years, DSCT has supported youth cricket in Devon with over £165,000 worth of grants, covering cricket organisations like DCBYA, DCCC Lions, cricket clubs and individual coaches and officials. More recently, support has been given to clubs to form women's and girls' sections providing funds for softball and, later, hardball kits.
The great game of cricket is thriving in Devon and the David Shepherd Cricket Trust has done its part in helping this to come about due to the support of its members and the generosity generally of the people in Devon – Thank you. Cricket has been the winner.
Contact
Should you require help with stopping your payments to DSCT, please contact Gavin Lane:
gavingbdlane@gmail.com
07711038451
Devon Club Affiliation
Devon Clubs who have received information regarding annual affiliation, which included affiliation to DSCT, should disregard this additional affiliation option. Any clubs who have already paid this affiliation will be contacted and refunded in due course.
