
Devon clubs' exceptional volunteers had their hard work celebrated in an early morning awards ceremony on Sunday at the Cooper Associates County Ground.
The Cricket Collective Awards are a celebration of the exceptional contribution clubs and volunteers make across grassroots cricket across the county. Devon’s winners will now be put forward for the chance to have their contributions recognised nationally by the ECB.
Nominees were invited to an early-morning awards ceremony at the Cooper Associates County Ground on Sunday, August 4. Attendees were hosted at The Thatchers Terrace, provided with lunch and invited to watch Somerset CCC's Royal London One-Day Cup fixture against Derbyshire CCC.
Connecting Communities - Chris Stubbs & Barton CC
Barton CC have established weekly disability and accessible cricket sessions, introducing the sport to people with a disability who are looking to be active. Integral to this has been Chris Stubbs, who ensures sessions are accessible to all who attend, with attendance regularly reaching double figures.
"Volunteering in disability cricket is more than just giving my time; it's about empowering every player to experience the joy of the game. Seeing the determination, camaraderie and pure love for cricket reminds me that the true spirit of sport lies in inclusion and opportunity for all."
Runner-up:
Emma Cooling & Budleigh Salterton CC - Linking the club with the local community through events, schools, fundraisers and more.
Cricket Innovators - Jacob Taylor
Jacob has taken the lead on improving some important areas of Topsham St James CC: the club's social media presence, junior training evenings, equipment and the club's Spond usage. As a result, the club's presence has been better advertised to the wider Tospham community and Jacob has become a real asset to the club.
Runner-up:
Ken Harper (Budleigh Salterton CC) - Pivotal in implementing new systems for health and safety at the club.
Game Changer - Ollie Smith
Having carried over his role as club secretary at Chelston & Kingskerswell CC following the merger with Torquay CC, Ollie is always coming up with new ideas for social events or ways to include the whole club. He also runs the club's social media presence, championing the achievements of different club members and ensuring they all feel included in the club.
Ollie now also travels over an hour to get to Torquay to coach the All Stars on a Friday and will stay until the club shuts to help out with anything he can, always smiling and with a positive attitude.
Runner-up:
Abby Hyde (Heathcoat CC) - Confident and enthusiastic All Stars activator who has become a stalwart of the club.
Growing the Game - Adam Pulman
Adam has given up a season of his cricketing career playing with his mates to start Upottery CC's 3rd XI, giving the club's promising young junior cricketers the opportunity to play senior cricket. Adam has also set up Upottery CC's women's team, which has gone from strength to strength, starting out as a bit of fun to now fully entering the Devon Women's Softball League.
Runner-up:
Steve Cox (Tavistock CC) - Led a thriving junior programme and developed a new girls' section.
Inspired to Play - Bill Roper
Described as the "life and soul" of Budleigh Salterton CC, Bill's infectious enthusiasm for club and cricket has made him everyone's 'go to' person at the club. This has become especially prevalent in his passion to inspire the next generation of cricketers at the club., managing four junior teams and always being present at matches to coach, umpire and often act as team minibus.
On Friday evenings, Bill is the first one at the club to set up junior coaching for over 100 children and he has been instrumental in setting up the popular 3rd XI, providing a stepping stone into senior cricket for young players.
"It’s great to be recognised by the Devon Cricket Foundation. This award is the culmination of a huge amount of work from lots of people at the club. None of this is possible without them!"
Runner-up:
Andy Meredith (Barton CC) - Coaches year-round and instil great value in his participants.
Lifetime Achiever - Janet Bowden
Janet has made a massive contribution behind the scenes at Barnstaple & Pilton CC for over 40 years. She first became involved helping with teas when her husband Rodney played for Pilton CC. After the amalgamation with Barnstaple CC in 1993, Janet took on more roles, becoming club Treasurer and, following the club's relocation to Raleigh Meadow, Bar Manager.
In the last few years, Janet has managed to achieve funding drastically needed for the future of the club, including funding to install solar panels to reduce energy costs, to concrete the main entry drive which had a long-term issue, a new equipment shed, a new decking area, practise nets and sight screens.
"I didn't expect this and it has come as a great surprise! I can't thank people enough for giving me this award for what I have done over the years. I feel very honoured.
"I've done practically everything but cut the grass at this club and I''ve really enjoyed it, but I feel now is the time for other people run the club. I shall miss the club and the people here."
Runners-up:
Andrew Jarman (Tavistock CC) - Provided invaluable support, guidance and encouragement to many in the club over the years.
Mike Whitting (Plymouth Civil Service & Roborough CC) - Dedicated over six decades to cricket in Devon as chair and expert groundskeeper.
Sheila Harding (Topsham St James CC) - A stalwart of the club as scorer, secretary and junior organiser as well as multiple league roles.
Metro Bank Champion of Girls' Cricket - Jo Watson
Jo has been instrumental in developing women and girls' cricket at Exmouth CC, transforming a club with no female players at the club to one that boasts two junior girls' teams, three teams in the Devon Women's Softball League and two women's hardball teams, all in the space of just three seasons.
Thursday night training sessions at Exmouth CC now regularly attract over 40 women and almost 50 girls, all as a result of Jo's work pulling together volunteers, building a strong group of coaches and pushing the club to attract its first-ever female overseas player to provide additional support and a role model to younger players.
Runners-up:
Corrine Price (Chagford CC) - At the forefront of establishing a pathway for girls and helping provide opportunities for all.
Nathan Wells (Clyst St George CC) - Built the women's hardball section and fostered a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
Rising Star Award - Millie Diamond
Millie has already made a huge difference at Heathcoat CC, having started helping out with the club's youngest All Starts at just nine years old. Millie's high levels of enthusiasm and excitement are infectious and have helped capture the minds and attentions of the club's youngest All Stars.
After four years of giving up her time on Fridays, Millie hasn't just helped the young All Stars, her confidence has grown and she now delivers well-organised sessions to the older All Stars, becoming a regular Activator and progressing to leading activities.
"My passion for cricket, both playing and watching, led to my volunteering role as I love to inspire the next generation of cricketers. I will be forever thankful to my club for the brilliant opportunities I have had over the four years to develop my coaching skills, a role that I am keen to pursue further.
"Personally, I believe that All Stars is an amazing program for young cricketers; I also did it myself for a number of years. Finally, I would like to thank Devon for awarding me this award as it means so much to me as a young female cricketer and aspiring coach."
Runner-up:
Nick Heale (Ipplepen CC) - A keen Dynamos activator and young official who is always keen to help out.
SafeHands Award - Mark Williams
Mark has driven high safeguarding standards at Culmstock CC, helping fully implement the Safe Hands Management System and ensuring the club is a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone who attends. Mark's tireless effort has also led to the club being granted Clubmark status in 2024.
Tackling Climate Change - Budleigh Salterton CC
After years of miserable flooding, Budleigh Salterton CC the club grabbed the opportunity to move grounds with both hands and a sustainable, energy-efficient clubhouse has been built for the community to enjoy all year round.
Built in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the state-of-the-art clubhouse boasts many energy-saving features, helping the club tackle climate change whilst respecting the natural environment in the surrounding area. The Holt has air-source heat pumps throughout, a roof covered in solar panels, an electric vehicle charging point with dedicated parking and a rainwater harvesting system.
Speaking on winning the award, Chairman Joel Murphy said:
"Climate Change is one of the most important issues the world faces and Budleigh Salterton CC are delighted to have been awarded the 2024 DCF award for Tackling Climate Change. The award recognises the innovative, forward-thinking insistence by our volunteer committee on incorporating as many mitigating systems as possible into our fabulous new clubhouse.
"It is a reward for all those involved in the concept, design and implementation of solar panels, rainwater harvesting and recycling of grey water these systems have allowed the club to future-proof for generations of Budleigh's cricketers to come."
Runner-up:
Stoke Gabriel CC - Utilising funding to install solar panels to help tackle climate change and reduce costs.
Unsung Hero - Carolyn Roper
Carolyn is the heartbeat of Budleigh Salterton CC, having shown an incredible ability to fundraise, raising in excess of £400,000 for the club, and with an "always ready to muck in attitude."
She has been a major player in engaging the community with everything that is going on at the club and is heavily involved in the committee life, filling in countless grant applications (alongside the fundraising), supporting the sponsorship secretary and directors, and helping out at club events. Carolyn's dynamism and energy are vital to the club, becoming the motivator behind much of what happens at Budleigh Salterton CC.
"It has been a real privilege to be part of the incredible team that has worked so hard to create the new clubhouse and community venue at Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club. We all believed in the vision of building a fully inclusive club for the whole community, and lots of hard work made it happen.
"It's wonderful to watch the new club go from strength to strength, and be so well supported by the town, and cricketers alike. We look forward to offering Devon’s cricketing community a hugely warm welcome."
Runners-up:
Caroline Creer (Clyst St George CC) - Incredibly dedicated as junior coordinator, secretary, scorer and safeguarding officer.
Richard Codd (Abbotskerswell CC) - Loyal and dedicated chair, always with a smile on his face.
Volunteer Grounds Management Team of the Year - Seaton CC
After their long-term groundskeeper stepped down last year, Seaton CC didn't know who could fill the void. Thankfully, Jeff Baxter (81 years young) and Tristan Wakeley have put their heart and soul into the ground, spending untold hours whilst juggling family life, Jeff's Devon Over 70s cricket and other commitments.
Not content with just getting through the week, the duo are seen multiple times a day debating how best to improve the ground, the wicket, researching kit and equipment requirements, and bending the ear of anyone with grounds experience who dares go within reach of either of them!
"With our long serving team suddenly unavailable there was a urgent need for help. Jeff’s years around the block in cricket has given him some fantastic knowledge and experience with square maintenance and wicket preparation and his work is really appreciated by the entire club!
"Given his age he’s put in a stint that far surpasses normal volunteering. Personally, I’ve really enjoyed helping the club and appreciate all the support from the club and friends within. A big thanks goes to 'The Cricket Groundsmen' facebook group for like minded ‘groundies’ who have helped fill knowledge gaps, and my family for their support whilst working on the pitch."
Runners-up:
Harberton CC (Graham Clayton) - Together with wife Jackie has given a huge amount of time to maintaining the ground.
Kilmington CC (John Lavender) - Over 50 years of dedication to maintaining the pitch at Kilmington CC.
Coach of the Year - Daniel Williams
Whimple CC's Dan Williams has led the coaching of the club's Under 11s and Under 12s for two seasons, including an extensive winter programme. As a result of his enthusiasm and passion, the club now boasts the largest groups in the club's history in those age groups.
Alongside his work with the juniors, Dan has led the coaching for the club's developing women's softball team, and runs the social and Sunday teams. He is at the heart of the club, growing the game and inspiring new cricketers.
"I started to coach the team that my son was in and really enjoyed the group and team spirit of that team, they have all become great mates and they absolutely love the game.
"I strongly believe our winter training program has helped the teams gel as well as improving their cricketing ability.
"It’s an honour and a pleasure to be part of such a thriving cricket club. We have many helpers at the club, but a special mention should go out to our chairman James Woollam for his relentless work behind the scenes. "
Runners-up:
Ryan Hewitt (Cornwood CC) - A committed and inclusive coach, key to the development of junior cricket.
Simon Wright (North Devon CC) - Leads the large junior section and coaches the Under 15s.
Outstanding Contribution - Services to Coaching - Nick Harman
Nick was the instigator of Paignton CC's girls section and, latterly, the women's section. As a result of his dedication and planning, the club now boasts girls Under 11s, Under 13s, Under 15s and Under 17s steams, a Tolchards Devon Women's Cricket League side, a Devon Women's Softball side and a vibrant Wine & Wickets evening.
Nick has also found time to coach the club's younger girls on Friday nights and has run a successful cricket club at Oldway Primary School, which has provided a succession of players to all of the above teams.
"Volunteering at Paignton CC is less a chore and more a privilege. As well as having a chance to enhance young people’s lives, I’ve gained a supportive social network which is priceless, and the club has become a second family."
Runner-up:
Kevin Fishleigh (Paignton CC) - Inspired and led the development of the club's thriving women and girls' section.
Young Coach of the Year - Teddy Haffenden
Teddy has proven himself over the past couple of years to be a committed, attentive coach, who iss willing to learn and develop his skills at varying performance levels. He has ably assisted a variety of boys and girls age groups in Devon's Performance Pathway, as well as supporting at observation days.
Teddy also provides many hours of coaching at Plymouth CC, from national programmes, hardball group sessions and 1-2-1s, working hard to ensure at whatever level he is delivering, players have support to enjoy their cricket.
"I love coaching the kids. I had so many awesome coaches spend time working with me when I was younger and it’s great to be able to give back to Plymouth and Devon. Helping kids to relax and enjoy cricket whilst watching them try to become the best versions of themselves is highly rewarding."
Runner-up:
Rhys Norman - A keen and passionate coach volunteering and working in various settings.
A huge congratulations to all of our nominees and thank you to every volunteer across clubs in Devon, without whom cricket would not be possible.