Unsung heroes recognised in ECB Natwest OSCAs and Albury Awards

Kent Cricket welcomed 40 volunteers from the grassroots game for the 2014 OSCA & Alan Albury celebration event on Monday.

Legendary former Kent bowler Derek Underwood presented awards to the invited guests with 17 volunteers recognised and rewarded for their services to the game of Cricket.

The ECB NatWest OSCAs (Outstanding Services to Cricket Awards) recognise and reward volunteers in the recreational gamewithin seven categories.

The Alan Albury Memorial Awards, named after the former Kent Cricket Board chairman, recognise long service for volunteers in the recreational game.

Kent Cricket would like to thank Kent Recreational Cricket Welfare Trust, ECB, NatWest & Kent Sport for supporting the awards.

(Top row, left to right)Beverley Emmerson, Fred Naden, Andy Ford, Michael Upton, Richard Fautly, Andrew Mew, Brian Smith, Lyn Murphy

(Bottom row, left to right)Peter Wood, James Barrett, June Deane, Briony Everest, Maureen Hall, Richard Ellis, John Caldwell, Raymond Pettitt, John Woodhams

The 7 CountyOSCAwinners for 2014 are as follows:

Lifetime Achiever –Andrew Mew– OD Cuaco CC

Leagues & Boards –Brian Smith– Sidcup CC

Building Partnerships –Beverley Emmerson– Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council

NatWest CricketForce –June Deane– Dartfordians CC

Young Volunteer –Briony Everest– KCB Volunteer

Behind the Scenes –Lyn Murphy– Hayes Cricket Club

Officials –Richard Ellis– KCB ACO Appointments Officer

The 10Alan Alburywinners for 2014 are as follows:

JAMES BARRETT ofTonbridge Foresters C.C.(previously Tonbridge Onwards C.C.)

Member since 1975, Playing career: 1975 to 2004

Offices held: Captain, Batsman, Wicket Keeper

Scorer since 2004

‘Jim’s commitment to cricket and the club for nearly 40 years is invaluable’

JOHN CALDWELL ofTilmanstone Ravens Cricket and Sports Club

Member since 1964, Club captain – 1991 to 1994

Groundsman: Assisted in preparation of the ground for a number of years

Playing Career: 1964 to 2010, Umpire: from 2010

‘John has been involved in a number of fund-raising events and his enthusiasm and hard work are much valued by the club’.

RICHARD FAUTLY ofBenenden C.C.

Member since 1971, Vice Captain: 1980s

Secretary: 2009 to 2012, Fixture Secretary: 2008 to 2014

‘Richard has given unselfish service to the club, on and off the field from 1971 to now’.

ANDY FORD ofDymchurch C.C.

Member since: 1998

Offices Held: Groundsman; Secretary; Fixture Secretary; Council Liaison Officer, Captain, Tea Person, Umpire and Scorer

‘Andy’s arrival breathed new life into the Club and his positive attitude and commitment to the development of the cricket ground has been greatly appreciated’.

MAUREEN HALL ofEast Langdon C.C.

Member since: 1994

Treasurer for 20 years

‘Maureen is a hardworking club member and as well as keeping all the Club’s finances in good order, also supports all fund-raising events and starts the season off with a quiz night’.

FRED NADEN ofFour Elms C.C.

Offices held: Team Secretary, Captain, Junior Manager

Groundsman: 10 years

‘Fred supports the club at all social and fund-raising events and still plays on Saturdays and Sundays at 70 years of age’.

RAYMOND PETTITT ofHolborough Anchorians C.C.

(formerly Medway Valley C.C. and Holborough Valley C.C.)

Member since 1961, Captain of at least one XI for majority of 53 years, Joint Head Groundsman

‘Ray was the leader of the project to spruce up the Holborough Park pavilion and has secured funding for the club and sponsorship in recent years’.

MICHAEL F UPTON ofTenterden C.C.

Member since 1981, Committee Member 1993 to 2008, Captain: 1991 to 1994, 100/200 Club Secretary: 2000 to date

‘Michael has organised 13 club dinner and presentation evenings and due to his efforts has increased the ‘100 Club’ to a ‘200 Club’ raising much needed funds.

PETER WOOD ofTonbridge Foresters C.C.(also Tonbridge Printers and Wallace and Tiernan C.C.)

Member since 1971, Captain, batsman and wicketkeeper

Playing Career: 1971 to 2005 (when he was 74), Umpire: Since 2005

‘Peter has shown a long term commitment to the game for over 40 years’.

JOHN WOODHAMS ofPlatt Junior C.C.

Roles performed: Manages teams, coaches, umpires, scores, maintains the square, prepares wickets, cleans the pavilion, helps with transport to matches, attends league meetings, etc.

Has been doing these tasks with Platt Junior C.C. for over 12 years, but much longer with other clubs and organisations.

‘John does everything necessary to keep the club going and to enthuse and train the young players. He makes cricket fun and instils in the young people a spirit of fair play’.