As part of the national Together Through This Test, we are shining a light on how the cricket community has reached out to local communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The campaign highlights some of the unsung heroes from across the game, as well as provides updates on, and launching new, initiatives that everyone can get involved in to help support their local community.
Below are just some of the fantastic stories and campaigns that show how the cricket community has reached out to local communities.
The Masked Cricketer
This started as a bit of fun to help get cricket lovers everywhere through lockdown.
The brainchild of Darryl Woods and with co-host Kieren Bushnell keeping a professional eye on proceedings, we have invited a number of cricketers on for the guessing game and Q&A after they are unmasked. It’s been an amazing time so far.
We are now looking to raise funds for a cause close to our hearts.
If you are enjoying the content and by visiting our new Facebook group which currently has over 500 people: https://www.facebook.com/groups/776952219506618 –
Please consider donating to the charity we are doing this for, supporting The Lord’s Taverners to support Oxfordshire Disability Cricket https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/the-masked-cricketer
BNOCC
Using the exercise app Strava, which tracks movement and traces it on a map, to spell out the club’s name as they walk, run or cycle observing the social distancing guidelines.
A fundraising page has been set up for sponsorship, which will be split 50/50. Half will go to helping the club cope with the loss of any cricket-related income. The rest will go to benefit local group Coronavirus Helpers & Supporters in Bicester.
It supports vulnerable people suffering due to the lockdown by delivering food or other vital supplies.
Aston Rowant and the Ruth Strauss Foundation
ARCC Virtual Fest’ took place on Sunday 24th May in support of the Ruth Strauss Foundation. The virtual fest raised £8,067 for the Ruth Strauss Foundation and Aston Rowant Cricket Club, splitting ticket sales and all profits from the silent auction.
The main festival included; acoustic music performance, a live Q&A with Andrew Strauss, a piano bar with song requests and finishing with a DJ set by Jack Savidge from Friendly Fires. There was also a beer / gin / wine tasting masterclasses (led by Chadlington Brewery, Chalgrove Artisan Distillery, and The Wine Tipster/ The Oxford Wine Company) running throughout the afternoon.
Dave Freeman
Like all clubs we were monitoring the Covid 19 situation closely and when the lockdown came we were faced with the harsh reality of having no income to keep our club going over the summer. I usually run a quiz night on the last Friday of every month at the club anyway just to keep us social in the winter months. So I just thought about how I could maybe connect with club members sat at home.
Now I’m not the best with technology but Facebook live seemed the way to go. I decided to invite donations as I know for some people times are tough so it’s always been a voluntary contribution and always will be. So I put it out to my Facebook friends and did a quiz on the Friday evening. It went ok with a few technical hitches but as we were at the start of lockdown I think people seemed to latch onto it and after that I received an offer to sponsor the next evening and the thing just sort of took off.
I know people are zooming each other and face timing so I estimate that I have about 200-300 people every Friday night watching.I decided to try to dress according to my sponsors which has got a little out of hand! I suspect that it may get a mention when I’m playing or Umpiring knowing some of the characters involved.
Then my wife and I were out on walk and came across the food bank and I decided that I would dedicate the next quiz to try to raise enough to buy 100 Easter eggs to give to the food bank and people’s generosity was amazing and I raised enough for 100 Easter eggs and another £150 worth of food. I’m not going to lie it felt good passing on these gifts on behalf of the club and the people who kindly donated. I then thought about what else could I do and came up with aiming high to raise enough for a defibrillator to be located at the ground because it’s one of those things that you hope you never need but good to have if you do as we are very rural.
I have received some really positive comments about how people look forward to Fridays and as a family they sit down for an hour of ‘ the internets most amateur quiz’. I have an exit plan for when we are allowed to venture out, but I’m keeping that under my hat, I’ve also started a sports quiz on a Monday so Bradley Walsh look out I’m coming for you!
Alex Mackay
From Tiddington CC, with sons in the Oxfordshire Cricket Talent Development Pathway has been Cooking meals every friday for NHS workers, carers and district nurses. He recently cooked 71 portions of braised chicken with Spanish style grains and rice, chorizo, sunblush peppers, onions and Swiss chard on Friday for staff at The Wheatley Triangle Care Home, Wheatley district nurses and some other wonderful people around the village. If you are in Wheatley and work for the NHS or know of someone who might need a meal once a week. Alex has limited numbers and his priority will be to the staff at the care homes, and the District nurses.
Shay Reading
Shay has been part of a team from his workplace (a London advertising agency) who together have been running the equivalent of the distance from London to New York,
To raise money for NHS Charities Together, with every pound raised being matched by his company
Shay personally ran 55km in less than a week ; then when they “reached” New York, they decided to continue to San Francisco and are running there this week
They have raised £7,882 so far to fight Covid-19 for NHS Charities Together
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/adamandeveDDBtoNYC
Rob Johnson
Rob not only plays for TTCC but also works for the ECB at Lord’s
He should have been running the London Marathon in aid of the Ruth Strauss Foundation- https://ruthstraussfoundation.com/
Instead he has organised 2 great quizzes on YouTube, the 2nd one was on April 22nd– if you google “Rob’s Big Quiz” you can find it
The 3rd quiz will be this Thursday evening at 8.15. His fundraising page is – uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RobertJohnson49
So far he has raised £1,126.20
If you have any stories of individuals from the cricket community helping and supporting the community at large during COVID-19, please email [email protected]