With the nominations for the 2020 now closed, Oxfordshire Cricket over the next three weeks will be shining a light on all of the nominations that we have received, in order to help recognise them for all of their fantastic work over these unprecedented times.
This week we are shining a light on Arthur Muir and Team Tidd.
Arthur Muir
In this challenging and different season Arthur has been an inspiration to all members of the Oxford Cricket Club Community – youth, players
and parents.
He has:
- Masterminded and run our COVID net booking system.
- As Director of Youth Cricket organised the running of our COVID safe Friday evening Youth trainings – with five different squads (over 100 young cricketers and at least 10 Coaches and helpers).
- Overseen the organisation of our many age group youth matches – and he has coached the U13 age group, where possible helping with their matches.
- Organised and run a Summer Academy for five weeks – this has grown our base, taken cricket to new players and new families.
- Captained (and played) in our Men’s 2nd XI – this has meant being actively involved in selection and the organisation of our four Men’s Saturday teams.
- Mentored a cohort of new Coaches (Level 1 foundation) and encouraged new volunteers within the Club.
All this has been achieved with much good humour, enthusiasm, energy and patience and importantly with the utmost regard for the
COVID situation. Arthur is only 26 years old and he has set an example to all in the Club. A role model for all ages.
Team Tidd (Ray Manning, Lesley Pykett, Neil Pickup)
The above 3 have worked extremely hard during and after lockdown to support the Club.
Lesley and Ray worked to close the club safely, and salvage bar stock. During lockdown, Ray was at the club most days, supported by Lesley, they were repairing furniture, tidying the ground, and keeping the place clean.
Ray is helping look after the pitch at the Club as well as our second ground at Haseley. Once lockdown eased, Lesley took on ensuring the Club met all the guidelines with risk assessments etc, she and Ray got the bar re-opened under new rules. She is there most days, emptying bins, working the bar, ensuring a Covid safe environment.
Cricket re-started and Lesley was at the forefront ensuring senior and youth games met Covid requirements, attending most sessions.
Neil Pickup stepped in to work with Lesley in setting up a huge youth programmes covering 80 children over 9 weeks. He organised and ran many matches from 3 rd XI to U9, and 2 all girls’ teams, ensuring every child had the opportunity to play cricket
at an appropriate level. Lesley ran the Allstars programme. The Club is extremely grateful for their efforts.