THE 2023 cricket season showed our sport to be in good fettle with standards high and participants increasing amongst males and, especially, females, writes Gavin Lane. 

Cricket remains an engaging activity but also quite an expensive one – notably so at this time of high inflation, rising prices and an uneasy world order. 

As we emerge from the aftermath of Covid 19 it is right that the David Shepherd Cricket Trust should provide its members, cricket participants and fans and the wider community within Devon, with an insight into the charity’s activities.

First though, a little reminder: Started ‘back in the day’, two cricket charities started their existence in Devon, unaware of each other! One, the David Shepherd Cricket Foundation (formed to support the new Devon Lions), the other, the Devon Youth Cricket Foundation (formed to support the Devon County age group squads). A few years later the charities merged to become the David Shepherd Cricket Trust.

A key element of each charity was the emphasis on membership and that continues to this day. Members provide valuable income from membership fees (individuals £10, families £20, life £111) which in turn generates Gift Aid. 

Covid-19 brought an abrupt halt to fund-raising events and it is taking time to recommence such activities. Nevertheless, DSCT has continued to support cricket as best it can, using its resources and generous legacies in the absence of fund-raising events, to support individuals (coaches and officials), County age group cricket, the Devon CCC Lions programme and, of course clubs. Linking with the Tolchards Devon Cricket League to provide support to clubs in the provision of softball equipment and mobile nets.

DSCT can and should do more. And to do so needs more trustees to provide spark, new ideas and initiatives, and the energy to take them forward. New members to support the charity would be brilliant, as would their ideas and enthusiasm. 

If you would like to know more on how you might become involved, why not give me a call (07711 038 451) or email (gavinbdlane@gmail.com)? 

Perhaps ‘a cricket cup cake’ event might be right up your street!