By GAVIN LANE, TREASURER DSCT

THE last 18 months have been challenging for everyone due to the Covid pandemic.  

During these strange months of social distancing, face masks, sanitisation, ‘lock downs’, anxiety about holidays (lack of), shortages, significant lay-offs, hospitality in all its various guises shut down, and many individuals and family groups in financial difficulties, the generous nature of David Shepherd Cricket Trust supporters has continued, for which the charity Trustees are immensely grateful.

w bids for grants were made during 2020, instead a £5,000 Christmas Draw was initiated – which allowed Santa’s love of cricket to be revealed! Santa and his elves did a great job and the DSCT Trustees felt the Draw provided a bit of a tonic at a difficult time.

So far in 2021 grants totalling £1,290 have been awarded.  

The Trustees have continued to do what they do – our chairman, Guy Curry, has been supporting the MCC membership team as assistant membership secretary. Our secretary, Kat Hampton, has continued to juggle many eggs without cracking even one!  The Treasurer, Gavin Lane, has lost more than two stone and had to buy new trousers as a result – that is reallythe effect of a new puppy!

So today the David Shepherd Cricket Trust is in good shape.  With cricket being played, the sun shining and the hope that soon covid measures will relax further, DSCT is still here and ready to consider new grants. 

Without the ongoing support of our members – and the occasional generous legacy – DSCT would not be in a position it is to support cricket in Devon.  And remember, cricket is for everyone whether it be to play, and bat and bowl and field; or score, notching for your friends and colleagues; or umpiring, keeping our great game moving and being played in the right spirit; or helping prepare the ground or making teas or just being a great spectator, cricket reallyis for everyone, young and old.

So a very big ‘thank-you’ to each and every one of you.  Stay safe.