February 8
The ECB have confirmed that Mike Gatting, the former England captain, will be at Heywood Cricket Club for our Natwest CricketForce Day, which is excellent news.
Gatt, as he is known, was England captain from 1986 to 1988, captain the country on 23 occasions.
He started his career slowly, and it took him 54 Test innings to scored his first Test century, which was a mammoth 207 against India in Madras in 1984. Graeme Fowler also scored a double century in the innings.
His two trademark strokes were the powerful square cut and the sublimely-timed leg glance through square leg or midwicket off the fastest bowlers of the day.
His most notorious moment came in 1987 when he confronted Pakistan umpire Shakoor Rana in Faisalabad after he claimed Gatt had been moving the field while the bowler was running in.
He was also famous for getting smacked on the nose by Malcolm Marshall in the Windies in 1986, and for the ‘Ball of the Century’ from Shame Warne in 1993.
More than that, however, he was a true character with plenty of fight and great footwork against the spinners.
And apparently, he is a grafter on CricketForce today so we should be glad to have him down.
Gatt v Rana 1987
February 6
- Howarth Timber are donating 4 internal doors to improve the foyer area; thanks Stuart!
- Wilds of Oldham have kindly donated some drinks to keep everyone hydrated on the day
February 4
Two more pictures of the graft going on.
Firstly, from Keith Caveney again, showing that Colin Cain is NOT all mouth and no trousers with his graft in the patio excavation work.
And secondly, from Stef Joesbury, who has brought down pasties for the workers.
I do notice, Stef, though that the picture is taken from INDOORS.
Work progressing spectacularly on the patio extension – the most important aspect of the makeover to the many HCC fanatics.
Tom McGoldrick in the thick of it again, along with Bobby Cross and Keith Caveney.
All going well and should be an area of noise, support and not a little criticism in coming years.
Picture courtesy of Keith Caveney. Roman coins NOT discovered, so Baldrick and his Time Team not on their way
February 2
- Mike Hogg at Groundcare Ltd has volunteered to create a garden area just inside the club gates
- Woodford Plastics have measured up the scorebox opening for a new plastic screen which they are very kindly donating
- ECB confirm the Cricket Factory Roadshow will be arriving at 7am on March 31st. Operational at 10am!
- Patio benches ordered from Badger Benches who have given us a great discount for the event
- Gary Manners at Co-operative Travel in Heywood has offered up to a 5% discount for all club members and friends on their overseas holiday packages
- Dave Leighton has confirmed that 250 NatWest CricketForce t-shirts are on their way!
- Lancashire Cricket Board have provided us with an autographed bat from the championship winning side
- ASDA Pilsworth confirm that they will be catering for us for some of the day, details to follow
February 1
Big thanks to Mike Hogg of Groundcare Garden Services Ltd for his help with the work on the patio today.
Mike brought down his digger and made a huge difference in helping dig out the foundations.
He was helped by Marcus and Keith Caveney, Colin Cain, Tom Cross and Nathan Goodall in what was proper dirty work.
Great work everyone and some real progress being made.
January 30
Work got underway on Sunday on renovating the patio area next to the clubhouse.
Heywood’s own ‘Kop’ is being refenced, extended and given a complete overhaul as part of Natwest Cricketforce Day 2012, but preparations have had to be done ahead of time.
Most of the work will be done on the day to make this area – unique, as far as I know, for it’s location and enthusiastic support within local league cricket – an even better place from which to watch cricket and a great area for drinks when there are functions being held and after the close of play.
To everyone’s relief, Michael Hogg of Groundcare Ltd has offered his mini digger! Work to continue on Wednesday.
'It's alright lads, they're from an animal!'
- Woodford Sheet Metals and Woodford Plastics both make a generous donation towards materials and offer machinery, thanks to Brian and Alan.
- Paul Taylor at Proline Cabinets offers to donate the toilet cubicles. Vinny Ball has offered to tile the toilets.
- Both Simon Dawson and Keith Ellis have offered to help install the new toilets and sink units.
- Chance2Shine banners will be here in time for 31st.
- John Ogden, Ant Nicholls, Chris Strudwick and others have volunteered to do the ceilings in the toilets.
- Sport England signs and banners will arrive on 13th February to go up for the new nets.
- Tom Cross and Keith Caveney have fixed the rear door in the members lounge!
January 27
Good news already from the seminar.
There was a fantastic response in terms of offers of time, materials and catering for the day itself. We also had people sponsor games, playing kit and people making themselves a member.
Debbie, one of our junior parents has offered to cater the whole morning from the van (Georgie Porgies) which is a brilliant offer and will keep us all fed and watered throughout the early part of the day!
We have had offers from junior parents and other members of help with the refurbishment of the toilets and there will be an update on this once we have had a site meeting to work out exactly what is needed.
January 25
We have already received pledges of support from a lot of businesses in and around Heywood ahead of Thursday 26 January seminar.
This is really appreciated and it’s a great start to what promises to be a lively couple of months.
Confirmations of help have been received from the following:
- Heywood Accessories & Spares
- The Stationery Shop
- Dyson Doctor
- Kaberry Building Ltd.
- JD Sports plc
- HC Recruitment
- Walmersley Carpets
- Horrox Cross & Wilkinson
- Christine Sharp & Co.
- KJ Plumbing Factors
- NG Properties
- Battersby’s Sport Ground Supplies
- WH Tracey Limited
- Frank Blakeley & Son Ltd.
- JW Lees (Brewers) Ltd.
- Kavanagh & Coates
- A & A Motors
- Woodford Sheet Metals Ltd.
- Neil Frain Chartered Accountants
- Archway Building Services Ltd
- Groundcare Garden Services
- NG Commerical Developments Ltd.
- University of Bolton
- Wilds of Oldham
- Asda (Pilsworth)
- Morrisons (Heywood)
- Hopwood Media
- Kaberry Construction Ltd.
- The Spares Centre
- Heywood Magic Market
- Co-op Travel
- The Crimble Restaurant
- Scouts
Many thanks for the support!
January 23
- ASDA Pilsworth to provide catering on the day
- JD Sports pledge their support for the day
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Scoop, not to question your journalistic knowledge but I believe there maybe a mistake or typo in this latest news piece. The opening of the story states that Marcus was doing some work. Just wanted to point this obvious error out…
Ollie – As God is my witness Marcus was grafting. Mud on his face and all sorts. Good effort
Scoop – If Andy Greenwood was your witness, this Natwest Cricketforce really is pulling in the general public! Even long gone ex-players are pitching in! Tremendous effort.