A walking cricket group in Clowne is at risk of closure unless it can attract new members to keep its weekly sessions going. The group, which meets at Go Active @ The Arc, currently has only eight regular players, making it difficult to field a full team for matches.
Organisers are now appealing for fresh faces to join from September. The sessions run every Friday from 1pm to 3pm at the leisure centre. The sport is a modified version of traditional cricket, designed to be accessible, with no running, soft balls, and plastic bats.
Inclusive sport for all abilities
The game caters to different abilities, making it an inclusive sport for people of all fitness levels. Members say they have built strong friendships and would be gutted to see the group fold.
Andy Portwood, 57, from Creswell, joined the team when it first launched at the leisure centre two and a half years ago. He is semi-retired and follows the England team. He said: "It’s more of a gentle game for those of us who are a bit older. It’s more relaxed, informal and less competitive."
"It’s a bit of fun and something to do on a Friday afternoon. It’s a nice group and we get on well together. We work well as a team and have really improved over the last few years. I would be really disappointed if the group had to end. I’ve been doing it nearly every week since it started."
Players highlight camaraderie and health benefits
Ian Ridgway, 63, from Killamarsh, is a lifelong cricket fan who took up the modified sport two years ago. The dad-of-two previously played for his workplace team while working as a bus driver. He commented: "It’s a good laugh and I’ve got to know the guys that play. It’s fantastic camaraderie and good exercise."
"I’ve had health issues that stopped me doing certain things – I had a bad knee injury through a fall at work and I can’t run about, but this is ideal. We’ve had to cancel games a few times as we’ve just not had enough players. With four players, you can just about do it, but we really need more. I would be very, very sad about it if it had to end."
The squad is open to everyone, featuring female players and members aged into their 70s. Organisers hope new recruits will come forward to help protect the friendly community group.
Council urges people to give it a try
Councillor Mary Dooley, Bolsover District Council’s portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing, said: "Our offering at The Arc is varied and caters to all ages and abilities. It would be a real shame if the Walking Cricket Group had to come to an end. The benefits to players are wide-ranging – players tell us it improves their physical health and mental wellbeing, increases their confidence and also stops them from being isolated. I would encourage anyone thinking of getting involved to come along and give it a try."
Session details: Fridays from September, 1pm to 3pm, at Go Active @ The Arc, Clowne. Cost is £4 for non-members, free for Arc Household Membership scheme members. To find out more, call Tom Lodge, Bolsover District Council’s physical activity and sports development officer, on 01246 242364 or email Tom.Lodge@bolsover.gov.uk.
