A great afternoon for all the family
by Alan Rowley, 20th June 2006

A part of village life, since as early as 1841, Ashford Cricket Club has been active over the last two seasons in providing the infrastructure and opportunity for the next generation of local cricketers.  As part of this bold initiative the club has been continuously active in raising funds towards the goal of building a new purpose built cricket pavilion to replace the current one, which is unfortunately on its last legs after many years loyal service.

After much hard work within the club and support from the village and the local community, the club are now progressing with plans, permissions, and looking into obtaining the various financial grants that they now need to forge ahead. As part of the fund raising programme for 2006, the club are pleased to announce that Derbyshire County Cricket Club 1st XI will once again to play a 40 over fixture at Ashford on Sunday 2nd July, 1.30pm start.

Ashford in the Water's pavilion taken during the 2004 Derbyshire game

Derbyshire County Cricket Club’s Director of Cricket, David Houghton, agreed without hesitation that the club would return to Ashford this year to continue to assist in the fundraising efforts and support cricket at the grass roots level. Ashford Cricket Club’s sponsor, Coverworld U.K. Ltd, of Chesterfield has again agreed to be the main match sponsor, and many other local businesses have already followed in committing to sponsorship of one of this year’s major sporting events in the Derbyshire Dales.

With over 800 people attending last year’s match, this year promises to be even better, offering the opportunity to see some big hitting stroke play, spectacular bowling and fielding. The game is set to be played in one day coloured clothing with all the added jazz of the white ball, black sightscreens and enthusiastic PA commentary. In addition, the half time break will see the clubs thriving ‘Cricket for Kids’ children participate in games of Kwik Cricket around the outfield.

The afternoon itself will, like last year, offer so much more than just the cricket and should prove a great afternoon for all the family. A licensed bar and barbeque will be available, plus a raffle and auction with some great prizes including a weeks holiday for six, an England signed 2005 Ashes Cricket Bat and a Sky Sports cricket shirt signed by England legends Ian Botham and Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff. In addition there will also be the opportunity to help support Kevin Dean who after 11 years loyal service playing under the flag of Derbyshire has been awarded a benefit season in 2006.