REBUILDING OUR FUTURE

In 2011 the Wisbech Town Cricket & Hockey Club was left a legacy of £46,000 from a long-term member. This kind donation led to a huge injection of enthusiasm, and a fundraising effort to raise money for a new pavilion was launched.

It was recognised that the current pavilion was becoming no longer fit for purpose, both in terms of providing adequate facilities for the number of teams, and the outdated and unwelcoming fabric and fittings. The Crockey (Cricket & Hockey) Project was subsequently launched, and club members and supporters have been tirelessly running fundraising events ever since.

Three key events that have taken place are: The ‘Crockey Dive’, a ‘Talents and Favours’ event, and the Lashings World XI game in 2019.

LASHINGS WORLD XI

With a corporate lunch for 270 guests, household names such as John Emburey, Devon Malcolm, Chris Lewis, Warren Hegg, and Martin Bicknell, and a ball-by-ball commentary from none other than Henry Blofeld, the event was a huge success. The match was only decided in the last over, with the hosts losing by four runs.

£10,700 was raised from the event, and a re-match was booked for 2021 - later rescheduled to 2022 due to Covid. The event was unprecedented in Wisbech, and saw many local businesses book tables for the next event. One of the great strengths of Wisbech Town Cricket and Hockey Club is the unity between the two sports. The Lashings organising committee was made up of more ladies than men, none of whom played cricket, but who were passionate to see the event take place.

THE CROCKEY DIVE

The Crockey Dive raised £5,800.

The family day began with a mini hockey tournament, and pulled pork rolls. Members then headed over to the Hudson Leisure Centre where the 2000 Crockey Eggs were placed in the pool with the corresponding ticket numbers on them. With the help of 3 junior members - Connor Greville, Harriett Clark and Fletcher Clark - eggs were retrieved with the winning numbers on!

Thanks to the Hudson Leisure Centre for accommodating the event, and allowing the use of the pool at no cost to the club; this support was greatly appreciated!

TALENTS AND FAVOURS

‘Talents and Favours’ events have been a regular part of the WTCHC calendar. In 2018, the club moved the event online with JumbleBee, with that event raising £6,700.

You can see photographs from all three events below: