HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GORDON

The Club President, Gordon Went, has reached the milestone of 90 years young today – 6th. April.

MANY CONGRATULATIONS.

Gordon has been for many decades – and continues to be very much involved – in the day to day running of the Club. He is also a published author on the Club History, too, with his book about the Club registered and held in the British Library that was published in 2010.

He is a former Player, a former Chairman and he continues as a member of the Club’s General Management Committee and is very hands on with the Club affairs. He is also a Life Member of the Club and one of its Trustees.

Well done and thanks for your commitment to the Club.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

Brian Bridges

It is with regret and sadness, we advise all Members that a former player at the Club, Brian Bridges, died on 21st March 2022 at the age of 87.  

Our condolences go to his wife Hazel and family.

Funeral arrangements to be confirmed. 

With the new league season only 4 weeks away we had a chat with the new First XI captain Joe Atkinson.

Joe Atkinson

“I am very excited about being given the opportunity to captain KCC for the 2022 season. This will be my fourth season at the club and in that time, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed seeing the 1^st XI develop and experiencing the atmosphere at the club with the players from all of our teams and also all of the volunteers who give up their time to run it for us.

Last season was extremely positive for the 1^st XI, putting in some excellent performances and winning eight of our eleven win/lose games. The highlight of these were the away wins at Handsworth and Nuneaton and the home wins against Hampton & Solihull and Standard.”

With a new Second XI captain Dave Smithson and successful Third XI captain Steve Kelley looking to continue from last years success, Joe Added:

“The 2^nd XI also had a solid 2021 chasing promotion for the vast majority of the season and the 3^rd XI were promoted from the 6^th Division of the Cotswold Hills League. As a club, we have a lot to forward to in this coming year.”

Continuing on the First XI season.

“I am pleased to say that Connor Shingler will be vice-captain, which is vitally important as we look to learn from and build on the last few seasons. Having Connor back fit and available after his hamstring injury is a massive boost for the club and has done a fantastic job over the last couple of years creating a positive culture throughout the club.

First team modelling the new training Kit with Ted from The Engine

We’ve got an excellent and tight knit group of local players that have built up a lot of character and grit, which will stand us in good stead in tough times during the season. Most importantly, the lads play for each other, and we enjoy each other’s company on and off the field.
Our aim is to play tough cricket, be hard to beat, and see if we can surprise a few and get in amongst the top sides in the league. Our senior players are instrumental to this and it means we can take the responsibility off the less experienced lads to ensure they enjoy the environment and remain hungry to put in big performances.

We are also blessed with a couple of extremely promising younger players who will be given 1^st XI opportunities this season.”

Outdoor nets for 2022 start this upcoming Wednesday 23rd March.

Finally, Joe echoed the thoughts of all of the club.

“I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible down at the club throughout the season supporting the lads and I am personally looking forward to a full summer of cricket for all of the teams.”

End of Season Party 2021

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR BARRY

We have now confirmed the date and times for Barry Langford’s funeral.

The funeral service will take place at Oakley Wood Crematorium, Bishop’s Tachbrook, Leamington Spa, CV33 9QP in the North Chapel on Monday 4^th April at 15.00 hrs. (3.00 p.m.)

The family would like to invite everyone back to the Kenilworth Cricket Club after the service.

Barry did not want any black or grey, so please can you wear something cheerful.  

Family flowers only but if you would like to donate to South Warwickshire Foundation Trust Charity in aid of the patient fund at Nicol unit, Stratford Hospital or the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance these may be made online via Tribute to Barry Langford, 1937 – 2022 (muchloved.com)

BARRY LANGFORD

In a week where ‘the world of Cricket’ lost Rod Marsh and Shane Warne, we lost one of our old cricketers, Barry Langford.

Barry wasn’t up to their standards but nevertheless he was a valued cricketer in his time and had been a member of our Club since the late 1950’s.

He joined with a clutch of young good cricketers which included ‘the Sellars’, the ‘Wheatleys’, Bob Lunn, Mick Weaver and several others. The influx gave the Club a more youthful and vibrant membership just in time for the ‘Swinging 60’s’. Interestingly, Barry had to have a trial  before being accepted as a member, for in those days, the Club Rules only allowed 7 members from outside the Kenilworth area and Barry at that time lived in Coventry.

Barry was an aggressive opening bowler and was awarded The Pratt Cup (Most Improved Player) in 1960 for his performances the previous season.

He did suffer some knee problems which caused an early retirement from the game but always kept his interest in the Club, attending all social events and made regular visits on matchdays. He was one of the Botch Brothers Gang which rebuilt the (old) Clubhouse in 1975.

Barry was also a long-standing member of the Rugby Club and Kenilworth Golf Club where he continued to play until his illness intervened.

Judy, Barry’s wife, was for many years the Club’s Solicitor and the Club send our condolences to her and their daughters, Ellen and Andrea, for their sad loss.

We shall miss Barry’s presence next season at around 5pm, when he normally arrives for a
couple of beers and a chat as he watches ‘the game’.

Gordon Went

Club President