Melksham Cricket Club volunteers recognised in county awards

Volunteers from Melksham Cricket Club have been recognised at the Wiltshire and ECB Grassroots Cricket Awards.

Tim Carpenter (right)  received a Lifetime Achiever honour while Paul Merrett and Andy Footner were nominated for the Champion of Girls’ Cricket award.

The trio were invited to the awards presentation at Seat Unique Stadium in Bristol on Friday 31st July. The event followed the Metro Bank One Day Cup match between Gloucestershire and Glamorgan.

For club volunteer Tim, his award recognised his long-term dedication and outstanding service to the club.

He has held a number of voluntary roles over many years, including groundsman, steward, fixtures secretary and ACO umpire. He previously played for and coached the club and has received recognition in the past for his services to cricket, including awards for his work preparing playing surfaces and a hero volunteer award from Wiltshire Cricket.

Paul and Andy were shortlisted for their work developing women’s and girls’ cricket in Melksham.

The pair have coached the Melksham Mavericks since the team was formed in 2023, when nine women wanted to try the sport. The club says the Mavericks now has more than 50 women and girls playing both hardball and softball cricket. Several players have also progressed to play in the Wiltshire County Cricket League, the West of England Premier League and for the Wiltshire county team.

Club chairman Gary Burns said, “It is fantastic recognition of the invaluable voluntary roles they all play at Melksham Cricket Club and the club is very grateful for all their hard work and commitment.

“Congratulations to all three on their well-deserved recognition.”