The Lord’s Taverners

The Lord’s Taverners was set up in 1950 by a group of people who enjoyed a pint while watching cricket from the old Tavern at Lord’s. It has since developed into a club with around 4,000 members, with many more people involved in promoting its aim of giving young people, particularly those with special needs, a sporting chance.

The Taverners help young people, particularly those who are disadvantaged or have special needs. They provide specially adapted minibuses, incentives to play cricket in schools and clubs and, in conjunction with the National Sports Fields’ Association, create recreational facilities. They contributed more than £1.5 million in grant aid last year and have raised around £35 million since the Taverners began. Their love of cricket unites them, as does the charitable work they do, and are recognised by the England and Wales Cricket Board as the official charity for recreational cricket.

The Taverners raise money by arranging dinners and other functions, golf days and by playing cricket. The cricket takes the form of celebrity matches, six-a-side tournaments and a 20/20 competition. They raised nearly £250,000 last season simply by playing cricket.

Teams and supporters have featured many well-known names, including Andrew Caddick, Mike Gatting, Darren Gough, Nick Hancock, Alan Lamb, Darren Maddy, Devon Malcolm, Sir John Major, Alan Mullally, Colin Salmon, Derek Underwood and many more.

This year the Taverners have already played two matches in Dubai and have fixtures lined up at Abingdon, Cheltenham, Headingley, Hursley Park, Hampshire, Lord’s, Mill Hill, Sheffield, Shenley, Wakefield, Windsor, Wormsley and York.

So how can professional cricketers be involved? There are several ways. All capped players are welcome to become Lord’s Taverners. You can take an even more active part by playing for them when you can, and supporting functions and other events.

To become a Taverner, simply complete the application form that should have been sent to you, or contact Cricket Chairman Roger Oakley on 020 7586 3735 or e-mail him at roger.oakley@blueyonder.co.uk

The Fast Bowler's Bible

The long awaited book on fast bowling ‘The Fast Bowler's Bible’, by Ian Pont is due out on 22nd May, priced at £12.99.

The book is aimed at helping the next generation of young fast bowlers understand the secrets of fast bowling and accuracy. Many feel it will become the new coaching manual for a generation and beyond.

The book will be available for sale on Amazon, WH Smith, Tesco online and other online retailers. It is also available on Ian’s web site www.maverickscricket.com/bible.htm. Pre-order directly to receive a signed copy.

Current vacancies include:

• ECB Science and Medicine Manager
• Community Manager – Brit Oval
• Solihul School Cricket Coach
• ECB Licensing and Retail Executive

For full details of the above positions and all the latest job opportunities, please click here.