Horspath Cricket Club News story

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Horspath's Charity Day proves big success

01 Sep 2026

Horspath's third Charity Fun Tape Ball Cricket Six-A-Side Competition proved a big hit at the Recreation Ground.
Ten teams consisting of around 60 men's and women's players, juniors, friends and supporters took part in Sunday's event in aid of Mind and Oxfordshire Mind.
The amount raised for the two charities has yet to be finalised, but it's anticipated it will be a healthy sum with thanks to everyone who supported the event. Further details will follow in due course. 
With the sides wearing coloured shirts generously donated by Newtrim UK and two matches running alongside each other throughout the day on the main ground, the Rec was buzzing with activity.
In a change to the playing rules this year, men's cricketers were required to bat with a reverse stance in an attempt to achieve a more level playing field.
But, with music accompanying the action, it didn't stop sixes and wickets galore as tape balls - tennis balls wrapped in electrical tape - flew to all parts in front of a good-sized crowd with villagers out in force to support the event.
While the focus was on fun and raising money, the teams competed in two groups and semi-finals before the Blue team, including Sravan Konidena, triumphed against the Grey team, led by Ryan Hicks, with sixes showering down in the final.
Chief organiser Marc 'Diddy' Bridges presented the cup and medals to the winners and runners-up.
A successful day was completed by Jason Stretch providing the live music in the evening.
Thanks go to all the players who took part and those who helped in organising the event headed by Diddy and his assistants Russell Smith, James Whittenbury, Kevin Creed, Dean Creed, Steve Richardson and Rebecca Bonsaver.
The club are also indebted to the ground staff for preparing the pitches, David Ward for sponsoring the medals, and the team of umpires led by Barrie Pudwell and Andy Cummings plus Simon Goves for scoring.
Thanks also to all those involved in running the BBQ and Nick Pym and his crew for providing the Thai food plus all the bar staff together with everyone who donated prizes for the raffle and auction.
After the event, Olivia White, Oxfordshire Mind's Events And Fundraising Manager, said: "I just wanted to get in touch to say a huge thank you to everyone at Horspath Cricket Club for organising and supporting the Charity Day in aid of Mind and Oxfordshire Mind. 
"It was wonderful to see the updates and promotion you shared in the lead up to the event, and we are incredibly grateful for the time, effort and enthusiasm that clearly went into making the day such a success.
"Fundraising events like yours make such a meaningful difference, helping to raise both vital funds and awareness for mental health. We're truly grateful that Horspath Cricket Club chose to support us, and we really appreciate the commitment shown by everyone involved, including the organisers, players, volunteers and supporters."
A spokesperson from the Mind Community Fundraising Team added: "We're so proud of what you've done to support us - we hope you've enjoyed every minute.
"The money you've raised will make a real difference for the 1 in 4 of us facing a mental health problem each year.
"It will help power our helplines, our information and our support services. And it will help fight for better health care, laws and treatment at work too.
"Thanks to you, we're even closer to making sure no-one has to face a mental health problem alone." 
More pictures, courtesy of Les Gordon, can be found in Photo Galleries on this website by clicking here