From the Bath MP: Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, was honoured to join sponsors, local media and cricketing dignitaries at a special celebration for the Bicentenary of Lansdown Cricket Club at their Combe Park ground on 26 June.
The club was founded in 1825 by William Cooper Keating and is one of the oldest in England. Its original home was on the old race course at Lansdown, hence the name, despite now being based in Newbridge, next to the Royal United Hospital, where it has been since 1865.
It even has close links with cricketing “royalty”, with W.G. Grace making several appearances for them as a boy. Other famous names to have “graced” the Combe Park pitch include Lord Hawke, who became Foreign Secretary, Chancellor of the Exchequer, and then Lord Chancellor – not to mention the winning owner of the Derby in 1855 – and even West Indies legend Viv Richards, who played in 1973 whilst qualifying for Somerset, and who is widely regarded as one of the best batsmen of all time.
Nowadays while the famous cricketers may not be so often at the wicket, this vibrant club is an integral part of the Bath grassroots sports community, offering cricketing access to around 15 active teams of men, women, boys and girls across all ages, from children aged five up to their walking cricketers whose average age is 70.
Ahead of the evening’s celebrations, the Mayor of Bath, Cllr Bharat Pankhania, wrapped up the inaugural Bath School Cricket Festival, launched as part of the Bicentenary celebrations.
Scott Longstaff, Chair of Lansdown Cricket Club said:
“This evening has been fabulous to welcome Wera, The Mayor of Bath and Sponsors of the club to Combe Park to help us celebrate our big birthday. Lansdown Cricket Club is a very special place that is drenched in an incredible history. We’re very proud that these days, not only do we offer elite men’s cricket, but also burgeoning junior, women’s and senior cricket sections plus an ever-growing Boules team!. The celebrations continue throughout the summer and everyone is welcome to join us.”
Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, commented:
“Congratulations to Lansdown Cricket Club on such a brilliant tournament and on this unique milestone marking two centuries of sporting excellence and community spirit.
“We cannot underestimate the positive effects of participation in sport, with huge benefits to both our physical and mental health, and social and community cohesion. And when there is cold cider, warm ale or tea and cake in the clubhouse on a beautiful summer’s evening too, the allure of cricket is unbeatable.
“Here’s to two centuries not out for the LCC!”
For more on the club visit https://www.lansdowncricketclub.co.uk/