More than 600 members of the public flocked to see local cricketers take part in the first ever Alconbury Weald Big Summer Bash on Saturday. Visitors were entertained throughout the day by the first cricket match ever to be played on Alconbury Weald’s new pitch, coaching sessions, baking masterclasses, face painting and live music.
Guest of honour and former Huntingdonshire MP, The Rt Hon Sir John Major KG CH officially opened the new cricket pitch, alongside former England cricket stars Charlotte Edwards and Lydia Greenway. The match itself was organised by Cricket East and played out by local players who had expressed an interest in finding a new cricket club; and to help inspire the future generation of Huntingdonshire cricket stars, Charlotte and Lydia held a super-skills coaching session for boys and girls, giving them a taste of the game.
Meanwhile Ian Cumming, a Great British Bake Off finalist, reminded everyone of his baking wizardry by creating an inspired show stopping cake in the shape of a cricket bat. The Big Summer Bash was created by Urban&Civic, the master developer of Alconbury Weald, as a celebration to mark a key milestone in the development of the growing community.
“Having lived in the area for many years, I am delighted to see what Urban&Civic has achieved, here at Alconbury Weald, to encourage sports participation and active and healthy lifestyles. It gave me great personal pleasure to “open” the new pitch, which will be used by many generations to come. Hopefully, before long, we will uncover our next Charlotte Edwards.”
Sir John Major
“Having grown up in Huntingdonshire there is no better sight than to see a new cricket pitch, with new players all getting involved and wanting to play cricket. This is a fantastic new facility for the community and hopefully a catalyst to get more people excited about the game.”
Charlotte Edwards CBE
“The Big Summer Bash has been a fantastic way to celebrate a major milestone at Alconbury Weald with the public. We are passionate about wellbeing and sports and believe it is a crucial part of what makes a new development successful. We look forward to establishing a full time cricket team here next season.”
Tim Leathes, Development Director Alconbury Weald