A martial arts demonstration will be among the highlights at the 20th annual Calcutt Gala, which is being held tomorrow at Knaresborough Forest Cricket Club.
The event promises entertainment for the whole family, including a raffle, tombola and various games and races from 12pm onwards.
Entry is £2 for adults and free for under-12s. Money from the event will go towards cricket club facilities, with a focus on developing the women’s and junior cricket teams.
One of the event organisers and member of the cricket club, David Alloway, told the Stray Ferret:
“We are very much a family-orientated club, with a growing membership across the men’s, junior’s and women’s sections.
“Funds raised will help us to continue to invest in our facilities to provide cricket for everyone.”
There will be 12 stalls at the gala, all different from last year’s event, with sweets and craft stalls, and food from the Fat Birds Bakery.
Bouncy castles and face painting will be available, as well as a tractor for children to enjoy. The emergency services will be present too, providing a fire engine, an ambulance and a police car to look at.
The club will be offering children the opportunity to play cricket for free.
Live music is provided by “local and up-and-coming” bands from 1pm on the day. The bands include Hamish Harper, Leo Hicks, In Shambles and Hot Sauce.
Food and drink will be available on site with both a barbecue and a bar. There will also be candy floss and an ice cream van.
Mr Alloway summarised the day as a “good afternoon in Calcutt”.
For further information, contact David Alloway on 07866 591511 or send him an email.
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Knaresborough hosts county’s biggest ever female cricket festival
Knaresborough Forest Cricket Club hosted the biggest women and girls cricket festival North Yorkshire has ever seen on Sunday.
The club was joined by 22 teams at its Calcutt Oval ground.
About 200 females played a series of short-format softball matches. Softball is a fast-paced version of the game, suitable for all ages and abilities.
Players pose for the camera.
Rachel Hildreth, women and girls cricket development manager for north and east Yorkshire at the Yorkshire Cricket Board, said:
“The day was an incredible success, and I was particularly impressed with how the club showcased their sense of community”.
Bella Simpson, who plays for Ouseburn Cricket Club under-15s, said:
“It was so nice to see so many other girls enjoy cricket and be able to get the opportunity to play it.”
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David Alloway, chairman of Knaresborough Forest Cricket Club, said:
“I couldn’t be prouder of the whole club and the direction it is going in. We are inclusive and family orientated, which has led to increasing membership of our junior and senior groups.”
Action from Sunday’s event.
The club’s female squad The Willows was founded in 2021 and now has 22 players. They currently play in the Hambleton Women’s Soft Ball Cricket League.
One of the team’s founding players, Hilary O’Callaghan said:
“The Willows started as a group of mums who watched our kids play. To see how far we’ve come with hard work, training and lots of laughs is amazing.
“I would say to any girl or woman who’s thinking about stepping onto the pitch, just go for it. You’ll learn a new skill, make great friends and be part of a wonderful cricket community.”
The club also has four senior men’s teams and several junior teams. More information is available here.