Wooden Spoon NorthumberlandCricket Day Raises Over £3,000 for Wooden Spoon at Alnmouth Cricket Club
Alnmouth Cricket Club once again demonstrated the power of community spirit, generosity and sporting camaraderie by hosting a highly successful charity cricket day in support of Wooden Spoon, raising more than £3,000.
Held at the picturesque North Northumberland ground, the event brought together players, families, supporters and sponsors for a memorable day of fundraising and entertainment. Alnmouth Cricket Club holds the unique distinction of being the only cricket club in the UK with partner club status to Wooden Spoon, continuing a valued relationship that has already delivered significant support for the charity in recent years.
This year’s event saw a specially assembled Wooden Spoon XI take on an Alnmouth Presidents XI in a friendly limited-overs contest. As play got underway, 90 guests gathered in a marquee overlooking the ground to enjoy a spectacular hospitality experience. Guests were treated to a selection of Lindisfarne oysters, seafood pastries and venison canapés, followed by a choice of chicken and chorizo paella or seafood paella, and finished with fresh cream and strawberry tarts. The excellent food and hospitality, complemented by refreshments from the club bar, helped create a wonderful atmosphere throughout the day.
Fundraising activities ran alongside the cricket and included an auction of generously donated prizes, a raffle and a lively bingo challenge. These activities were expertly overseen by Northumberland Wooden Spoon Chairman, Iain Stewart and Alnmouth Cricket Club President Andrew Hodgson, whose enthusiasm helped drive the day’s success.
On the field, the cricket provided plenty of entertainment. Wooden Spoon, batting first, were given an excellent start by father-and-son opening pair Iain and Will Stewart. Contributions throughout the batting order helped the team post a competitive total of 122 from their 16 overs. In reply, the President’s XI fought hard but were restricted by disciplined bowling from the Wooden Spoon side, particularly from its impressive junior players, who played a key role in securing victory as the President’s XI finished on 106.
The event was a true celebration of community, bringing together people of all ages in support of a worthy cause. Although the day began under grey skies and light drizzle, it ended in bright sunshine, perfectly reflecting the positive spirit that characterised the occasion.
Wooden Spoon Northumberland extends its sincere thanks to Alnmouth Cricket Club, its volunteers, young helpers and family members, whose hard work and commitment made the event possible. Thanks are also due to all sponsors, prize donors and attendees whose generosity contributed to such an outstanding fundraising total.
Special recognition goes to Danny Hodgson, whose vision, ideas and inspiration were instrumental in creating an event that delivered not only vital funds for Wooden Spoon, but also a memorable day enjoyed by everyone involved.
