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BBC News
a day ago
- Health
- BBC News
Ex-England cricketer Syd Lawrence 'proud' to receive MBE
Former England and Gloucestershire bowler David 'Syd' Lawrence has said he is "incredibly proud" to receive an MBE in the King's Birthday 61-year-old, who in 1988 became the first British-born black cricketer to represent England, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year and has been working to raise money and awareness of the condition. "It is not something I ever thought would sit after my name," he said, referring to the MBE letters."I am absolutely delighted that it will do so for however long I am here and will be a part of my legacy when I am gone." Mr Lawrence took 625 wickets in 280 matches during a 16-year career at Gloucestershire that ended in also played five Test matches for England and has been the president of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club since 2022. After retiring from cricket, Mr Lawrence became a nightclub owner and amateur bodybuilder."As a proud Gloucester man who achieved his dream to play for England on the cricket field, it means a great deal to me and to my family who have supported me with all their love during some difficult times," he said."I have always put my heart and soul into any challenge I have faced and that is how I have approached things since my diagnosis with motor neurone disease."With awareness and funds for research we can make a positive difference for those who will need it in the future."Motor neurone disease (MND) is a rare, degenerative condition that affects the brain and nerves and there is no Lawrence recently launched his book, In Syd's Voice - The Extraordinary Life of Syd Lawrence, which shares the highest points of Mr Lawrence's career and intimate moments and memories of his life.
BBC News
04-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Cheltenham Cricket Festival 'may not survive' rising costs
The chair of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club has warned the future of the Cheltenham Cricket Festival will be in doubt if it doesn't stop losing fortnight-long event at the College Ground, which sees Gloucestershire move from their usual ground in Bristol up to Cheltenham, is the world's longest-running cricket festival, having started more than 150 years county said it has been losing "tens of thousands of pounds" because of rising costs and falling ticket Peter Matthews said the club "can't run the event long term at a loss". The first Cheltenham Cricket Festival was held in 1872 and at one time Gloucestershire played matches across the county. In more recent years, the club's annual trip to play at Moreton-In-Marsh ended in 1996 and financial pressures led to the Gloucester Cricket Festival coming to an end in is now the only place in Gloucestershire where the county plays matches, with the regular home games taking place in Bristol. Mr Matthews said the event in Cheltenham has faced increased financial challenges since the Covid-19 pandemic."For many years, particularly pre-Covid, when corporate hospitality was in its prime, it was making very good money for the county, but it has been a struggle in recent years."Last year's festival was particularly difficult. The weather wasn't very good and we didn't get as many spectators as we had expected. The cost of putting the festival on has also gone up in recent years," he added. 'We must be realistic' A new committee has been set up to try and boost the number of people attending this year's event, which takes place in mid July. "We've put together an action plan, we've put together a new team and we've got some great events lined up. We're very hopeful this year we will see a change in finances for the county," said Mr Matthews."But we have to be realistic, we can't run the event long term at a loss".The club, which announced last year it would be exploring options for a new stadium on the edge of Bristol, is planning to set up a 'boundary hub', with Mr Matthews saying it "recognises that for some people it's a social occasion as well as a cricket occasion".The hub will host events with the presenters of TV show Bargain Hunt, jockeys and Cheltenham Town FC players, as well as a cricket memorabilia event. The festival also provides opportunities for local organisations and charities to raise awareness and Cheltenham Town FC Community Trust will be part of this year's event, and community fundraiser Tess Warby said it's a great way for them to promote what they do."Not a lot of people know about us at the moment, but we do lots in the community. We provide programmes to help with mental health, education and inclusion."Sport brings people together at the football club. The Cheltenham cricket festival brings another community together. It's nice to work with a local organisation to help build awareness," she added."It's one of the oldest-running cricket festivals and it's fantastic to be part of such a rich heritage."Bringing two big sporting local organisations together - we should be supporting each other as businesses and charities."
