Aldwick CC's Ian Guppy wins national 'Heartbeat of the Club' award

Ian Guppy of Aldwick CC near Bognor Regis in West Sussex was named the ‘Heartbeat of the Club’ winner at the national NatWest Outstanding Service to Cricket Awards at Lord’s on Monday.

Ian was shortlisted for the national prize having won the county prize at Sussex’s own ceremony earlier this month. He was commended for his fundraising efforts to help rebuild Aldwick’s pavilion after it burned down, his management of the rebuilding project, his initiative in helping the club connect with its wider community and his role in Aldwick’s All Stars Cricket programme.

Ian was presented with his national award by Sussex and England fast-bowler Freya Davies at the event that highlights the significant contribution volunteers have made to cricket across England and Wales over the past year.

World Cup winner, Chris Woakes – who presented the NatWest Lifetime Achiever OSCA– commented: “The NatWest OSCAs were established in 2003 to reward the valued contribution of volunteers to cricket as a part of the ECB’s programme, which gives cricket clubs advice on educating, recruiting and rewarding volunteers.

ECB Director of Participation and Growth, Nick Pryde, added: “Today is a really important day for cricket. We reflect on the amazing summer we had and the crucial role that volunteers play in our game.

“Our volunteers help us to ensure that the hundreds of thousands of kids who have been inspired by this summer’s events remain in our great game.

“Our role as a governing body is to lead the growth of cricket and our volunteers are fundamental to that ambition and we thank them for all of their efforts.”

NatWest OSCAs 2019 national winners:

Lifetime Achiever: Ernie Brabbins – Appleby Eden CC, Cumbria

Outstanding Contribution to Disability Cricket - Phil Lucas, Derbyshire Disabled Cricket

Heartbeat of the Club: Ian Guppy – Aldwick CC, Sussex

Most Inspiring and Diverse Cricket Offer: Richard Langdon, Falkland CC, Berkshire

Pro-active Leadership in Cricket: Martin Croucher – St Ives Town & Warboys CC, Cricket East (Huntingdonshire).

Young volunteer 14-18: Alicia Smith – Illingworth St Mary`s CC, Yorkshire

Young volunteer 19-25: James Thompson – Berwick CC, Northumberland