Yesterday, Bushy Park Girls Club, in collaboration with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), hosted the much-anticipated Taste Of Cricket event.
This celebration highlighted the club’s significant strides in promoting inclusivity for women and girls in cricket.
Among the notable attendees were ex-England international batter Fran Wilson, set to play for Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred’s fourth season starting tomorrow, and beloved TV and radio presenter Angellica Bell, a lifelong cricket enthusiast. Both Wilson and Bell actively participated in the event, with Bell engaging the community by serving food.
Bushy Park Cricket Club, a hub of vibrant local cricket teams including the competitive Bushy Park Girls Cricket Club, orchestrated a day filled with softball and hardball matches.
The festivities kicked off with a women’s softball festival, featuring Bushy Park Women’s Cricket Club, Old Ruts, Mitcham, and Thames Ditton.
Wilson and Bell not only supported the Bushy Park Girls Club with training but also watched the Bushy Park Women’s Cricket Club play the Actonians in a Middlesex 30 Over League game.
The excitement continued with a thrilling match between Merton Boys Cricket Club and Lewisham Cricket Club, both esteemed in their communities.
Post-matches, players and their families relished a Taste of Cricket match tea spread, showcasing authentic Sri Lankan Black Pepper Chicken and Vegetable Rotis, prepared with recipes from the families of Merton Boys Cricket Club.
This Taste of Cricket event is one of many community club events across England and Wales this summer, supported by Remitly.
These events celebrate community clubs and volunteers who promote positive change and enhance cricket accessibility.
Breaking away from traditional match teas of plain sandwiches and milky tea, Taste of Cricket events highlight the diverse cuisines enjoyed during cricket teas.
Remitly is also offering an additional 100 community clubs, known for their diversity and inclusion efforts, the chance to participate in Taste of Cricket.
These clubs will receive hampers with supermarket vouchers, picnic goodies, and recipes to elevate their match teas.
In time for Christmas, the Taste of Cricket cookbook will debut, featuring a collection of beloved and innovative match tea recipes.
Contributions will come from grassroots volunteers, cricket and foodie royalty, and famous cricket fans, including Angellica Bell.
Bell, the 2017 Celebrity Masterchef winner, shared her excitement: “As a big cricket fan, it’s wonderful to see more women and girls getting involved in the sport, making it more inclusive.
Creating spaces where women and girls feel comfortable to play is crucial, and what’s great about events like Taste of Cricket is that they bring communities together.
I can’t wait to be part of the Taste of Cricket Cookbook too and share one of my favourite recipes which would be perfect at a cricket tea.”
Fran Wilson expressed her delight: “It’s been a wonderful day at Bushy Park Cricket Club with Taste of Cricket and Raising The Game.
I’ve enjoyed trying the delicious Sri Lankan food and talking to Angellica about our shared love for cricket and food.
Meeting the girls at the cricket club, who clearly have a passion for the sport, was also a highlight; the joy and enthusiasm they have for playing here is truly inspiring. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every moment.”
Natalie Raja, President of Bushy Park Girls Cricket Club, concluded, “It’s been an honour hosting one of the ECB’s Taste of Cricket events at Bushy Park Girls Cricket Club.
Over the years, we’ve worked hard to foster an inclusive community where everyone feels welcome to give cricket a go. Like cricket, which is enjoyed by people from all walks of life, food is also a great leveller.
It’s been a pleasure to marry the two and see the event bringing communities together.”
Stay updated with Taste of Cricket by visiting: ECB Raising The Game.
To attend the next Taste of Cricket event at Shepherds Bush Cricket Club, join them on Friday 26th July from 1 pm.