Darren Bicknell has joined Melton Mowbray CC as club president

MELTON Mowbray CC’s renaissance has continued with the arrival of former international cricketer Darren Bicknell as their club president.

The former Surrey, Nottinghamshire and England A batsman will share the role with John Evans who has been with Melton for several decades.After his retirement from First Class cricket, Bicknell became instrumental in developing the Belvoir Castle Cricket Trust after becoming its director in 2009.His link with Melton first began when clubhouse manager Rupert Smallshaw contacted him in 2010 to bring the Belvoir Bees Junior programme to the All England Ground.Smallshaw said: “It has been fantastic having the youngsters and their families at the club every Wednesday and seeing their development along with that of our own adult volunteers.“Everyone looks forward to Darren’s visits and it’s a privilege to be teaming up with the Trust again in 2013.”The club has grown fast over the last few years with new players and the introduction of junior sides, together with on-going sponsorship from L&H Exhausts, Twinlakes and Varybright.com,

After several years at the helm, Melton were sad to see Mike Pratt step down as chairman, but pleased to welcome James Culy to the challenging role. After similar sterling service over many seasons, Robert Hendy has handed the club secretary baton on to Steve Freer who is also press officer.

Head coach Karl Tew will oversee training for seniors and juniors supported by four Level 1 coaches and several voluntary coaching assistants. Two other club members are also taking the ECB Level 2 coaching course, while two more are enrolled on umpiring courses.

Peter Hood, club development officer, added: “Our club is going from strength to strength with the seniors climbing their leagues and everyone working towards achieving Clubmark standards.

“Our focus in 2013 is to win sponsorship in order to develop the facilities for all those that support Melton Mowbray Cricket Club, and make it the home of family cricket in Melton.”

To for more details on sponsorship, contact Pip Gibbs on 07760 177332 or Peter Hood via contact@meltoncricket.org