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I say myself, this was initially an unlikely place for me to be, as I know very little (actually nothing) about cricket! Even Dad is not a number one fan of the sport, though I know Grandad Donald was a Life Member at Northants CCC.
My first visit to Lords was to see a County Championship Game, with Middlesex playing. Being registered blind, seeing the ball was not easy, but nonetheless, I had an enjoyable day, and by chance, when visiting the museum, a member of staff said that Lords welcome volunteers to help on matchdays.
I was then put in contact with John Donegan (Community Programmes Manager), and was given the opportunity to interact, and hand out scorecards to members of the public. This was similar to my work at The Transport Museum, so felt confident, really enjoyed myself, and chatted away to the supporters. Everyone made me very welcome.
On one occasion, bad weather stopped play, and I was invited to play cricket with a group of other people at the Indoor Cricket Centre. When Dad was reading the website later that evening, he noticed that Lords offer one to one coaching sessions. Now, I know Dad likes to push me to my limits, but getting me to a standard that I could play for Middlesex/England was surely stretching it a bit far!
Dad, being Dad, made some initial enquiries, and the next thing I know, I am en route to Lords to have a coaching session, where I met 3 great people, James Fielding (Head Coach), Sam Pimm, and Harry Thompson. What happened next was nothing short of a miracle. Considering my severe head injury and left hemiplegia, and being registered blind (visual pathways to the brain), I was able to stand by the wickets, concentrate on watching the ball, and actually hitting it with a bat. To an outsider, many of you would see that as nothing out the norm, but my concentration is normally focused on just being able to stand and balance without falling over, so to be able to do both this and attempt to play cricket, was mind blowing.
Having now had a few sessions, I am able to not only hit a ball, I can bowl over-arm, and run between the wickets – in other words, actually play cricket! I absolutely love it, and James and the staff are great at making it fun, and to replicate a real game. Sometimes there are professional players practicing alongside me, which is a massive incentive to do well. I am now gradually learning the rules of cricket which will help when I watch some matches next year.
The other importance to this, is that although it is great to be able to play, this has a massive positive impact on my Physiotherapy, as well as improving my overall level of fitness. Jen, my Physiotherapist, is very impressed!
I must say a massive Thank You to Lords for the warmth, hospitality, and friendship the staff show. James has reported that this has been a learning curve for them all, as it has been for me, which is so great to hear. So, if anyone reading this would like to have a coaching session at the world’s most prestigious cricket ground, though do not feel you have the ability, confidence, or you feel too embarrassed to ask, just do it and get in touch.
I did, and you can see from my blogs how much I enjoy it. Everyone makes you feel welcome, irrespective of ability. Even the people around me smile and clap when I hit the ball, and it is just the most fantastic feeling. No one judges you – you are treated as an equal, and that’s what matters.
Lords Indoor Cricket Centre
Phone: 0207 616 8612
https://www.lords.org/lords/indoor-cricket-centre/indoor-cricket-centre-1
Email: indoorcricketcentre@lords.org
Hi – my name is Tom and this is my blog. I have complex learning and physical difficulties, and I’m hoping that by showcasing how I live my day to day life you can be truly inspired.
