Vintage Cricket Carnival 2008

 
World Vintage Cricket, Stratford Upon Avon
August 2008

From 10-16 August 2008, the historic town of Stratford Upon Avon staged the 4th World Vintage Cricket Carnival. Gullivers Sports Travel were appointed as ground handlers for the event, which saw 13 touring teams from Australia, Canada, England, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa and the USA take part.

The Carnival began with a match at Stratford-Upon-Avon CC between a Dennis Amiss Invitational XI, and a side from SuACC. Former professionals Joel Garner (Barbados), Geoff Howarth (New Zealand) and Brian Hardie (Essex) were among the participants.

As well as the hotels and coach transfers, Gullivers arranged a Welcome Party at the Carnival's HQ hotel - the Holiday Inn, Stratford, where teams enjoyed the company of friends old and new, with buffet food, a free bar and a jazz band on the banks of the river.

Over the week, friendly matches were played against 10 local sides, at 15 grounds hand picked by the Stratford-Upon-Avon committee for their beautiful surroundings and excellent hospitality. The unpredictable British weather reared its ugly head on several occasions, however there was only one day where rain stopped play, when host teams instead arranged skittles, darts or indoor matches to entertain their visitors. Whilst supporters were given the opportunity to visit Ragley Hall and Hidcote Manor gardens, and to take part in a full day boat trip to Welford on Avon with lunch at a riverside pub.

The finale dinner, also held at the Holiday Inn, was enjoyed by over 250 players, supporters, guests and VIPs. A three course dinner and free bar was followed by dancing until the early hours, with Bristol based band ‘Magic Mirror’ providing the entertainment for the evening.

The week was a great success, with several teams conveying their interest for the next carnivals taking place in Armidale, Florida and South Africa in 2009/2010 respectively.

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