Rochdale Cricket Club’s cycling challenge

Date published: 06 June 2020


Members of Rochdale Cricket Club are making the most of the lockdown season, by cycling to the grounds of the teams Rochdale should have visited this season to raise vital funds for the club.

Having started by cycling a 36-mile round trip to Enfield on Sunday 10 May, the challenge will end on Sunday 11 July with a trip to neighbours Norden. In between the members will cycle to places like Clitheroe, Haslingden and Colne.

The idea came from Ian Gilbertson after the club closed under government advice surrounding the current Covid-19 pandemic

In total, members of the club and its supporters will cover just short of 500 miles with 19 visits, aiming to raise £5,500 towards the club’s survival. The club itself is 196 years old, having been established in 1824.

 

The group stop for refreshments on the return trip to Todmorden on Saturday 23 May
The group stop for refreshments on the return trip to Todmorden on Saturday 23 May

 

Ian added: “We’ve got 75 kids in our junior section, who need coaching, equipment and kits. We do have some kits on order from February, so we hope to get those out to them soon.”

On 11 July, the members will be joined by Oliver Butterworth, who was born with a rare brain disorder which affects his speech, balance and co-ordination.

Oliver, 17, will complete a 3.8-mile round trip from Rochdale Cricket Club to Norden Cricket Club, as he usually spends many days and evenings at the club.

He said: “Rochdale CC is my life in the summer. If you could donate anything to help me and my cycle team complete our aim of covering every away ground in our Lancashire league division this season, that would be fantastic.”

To donate, please visit:

Do you have a story for us?

Let us know by emailing news@rochdaleonline.co.uk
All contact will be treated in confidence.


To contact the Rochdale Online news desk, email news@rochdaleonline.co.uk or visit our news submission page.

To get the latest news on your desktop or mobile, follow Rochdale Online on Twitter and Facebook.


While you are here...

...we have a small favour to ask; would you support Rochdale Online and join other residents making a contribution, from just £3 per month?

Rochdale Online offers completely independent local journalism with free access. If you enjoy the independent news and other free services we offer (event listings and free community websites for example), please consider supporting us financially and help Rochdale Online to continue to provide local engaging content for years to come. Thank you.

Support Rochdale Online