Phil Neale OBE 02 Apr 2025
The final event of the Cheltenham Cricket Society 2024/25 season at the Victory Club concluded on a beautiful spring evening with the return of our esteemed guest Phil Neale. Phil had last appeared at CCS in February 1987 and as he had done then enthralled the membership with insight and inspiration but now nearly 40 years on captivated a packed audience with his remarkable life story and extensive sporting career.
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All images courtesy of Sushil Sidhu
Gloucestershire County Cricket Club (GCCC) Panel 05 Mar 2025
Cheltenham Cricket Society welcomed GCCC’s Mark Alleyne (Head Coach), Peter Matthews (Club Chairman) and Jack Taylor (T20 Captain) and the 2025 Vitality Blast T20 Trophy. Ian Randall chaired the initial panel discussion where we were provided with insights on the successful GCCC T20 journey, future plans for GCCC and the perennial issue of managing and scheduling fixtures in a very busy cricketing calendar. The glorious Vitality Blast T20 trophy was proudly on full display at the Victory Club and provided ample “selfie” opportunities.
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All images courtesy of and thanks to Pete Wilson
Joe Leach 05 Feb 2025
Cheltenham Cricket Society welcomed former Worcestershire cricketer Joe Leach as our guest speaker on 5th February 2025. Joe, an accomplished and respected bowler, batter and former county captain, provided insights into his cricketing journey, leadership experiences, and considered thoughts on the future of the game.
All images courtesy of and thanks to Pete Wilson
Matthew Maynard 08 Jan 2025
Matthew Maynard was warmly welcomed by an enthusiastic audience who had braved a cold winter’s evening to hear him speak and share his experience, openness, humility, and deep love for the game. A class act both as a player and coach, Matthew treated members to a masterclass in all aspects cricket blending insight, intellect, humour and fond memories.
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All images courtesy of and thanks to Pete Wilson
Chris Dent 04 Dec 2024
Chris Dent, Gloucestershire batsman and left arm orthodox bowler kindly stepped in at the last minute to be our final speaker of 2024. Chris dealt with the wide range of questions from our Ken Burney and then from the floor in an insightful, open and inspirational manner. Chris was applauded by CCS members when he spoke about his recent challenges and how playing in the West of England Premier League (WEPL) last summer helped him rediscover his love of playing.
All images kindly taken and provided courtesy of and thanks to Andrew Pugh.
Simon Hughes 06 Nov 2024
Distinguished English cricketer, journalist and writer Simon Hughes known to many as “The Analyst “ graced the CCS stage to a packed membership as he had done in 2005.
All images courtesy of Pete Wilson
Chris Broad 02 Oct 2024
The 2024/25 CCS season kickstarted in style to a packed house with Chris Broad as our guest.
All images courtesy of Pete Wilson
James Taylor 03 Apr 2024
Former England batsman and current Leicestershire batting coach James Taylor at the last of the speaker events of the Winter/ Spring season of 2023/24.
Stephen Chalke 06 Mar 2024
CCS Vice President and award winning author Stephen Chalke mesmerised members with extracts and the stories behind his latest publication “Footprints”.
Paul Farbrace 07 Feb 2024
Paul Farbrace entertained the CCS members with his stories and anecdotes as a first class cricket player, international coach and media pundit. Knowledgeable, candid, insightful and passionate, Paul focussed on the importance of skills that a coach can impart but the need for support and encouragement to allow players to flourish and for captains to be great leaders.
All images courtesy of Pete Wilson
Kevin Sharp 10 Jan 2024
Kevin Sharp, the former Yorkshire batter and coach at Yorkshire and Worcestershire opened our 2024 season. 47 years of experience in the game allowed Kevin to entertain the CCS members with humorous anecdotes, personal experiences and his thoughts on the pertinent issues within cricket today such as fixture scheduling and the Yorkshire racism saga.
Ian “Gunner” Gould 06 Dec 2023
Ian “Gunner” Gould shared tales of his upbringing, journey into sport as a goal keeper for Slough and Arsenal and then as a batter/wicket keeper for Middlesex, Sussex, England and then his transition into World class umpiring.
Mark Robinson 01 Nov 2023
Warwickshire CCC head coach Mark Robinson reflected on his career but also his approach to coaching and people management. The latter, was very evident in his handling of the insightful and entertaining Q&A session.
Derek Pringle 04 Oct 2023
Derek Pringle at our first speaker presentation in October 2023 where he was able to share his excellent photographs and personal insights as a peer to the many greats of the game.
David Gower OBE 02 Aug 2023
David Gower OBE was a very special and truly memorable guest at the CCS 40th Anniversary Celebration on 2nd August 2023.
All images courtesy of Pete Wilson.