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2025 – The Lansdown Cricket Club Bicentenary Year, that was…
2025 was a monumental year for our club, read here about all the things we achieved in celebration.
Now that the dust has finally settled on an extraordinary 2025, it feels like the perfect moment to look back on everything that made Lansdown Cricket Club’s Bicentenary Year so special.
First and foremost: THANK YOU. To our members, volunteers, players, coaches, supporters, and friends across our local community — last year was what it was because of you. Two hundred years is a remarkable milestone. Celebrating it in the way we did was a collective effort, and one we’ll cherish for generations to come.
What we set out to achieve
Planning for our Bicentenary began almost five years ago. We knew that a moment of this significance deserved more than a single event — it was an opportunity to bring the whole club together, reconnect with our history, and tell the Lansdown story far beyond Combe Park.
From our junior section to our Walking Cricketers, from players past and present to lifelong supporters, it mattered that every corner of the club felt represented. Looking back now, we believe we achieved that — and more.
The 200 For 200 Campaign
At the heart of our Bicentenary Year was a major charitable ambition: to raise £200,000 to mark 200 years of Lansdown Cricket Club.
We partnered with Dorothy House Hospice Care and RUHX – the Official Charity of the Royal United Hospital as our primary beneficiaries. Alongside these, the campaign also supported secondary causes focused on youth cricket and sports provision in Bath — including our own commitment to widening access to cricket for children in state schools. To date we have raised in excess of £90,000. A brilliant acheivement. Thank you to everyone who got involved - it means a tremendous amount to all of the beneficiaries and just goes to show what an incredibly giving community that we have.
Getting Combe Park into Tip Top shape
Before a year of celebrations could begin, Combe Park was due a little TLC
We closed the doors for a week in January and a cracking team of volunteers came along every day to paint every wall in the club, clean every corner and make the place look fantastic for what was to come. A HUGE thank you to those people that gave up their time (you know who you are).
Bicentenary Launch Event & Lunch – 18th January
Our Bicentenary celebrations officially began with a launch event and lunch at Combe Park, welcoming members, former players, local cricketing figures, and civic guests — including the Mayor of Bath.
Guests were invited to explore an exhibition of memorabilia, photographs, and club artefacts, helping to set the scene for the year ahead. This was followed by a superb lunch and a series of speeches from:
• Scott Longstaff, Chair of Lansdown Cricket Club
• David Dolman, Past President and Club Captain
• Shaun Smith, Director of Cricket
• Mike Roe, President of Bath Cricket Club
• The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Bath, Councillor Michelle O’Doherty
It was a warm, reflective afternoon — a chance to honour our past while sharing excitement for the celebrations to come.
Civic Reception at the Mayor’s Parlour – 4th March
In March, Lansdown Cricket Club was honoured with an invitation to the Mayor’s Parlour at Bath’s Guildhall.
Club officers and members from across Lansdown gathered to mark the club’s extraordinary achievement of reaching its Bicentenary. As a proud Bath institution for two centuries, it was a real honour to have our contribution to sport and community formally recognised.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Mayoress and the officers of the City of Bath for hosting us and celebrating this milestone with us.
A full gallery of photos from the event can be found here
Community Day & Music Festival – 25th May
On a gloriously sunny Bank Holiday weekend, Combe Park was transformed into a hub of celebration as we hosted our Bicentenary Community Day and Music Festival.
With the stage erected, the outdoor bar open, the BBQ fired up, and bouncy castles in full swing, families from across the city joined us for a free community party. Live music, games, and a relaxed festival atmosphere ensured that hundreds of people enjoyed a fantastic day on our grounds — exactly the kind of celebration we had hoped for.
The Lansdown Cricket Club Big Bike Ride – 26th –30th May
One of the most ambitious challenges of the year was the Lansdown Big Bike Ride — an epic journey designed to share our Bicentenary story across England.
Eighteen (mostly) middle-aged club members took on the challenge of cycling to every Test cricket ground in England — covering 850km in just four days.
Starting at Durham’s Riverside Stadium, the route passed through Headingley, Old Trafford, Trent Bridge, Edgbaston, Lord’s, The Oval, Southampton’s Utilita Bowl, before the long final leg home to Combe Park.
Battling high winds, freezing rain, and occasional sunshine, the team raised over £52,000 for the 200 for 200 Campaign.
The return on Friday evening was unforgettable. Joined by Lansdown junior members for the final push, the riders were welcomed by hundreds of supporters. It was emotional, joyous, loud, and proud — with live music, flowing drinks, and a sense of collective achievement that perfectly captured the spirit of the year.
You can view a full gallery of the ride (and some preparation) here:
Old Players’ Day (Pre-1985) – 31st May
While the club has sadly lost many former players and friends in recent years, Lansdown is blessed with a deep and living history.
As the First XI faced Clevedon, we welcomed back former players from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. It was a wonderful afternoon of shared memories, laughter, and reflection, celebrating the contribution of those who helped shape the club we are today.
England Over 50s vs Scotland Over 50s – 8th June
In our Bicentenary Year, it felt fitting to break new ground by hosting our first-ever international match.
World Champions England Over 50s welcomed Scotland Over 50s to Combe Park for an inaugural One Day International. With all the pomp and ceremony you’d expect, spectators were treated to competitive, high-quality cricket.
While England dominated the contest, the match was played in great spirit, and both teams were delighted to help mark such a special year for the club.
Captain’s Day – 14 June
On another sun-soaked Saturday in June, we gathered as many former Lansdown captains as possible for a very special Captain’s Day.
In total, 25 former skippers joined us for lunch, with several travelling from far and wide. We were especially proud to welcome Roger Abrahams and his family.
These men and women have given enormous amounts to Lansdown Cricket Club over the decades, and it was a privilege to thank them properly and capture a memorable group photograph beneath the pavilion clock.
As an added bonus, the afternoon also saw Bath Rugby crowned English Premiership champions, reclaiming their place at the top of the game. A great day all round.
Festival of Walking Cricket – 24th June
Walking Cricket has become a hugely important and rewarding part of Lansdown in recent seasons, bringing together dozens of people each week — many of whom hadn’t played cricket for years.
As part of our Bicentenary celebrations, we hosted the club’s first-ever Walking Cricket Festival, welcoming teams from Highbridge, Taunton, and Weston-Super-Mare. Despite grey skies and early rain, conditions improved and the festival delivered a wonderful day of inclusive, joyful cricket.
Founded in 2023 by David Dolman, the Walking Cricket section continues to grow, welcoming players of all abilities, genders, and backgrounds — with many members reporting improvements in both physical mobility and mental wellbeing.
You can read more about the day here:
Schools Cricket Festival – 26th June
In the planning for this year, we had set out a day to celebrate junior cricket and cricket is school. Thanks to David Dolman and Andy Greenhough form Oldfield School who exceeded expectations by delivering a brilliantly innovative and nationally unique event.
Lansdown Cricket Club marked its Bicentenary by hosting the first-ever Bath Schools Cricket Festival, an all-day celebration of cricket, collaboration, and community.
Nearly 100 pupils from all twelve of Bath’s secondary schools took part, with students from state and independent schools mixed into joint teams — a landmark moment for cricket in the city. The Mayor of Bath, Councillor Professor Bharat Pankhania, joined the day’s celebrations.
Guided by Somerset County and Western Storm cricketer Mollie Robbins, pupils played friendly round-robin fixtures throughout the day. The festival was supported by Goughs Solicitors and Mainly Media and was the brainchild of Andy Greenhough, Headteacher at Oldfield School.
Bicentenary Reception – 26th June
That same evening as our Schools Cricket Festival, Combe Park welcomed local civic and cricketing VIPs for a Bicentenary Reception.
Guests included the newly appointed Mayor of Bath, Councillor Professor Bharat Pankhania, Bath MP Wera Hobhouse, representatives from Gloucestershire and Somerset County Cricket Clubs, and members of Bath’s cricketing community. Over prosecco (rather than champagne!), we raised a toast to 200 years of Lansdown Cricket Club.
With local press in attendance, the evening helped spread the Bicentenary story across television, radio, and print.
A full gallery of photos from the event can be found here:
Women of Combe Park Lunch – 29th June
Towards the end of June, Lansdown hosted a heartfelt celebration of the women who have played such a vital role in the club’s success.
Over 40 women — past and present — who have contributed as players, captains, volunteers, officers, supporters, and ambassadors gathered for a special lunch. It was an afternoon of appreciation, laughter, and reflection, with committee members and partners ensuring glasses were never empty.
You can read more about the day here:
And view the full gallery of photos here:
https://www.lansdowncricketclub.co.uk/photos/lcc-bicentenary-ladies-lunch-june-2025-1143248.html
Pakistan Eagles Commemoration Match – 1st July
On 1 July, the club marked a truly historic moment by commemorating the 1952 fixture in which a Pakistan XI played its first-ever overseas match — hosted by Lansdown.
A Lansdown XI, captained by Dan Veal, faced the Bristol Pakistanis. Dan was joined by his father Martin and his two brothers, honouring his grandfather Sid Veal, who captained the original 1952 side. The day also included congratulations to Dan and Freya on the arrival of baby Pippa — the newest member of a proud cricketing family.
The event featured a special interview with former Pakistan captain Mushtaq Mohammad, conducted by Stephen Chalke, Vice President of the club and cricket historian. You can read more about the day and event here:
https://www.lansdowncricketclub.co.uk/news/lcc-celebrates-historic-1952-pakistan-xi-fixture-with-commemorative-match-and-lunch-against-bristol-pakistanis-2929193.html
Bicentenary MCC Day – 30th July
Our annual match against Marylebone Cricket Club was given extra significance in our Bicentenary Year.
With 160 guests enjoying a packed marquee on the outfield, the day was blessed with sunshine, excellent food, and great company. We were honoured to welcome Henry “Blowers” Blofeld as our special guest, whose after-dinner talk reflecting on 60 years of international cricket was a true highlight.
The charity auction raised over £1,500 for the 200 for 200 Campaign.
A full gallery of the day can be found here:
https://www.lansdowncricketclub.co.uk/photos/mcc-day-2025-1146655.html
The John Downey Day, 2025 – 14th September
John Downey Day remains one of the most meaningful fixtures in the Lansdown calendar.
This year’s celebration was extended, with Walking Cricketers facing their Bath counterparts before a Legends match. Unfortunately, rain curtailed play, but the spirit of the day continued indoors as players and supporters shared stories and memories of John — a man who holds a very special place in the hearts of cricketers across Bath. You can read more about the day and watch a video of the presentation here:
The Bicentenary Ball – 20th September
The year concluded in spectacular fashion with the Lansdown Cricket Club Bicentenary Ball, held at Bath Racecourse.
From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was electric. A superb meal set the tone, before singing waiters surprised the room and set the celebration alight.
The Auction of Promises, led brilliantly by James Dixon and Tom Boyce, raised £3,000, while Heads & Tails added to the fun.
The night ended with the band Souled Out keeping the dance floor full until late, rounding off a night of music, laughter, and shared pride in our club. Huge thanks must go to Becky smith and Paula Hobbs-Shoulder for organising a night that will never be forgotten.
An Incredible Year, 2025
So, As the curtain fell on an unforgettable year, one word echoes through every memory: extraordinary.
Two hundred years of history deserved a celebration like no other — and together, we delivered it. From the very first toast in January to the final dance at the Bicentenary Ball, 2025 was a year of pride, passion, and community spirit.
We set out to honour our past, celebrate our present, and inspire our future. We did all that and more. Combe Park became a stage for moments that will live long in the club’s story:
• A launch steeped in heritage, setting the tone for what was to come.
• A sun-soaked Community Day, where laughter and music filled the air.
• The Big Bike Ride, an epic feat of endurance and camaraderie that raised over £52,000.
• Historic matches, from England Over 50s vs Scotland to the Pakistan Eagles Commemoration.
• Festivals of cricket, for juniors, schools, and walking cricketers alike.
• Celebrations of people, from captains and old players to the incredible women of Lansdown.
• And finally, a Bicentenary Ball to remember, closing the year in style.
At the heart of it all was our charitable ambition: 200 for 200. Together, we raised over £90,000 for causes that matter — a legacy as meaningful as any trophy.
This Bicentenary was not just a milestone; it was a movement. A year that united generations, strengthened friendships, and reminded us why Lansdown Cricket Club is more than a club — it’s a family.
To every member, volunteer, player, coach, supporter, and friend: thank you. You made this year what it was. Here’s to the next chapter — and to the next 200 years of cricket at Combe Park.
Lansdown Cricket Club. Proud of our past. Excited for our future