The groundskeeper of a village cricket club near Burnham-On-Sea has been awarded a top accolade in recognition of his years of dedicated work.
David Counsell, the groundsman for Huntspill and District Cricket Club, received the Chairman’s Cup during the Somerset Playing Fields’ Association Field of the Year Awards held on Friday, September 15th. He received the award from Chris Davies, Somerset Deputy Lieutenant, pictured above.
During Friday’s event, community groups across Somerset who oversee playing fields and play areas received awards for maintaining the best green spaces.
Richard Young, Secretary and Treasurer of the association, said of David: “He has been the groundsman for Huntspill and District Cricket Club for many years and spends over 25 hours a week maintaining the Memorial Playing Field in New Road, West Huntspill, preparing wickets for both club matches – be it seniors, ladies or youth and, in the last few years, Somerset County Cricket Club’s young pathway cricketers.”
Richard adds: “David is dedicated and takes great pride in the work he does. His hard work is appreciated by all who play on wickets he has produced and receives praise from the opposition. As well as maintaining the playing square, he maintains the outfield areas and cuts the field for West Huntspill Parish Council.”
Among the playing field groups receiving awards in the Burnham-On-Sea area were East Huntspill, Mark, Huntspill and Lympsham.
Somerset Playing Fields’ Association Awards 2023
Large Fields
1st Trull Parish Council – King George V Field, Church Road
2nd Wembdon Parish Council – Homberg Way Playing Field
3rd= Wiveliscombe – War Memorial Recreation Ground, West Road
3rd= Lympsham Parish Council – Lympsham Village Green & Cricket Field
Highly commended (HC) Milverton Recreation Ground Committee – Recreation Ground, Butts Way
HC East Huntspill Cricket Club – Merry Lane Ground
HC Huntspill & District Cricket Club – New Road Recreation Ground
HC Stawley Recreation Field & Appley Pavilion Trustees – Stawley Recreation Field
HC Churchill Playing Field, Ladymead Close
HC Allerford Village Hall & Recreation Ground – Harepark
HC Ilton Recreation Field – Copse Lane
HC Dulverton Sportsfield, Millham Lane
Play Areas
1st Woolavington Playing Fields Association – Higher Road Play Area
2nd Dulverton Town Council – Kings Corner Play Area
3rd= Dulverton Town Council – Barns Close Play Area
3rd= Ilton Play Area – Copse Lane
HC Mark Parish Council – Vole Road
