Set in the heart of rural Derbyshire, Bakewell Cricket Club is a traditional and well-established side with a long history.
Formed in 1861, the club began playing on land donated to the town for recreational purposes by the Duke of Rutland. The first pavilion was built and funded by Duncan Orme, a local greengrocer, and while it still retains a quality of the quintessential English pavilion, several extensions have been added by the town and district council to accommodate Bakewell’s rugby, football and croquet teams. In 1937, the Orme Shield, possibly the oldest local limited overs competition involving many of the sides from neighbouring towns and villages began, and the club’s ground has always been the chosen venue for the final.
Before the inception of county cricket matches being played on Sunday, the club regularly hosted benefit and testimonial matches for Derbyshire Cricket Club players from the past and present, where all matches were played at the Recreation Ground at the request of opponents due to the picturesque setting and surroundings. Currently playing in league two of the Yorkshire and Derbyshire Cricket League, the club used to run a first and second eleven Saturday side, a Sunday side and several youth teams.
However, beautiful surroundings do not always attract players, and due to the rise in the cost of living, financial constraints, and the migration of young talent to find work or move into further education, the club has only one first eleven side at present, and struggles to find continuity and consistency in selection from week to week.
At 67, former skipper Gerald Worsencroft is the longest serving player, still turns out for the side as and when required, and is ever-present at all matches. Affectionately known as “Worso” by his team-mates, Gerald is Bakewell born and bred and is part of the club’s cricket heritage, with both his father and brother playing for the side in the past. A wily spinner with two batting centuries, Worso is the lifeblood of the club in his dedication, enthusiasm and passion for Bakewell CC, coaching all of the former youth teams and organising the day-to-day running of the side with a humble and selfless spirit
On the tenth of July, 2011, Bakewell Cricket Club celebrated its 150th anniversary with a special friendly match against a Derbyshire Legends side including Colin Tunnicliffe, Alan Hill, Tony Borrington, Harry Cartwright and Peter Bowler.