WALKING cricket, which is a slow-paced activity that provides opportunities for social and physical development to people over the age of 55, has really taken off in West Somerset.

The Walking Cricket sessions take place at the Minehead Eye between October and April (Thursday 1.30pm to 3.00pm) and at the Recreation Ground, Irnham Road, Minehead on a Thursday between 2pm to 4pm at a cost of £2.50 per session.

This version of cricket is a great way for older people to exercise, discover new friendships, form a community as well as get a chance to re-live their cricketing dreams or be introduced to the sport for the first time.

The game is played indoors with a softer ball with no running involved for fielders, batters or bowlers. Underarm bowling is allowed and the aim is to play a game of indoor cricket either as individuals, pairs or teams. Players face a number of balls but no one is ever “out”, they just lose five runs.

There are opportunities to play against the other Walking Cricket hubs in Taunton, Yeovil, Weston Super Mare, Highbridge and enjoy a day at SCCC Inclusion day – with a chance to play on the hallowed turf at the Cooper Associates County Ground.

Steve Gass, from Somerset Cricket Foundation said: “Walking sports have the power to introduce people to something which they might not otherwise have had the chance or the confidence to experience, so it is wonderful to see walking cricket really beginning to grow in the county”.

Steve added: “These sessions at Minehead will give everyone the chance to play the popular sport for the first time, or perhaps return to the game after a period of injury or illness, and crucially to do this in a fun, friendly and sociable environment.”

John Batt, one of the Minehead Walking Cricket session volunteerssaid: “We are now in our second year as a Walking Cricket Hub and with the support and help from Somerset Cricket Foundation are going from strength to strength. The group recently enjoyed a coaching session from Mustafa Shaikh (Community Activation Officer) which was really appreciated (see photo).

One of the regular participants at the Minehead hub, Doug Wilson had these words of encouragement for new players: “ Even though I can’t take part all the timeI love coming down to the sessions, and can keep the score if I cannot play.It gets me out of the house and meeting people over refreshments after the sessions.”

The sessions at Minehead are for adults aged over 55 in partnerships with the u3a and suitable for both males and females.

To attend the sessions or for more information, contact Mustafa Shaikh on [email protected] or 01823