Chipperfield Cricket and Football Legends Recognised by High Sheriff

On Sunday 14th July the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Annie Brewster JP attended the Chipperfield Cricket Club to present two club stalwarts with a High Sheriff Sport for Good Lifetime Achievement Award. Chirs Bangs and Malcolm Durrant have been involved across both Chipperfield Cricket Club and Chipperfield Corinthians Football Club for many years.  

 

Malcolm Durrant has been the volunteer groundsman at Chipperfield football club and in particular the cricket club for nearly 65 years. Even a heart attack didn't stop him helping to prepare the cricket square for games each weekend! Known by many as Dixie he would always be seen cycling his bike in the early morning hours to start working on and preparing the cricket square. Unfortunately after a bout of ill health Malcolm wasn’t able to attend the presentation so one of his club friends received the award on his behalf.  

  

Chris Bangs has fulfilled every position at the cricket club from a playing member, Youth team coach, Chairman, President and more recently treasurer. Chris, who is an accountant by trade was hugely influential in the structure of the cricket club. Recently a significant figure in the clubs history passed away and in his will, donated a house to the club, Chris took on the responsibility of this so that the club could best receive the income from the rental of the property. 

  

Deservedly both are lifetime Presidents of the cricket club and in addition, both have performed similar tasks and roles within Chipperfield football club. Many believe since Malcolm stopped looking after the Queen Street football pitch three years ago, the quality of the football pitch has rapidly gone downhill. 

 

The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Annie Brewster JP said: 

 

An honour to present two High Sheriff 'Lifetime Achievement Awards' for outstanding services to community sport to two stalwarts of Chipperfield Clarendon Cricket Club and Chipperfield Corinthians Football Club at President's Day. Malcolm Durrant has been volunteer groundsman for 65 years (arriving by bike at 6.30am, not even letting a heart attack stop him!) and Chris Bangs has held every position in his 45 years at the cricket club from player to President. Thank you boys!  

 

The Herts Sport and Activity Partnership are excited for the year ahead where they will be recognising lots more local volunteers celebrating their continued hard work to help get more people, more active, more often.