Warwickshire County Cricket Club has recognised former players, women’s cricket pioneers and loyal Warwickshire Board members with Honourary Life Memberships at its Annual General Meeting.
Fans’ favourite Allan Donald and former Captain Michael Powell were among those to be granted Life Membership at the AGM held at Edgbaston Stadium on Tuesday 8 May.
Laura Crofts (pic below right) – Warwickshire Women’s most capped player who played almost 200 games for the amateur side between 2003 and 2024 – and former teammate Liz Russell were also recognised on the night.
Cricket Operations Manager Keith Cook, who recently called time on a 51-year career as a Bear, also received an Honourary Life Membership which is the highest accolade bestowed by the Club.
Warwickshire CCC Chair Mark McCafferty thanked the recipients for their “unwavering support” over many years.
He added: “The recipients join a very exclusive Club. Before this evening we only had 35 Honourary Life Members but the Board thought it was right to look again at the our recent history and rightly recognize people who’ve made standout contributions.
“As we move into a new era of professional women’s cricket we felt it was right to honour some of the Warwickshire Women players who set the foundations for today’s Bears Women.
“They gave their time over many years as amateurs to represent the Bear & Ragged Staff. Their role in forerunners for the expanded women’s game now should not be underestimated.
“And there are also several individuals who’ve served in administrative and leadership roles at Edgbaston – giving up their time for the Club on the Board and committees – who we also felt it was right to honour.”
They included Andrew Burn, Jeremy Payne and Mike Williams who’ve devoted many years on various committees during a time of transition for the Club from its General Committee structure to a Board of Directors.
And ex-Board members Naz Khan and Michelle Leavesley also received Honourary Life Memberships for their work on the Club’s Board and championing women’s rights and diversity in the community.
More than 100 Warwickshire Members attended the AGM and heard an update from Chief Executive Stuart Cain on the Club’s financial performance in 2024, its strategy, and new coaching structure, including improved data and insights capability.
Club legend Dennis Amiss was also sworn in for a third term as President.
McCafferty added: “I can’t imagine a better ambassador for the Club than Dennis. Warwickshire has been very dear to his heart for his whole life. He’s well loved, always has time for people, whatever their background or stage in life, and has provided sage advice from his vast knowledge of cricket.”
Michael Powell – who is Head of Cricket at Rugby School – received the honour in recognition of his playing days but also in helping facilitate the Club’s out-ground partnership and the successful Rugby Cricket Festival last summer.
He’s also helped the Club scout new talent, including Jacob Bethell who he recommended to the Club as a youngster.
‘White Lightning’ Allan Donald sent a video message thanking the Club for his award in which he said Warwickshire was a “huge factor” in his career.
He added: “The Club helped pave the way for me; I’ll always be grateful to Warwickshire. When this type of award comes you’re always hugely appreciative but it also makes me think about all the fantastic teammates I had there and their support. And to all the Members…thanks for your support over the years and sticking with us through thick and thin.”
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