FORMER England and Somerset star bowler Andrew Caddick will be this year’s special guest at the annual Harry Burden Memorial Luncheon, that is taking place on Thursday 7th December. 

Undoubtedly Caddy who claimed 234 test wickets at an average of 29.91, will be asked for his views about the ongoing changes to cricket and England’s poor performance in the recent ODI World Cup as well as questions on his own illustrious career.

The luncheon has taken place annually since the sad passing of Harry Burden from leukaemia just before his eighth birthday in 1995, and has always been well supported by Somerset County Cricket Club and their staff as well as local cricket club volunteers. 

Every year the Harry Burden Award is presented to a young and upcoming Somerset cricketer and recent winners include James Rew, George Thomas and Will Smeed. 

There is also a Harry Burden Bursary Award, partly funded by Somerset County Sports, which in 2019 was won by Weston-Super-Mare cricketer Lauren Filer, who has since gone on to represent England.

The luncheon is the main fundraising event of the Tony Coles Charitable Trust, which provides grants  for the enhancement of facilities in Junior Cricket at Somerset cricket clubs and schools. In recent years grants have been given to Long Sutton CC, Wells CC, Taunton St Andrews CC, North Perrott CC, Huntspill & District CC, Congresbury CC, Saltford CC and the Castle School.

The event, which includes a three course Christmas Lunch, the Q&A session with Andrew Caddick, the Award Presentations and an auction, takes place on in the Colin Atkinson Pavilion at the Cooper Associates County Ground, on 7th December at 12.00 for 12.30. 

Tickets, priced at £35, are available from Nigel Manley on nigelmanley52@hotmail.com or 07773389471.