The brilliant weather experienced by Britain this year, though frowned upon by some who complain it’s too hot, is largely appreciated by most, particularly Caribbean folk.
With average Caribbean weather coming in at 70+ degrees Fahrenheit, this warm summer is a blessing for most of us ‘Sun Babies’. Caribbean cultural, social and sports promoters all over the country are aiming to make the best of this fabulous weather.
One such sports promoter is award winning Steve Stevenson MBE who for many years has organised the popular annual Winston Davis Benefit Match.
Sponsored by Grace Foods, this year’s event took place at the Bristol West Indies Cricket Club and was well attended by both cricket lovers and their families.
While the scheduled matches comprising four teams competing for the Tony Cup in a 20/20 competition took place, the children were preoccupied with a Bouncy Castle supported by a mini play area equipped with a swing, slide and other fun rides.
For those not too in-tuned with cricket, they were entertained by Platinum, MC Ranks and Crew who brought back some of the best 80’s reggae, and a clever mix of pop and soca classics.
CaribDirect took the opportunity to chat with cricketing supremo Courtney Walsh and East Enders actor, the one and only Rudolph Walker.
But the most significant encounter for CaribDirect was meeting the man in who’s honour the event was staged, Mr. Winston Davis himself.
Winston who is a tetraplegic, confined to a wheel chair as a result of being paralysed from the neck down, was in 1997 sawing off a branch from up a tree in St Vincent and the Grenadines, his homeland in the Caribbean when he was struck by a loose branch and fell.
Though he only fell eight feet he sustained major injuries to his spine and was instantly paralysed at the age of 39.
You ask, what does Winston have to do with cricket..? Well he was a notable West Indies Cricket player in the 90’s, “he held the record for the best bowling figures in the history of World Cup cricket – seven for 51 against Australia on an odd fashioned dodgy Headlingly pitch in 1983; and he had a reputation for being one of the nicest guys in the game” Mathew Engel.
All present recognised and acknowledged Winston, who sat in the shade accompanied by his carers and enjoyed the games. He was also seen playing Dominoes with the boys and clearly having a good time.
From all accounts the day was a success and enjoyed by all. Congratulations Steve and we look forward to next year. For more photos click here
