Andy Brooks, as the title suggests, has been bowling and batting for the community asset that is Hawkinge Cricket and Social Club for quite some time, thirty years to be exact.
From starting out in the youth set up the Colts side to coaching them as soon as he was 18 years of age, it wasn’t long before he was representing the adults’ team and at just 20 years of age, he was awarded the captaincy. ‘A proud moment’ as Andy admits, although he’s had quite a few of those as CommunityAd learnt during this lovely chat with the community minded man.
Andy’s earliest cricketing memory is Hawkinge based as he and his childhood friends thought they’d give the sport a go, and the club is thankful for that youthful decision. An accomplished batter and bowler, who cites Ian Botham as an inspiration for his cricketing ability and his charisma. Like Beefy, Andy had a few proud moments here on the green, from his first 100 to the league titles that he’s led Hawkinge to.
How has your role changed throughout this period?
I have done a number of roles from sorting fixtures to being a committee member as well as being the manager of the bar for 21 years. The club is a part of me and I have put my blood, sweat and guts into it to make it successful, along with the help of others.
How has the club grown and developed over that period?
From the cricket side we have moved up the leagues and now play at a good standard in the Kent Feeder League, we have some of the best facilities around with an amazing ground. On the social side, in my 20 years, we have had 2 big extensions and now have a membership base of over 400 people, we are the heart of the local community providing them with a nice place to come to drink and with regular events for all the family.
It seems like a community-orientated, friendly and inclusive club to be a part of, is that the case?
It definitely is family orientated. We provide lots for all the family. It is not exclusive; non-members are always welcome.
The club has a proud heritage. How long has it been established? What has been the key to such longevity here in Hawkinge do you think?
It’s over 100-years-old, the club, we were once located not far from where it is now but relocated to its current position with its original wooden shack, but the new clubhouse was built in 1991 and since then it’s gone from strength to strength.
Last year, all sport was massively affected by the pandemic, you didn’t get a full cricket season, did you? How much is the club looking forward to having a full season this time around?
We are super excited to have cricket back this year. The adult team have already started their league campaign and are doing well. We have lots of new interest which is brilliant. Having no cricket last year was really bad for the club but everyone is excited for this season. The Colts have also started with positive numbers, the children are the future of the clubs so this is so important that cricket is played regularly.
Why should readers consider getting involved?
We have some of the best facilities around with a lovely ground, the club has a lovely atmosphere with a busy social side, we show all the major sporting events, put on regular events for all the family and have some big events like our annual music festival. We are a big part of the local community and offer lots for everyone.
Outside of the cricket club what makes the community of Hawkinge such a pleasant one to be a part of?
Hawkinge is not massive in terms of size but it has a big community vibe. Naturally the area is blessed with lovely walks and economically we’ve got a few local shops and everyone is nice, it’s just such a nice place to live. Of course, we’ve got plenty of history here in this part of the world.