Gloucestershire Growlers begin their countdown to the new cricket season with their first winter training session this weekend.

The Growlers – a team made up of blind and partially sighted players – were crowned South and West Regional League champions for the first time last season.

Marc Gulwell, who is the chairman of the Growlers, said: “It is a very safe, fun sport to play and we travel all over the country competing against other clubs, all of whom are made up of blind and partially sighted players.”

And while the Growlers, who play their home matches at Hatherley and Reddings Cricket Club, are clearly an upwardly mobile set-up, Gulwell added: “We are still desperately short of players and volunteers.”

The club will hold their winter training dates on Sundays at Oasis Sports Centre, Cassin Drive, Cheltenham, from 2-4pm with the first taking place in two days’ time.

Their first fixture is a friendly against Worcestershire at the Old Elizabethans ground in Worcester on Sunday 6th May


Training dates – February 4th, 18th; March 4th, 18th, 25th; April 1st, 8th, 15th

Fixtures – Sunday 6th May: Friendly, Worcestershire v Gloucestershire

Sunday 13th May: BCEW South & West Regional League, Gloucestershire Growlers v Hampshire VICC

Sunday 20th May: BCEW South & West Regional League, Surrey VICC v Gloucestershire Growlers

Sunday 10th June: BBS Primary Club Heindrich Swanepoel Memorial Cup, Gloucestershire Growlers v Nottinghamshire or Yorkshire

Sunday 1st July: BCEW South & West Regional League, Gloucestershire Growlers v Metro Devils

Sunday 22nd July: BCEW South & West Regional League, Gloucestershire Growlers v Dorset Dolphins

Sunday 29th July: BCEW South & West Regional Twenty20 Cup semi-finals: Kent or Dorset v Gloucestershire Growlers

Sunday 12th August: BCEW South & West Regional League, Berkshire Stags v Gloucestershire Growlers

Sunday 26th August: BCEW South & West Regional Twenty20 Cup final, at Hatherley & Reddings.

Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th September: BCEW Brian Johnston Memorial Trust Development Festival, at Leicester University


As well as the Growlers, Gulwell also runs the Outlook social group.

“This group is for visually impaired people to meet up and take part in various sporting events, or simply go out for a meal and meet other people,” Gulwell explained.

“It is a fantastic way for visually impaired youngsters to build confidence and extend social circles, which I believe is vital for anyone to lead a positive life.

“I have a mailing list for this group of over 60 members. Of course, we don’t always get these numbers for each event but they are usually well attended.”

Anyone who would like to contact Gulwell about the Gloucestershire Growlers or the Outlook social group can call him on 07710 892278 or email mrwgulwell@gmail.com