Ian Cockbain may have been sidelined through injury for the early part of Gloucestershire’s Royal London One-Day Cup campaign but he’s still been very busy.

He played in the opening game – the thumping 147-run win over Surrey – but was then forced to sit on the sidelines with what he described as “a very frustrating calf injury”.

It’s the toughest of times for a top sportsman, particularly when it comes at the start of a season as this injury has done, but at least it has given the 32-year-old a little more time to concentrate on other things.

And the middle-order batsman certainly has plenty to concentrate on because 2019 is his testimonial year.

It’s rich reward for someone who has played well over 200 matches for the club across all three formats of the game since making his debut in 2011.

And he has certainly arranged a full-on itinerary with supporters under starter’s orders for a big Race Night at the County Ground in Bristol on Friday (7pm).

Cockbain will be in Cheltenham for the second event – a Q&A with players from Gloucestershire and Lancashire at Cheltenham College on Tuesday 28th May (7pm).

That will take place after the second day of the County Championship game between the two teams, a match that has been switched to the College because the county are hosting a number of World Cup games in Bristol.

Cockbain has a close association with Lancashire, of course. Born in Liverpool, he played for their 2nd XI before joining MCC Young Cricketers in 2008 while his dad, also Ian, played for the Red Rose county from 1979 to 1983.

Cheltenham College will host a T20 Preview Dinner in support of Cockbain’s testimonial on Thursday 18th July (5pm).

Supporters of the quickfire format will know that Gloucestershire’s T20 campaign gets under way the following day against Glamorgan at the ever-popular Cheltenham Festival.

Cockbain, with his ability to score runs all round the wicket and at a very decent lick, will be a key part of that campaign as Gloucestershire look to reach finals days for the first time for 12 years.

There are also a good number of other events planned by Cockbain, including two golf days.

The right-handed Cockbain is a decent golfer – he plays off 14 – but he admits he’s not the best at the club.

That accolade goes to batsman George Hankins.

“He’s very good,” admitted Cockbain, before adding with a laugh, “he plays off 5 or 6 but he’s better than that. He went to Millfield School so he was brought up on golf so it’s not fair!”

Other events planned include a Question of Sport Ashes Edition, a match between an Ian Cockbain XI and Downend and a couple of high-profile dinners.

A Winter Ball at the County Ground will round off the year and while Cockbain, who recently got married to Amy, is a decent golfer he says he isn’t as confident on the dance floor.

“Definitely not,” he said. “I had to have dancing lesson before my wedding in November!”

Ian Cockbain’s benefit events – 3rd May: Race Night, Bristol County Ground (7pm). 28th May: Q&A with Gloucestershire and Lancashire players, Cheltenham (7pm). 5th June: Golf Day, Kendleshire Golf Club (9am). 28th June: Ian Cockbain Xi v Downend (5pm). 30th June: Question of Sport Ashes Edition, Bristol County Ground (7pm). 18th July: T20 Preview Dinner, Cheltenham College (5pm). 27th September: Golf Day, Formby Golf Club (9am). 17th October: Dinner at Grange Hotel, St Paul’s (7pm). 7th November: London Dinner, London (7pm). 16th November: Winter Ball, Bristol County Ground (8pm).

Anyone wanting details on any of the above events should contact Toby on 07733 327892 or Tracy on 07974 233873.