Jason Oldfield - Chairman at Kirkham and Wesham Cricket Club, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his dedicated services to the club. Oldfield, who has been involved with the club for 40 years, has served in various roles including player, captain, official, and currently chairman, a position he has held for the last six years.

Before becoming chairman, Oldfield was the club secretary for 10 years following over two decades as a player. His journey with the club began at the age of 10 and culminated in a 12-year tenure as first team captain. Now 50, Oldfield's commitment to the club has been unwavering, and he is elated to see his contributions recognized in the Honours List.

"I was shocked when I heard I had been nominated for this award but I’m thrilled and it’s really great to see the grassroots of sport recognised,” Oldfield expressed. "It’s not just about me, it’s for everything we have achieved at the club in making it a real community hub where everybody feels welcome every day.”

Jason's interest in becoming a committee member sparked early in his playing career when he saw the potential to expand the club’s appeal beyond just weekend games.

"When I was a teenager, the club was rather stuck in its ways and there wasn’t much on offer apart from the teams which played at the weekends,” he explained. "I knew there could be so much more to it and now we have teams for every age group from five upwards, as well as a really thriving social scene and activities throughout the week.”

Under Oldfield's leadership, the club has transformed into a vibrant community hub. "The important thing is everybody is welcome and the club is at the heart of Kirkham and Wesham,” he added.

Jason Oldfield’s dedication and vision have not only enhanced the club’s offerings but have also solidified its role as a central and inclusive part of the community.

Jen Barden - Executive Director at Lancashire Cricket Foundation said" A huge congratulations to Jason, having met him on day one of my time with Lancashire 15 years old at Kirkham and Wesham CC, his passion for the club and its future was evident then! He worked tirelessly to support myself new into role to understand the local area and how we could work together. Having visited the club 12 months ago, Jason rolling the wicket, i could see it was thriving. Huge numbers of All Stars and Dynamos, the start of a girls team and a vibrant clubhouse. Deserved recognition for the hard work Jason has put in, but across all of recreational cricket and the huge numbers of volunteers we rely on week in week out. "