A Saturday That Reminded Us Why Community Matters

On Saturday, a group of us from Thetford Town Cricket Club joined Chapter 15 to hand out the winter bags our members helped create. The bags were filled with warmth, dignity and a reminder that people in our town are not alone. A massive Thank you to all who donated it was incredible and shows we can make a difference when we all come together.

Nothing can quite prepare you for meeting people who are sleeping in tents yet still getting up and going to work. People who are doing everything right but who have found themselves in difficult situations through absolutely no fault of their own. Every person we met greeted us with kindness, gratitude, humour and astonishing resilience.

We spent the morning not just handing out bags, but sitting with people, talking with them and most importantly listening. Real listening. Sometimes what people need most is simply to feel seen.

We met some lovely individuals who will stay in our thoughts for a long time and every one of them was genuinely grateful for the support Thetford Town Cricket Club has given and will continue to give throughout the year. These moments remind us that cricket, sport and community go far beyond the boundary rope.

A huge thank you goes to Aaron, Joe, Collette, John, Julie, Kelly and Mick who gave up their time to volunteer. Having club members there meant so much, not just because they helped out but because they sat down, had conversations, shared a cuppa and offered kindness without judgement. That is what community looks like.

We must also acknowledge Mike and his wife, who run Chapter 15 with endless strength, compassion and determination. The work they do every single day is nothing short of remarkable and we are completely in awe of them. Their impact reaches far beyond the basics as they restore dignity, hope and connection for people who truly need it.

Saturday was not just a handout event.

It was a reminder of why Thetford Town Cricket Club stands proudly by the words:

Community, Commitment and Cricket for All.

And it showed us exactly why our support this winter and throughout the year truly matters

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