MCC to celebrate the Evolution of Women’s Cricket in special event for International Women’s Day

©MCC

 

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) is celebrating their newest display in the MCC Museum, Evolution of Women’s Cricket, by holding a special symposium at Lord’s on International Women’s Day, Tuesday 8 March.

The all-day event will provide a fascinating insight into the inspirational and colourful history of women’s cricket, with acclaimed cricket writer and sports lecturer Professor Rafaelle Nicholson, who will lead a talk about her insightful book ‘Ladies and Lord’s: A History of Women’s Cricket in Britain’.

The symposium includes a Q&A panel discussion hosted by journalist and commentator Isabelle Duncan, who will be joined by a number of former England stars including Barbara Daniels, Claire Taylor and Jane Powell, as well as a visit to the Museum for an exclusive tour of the exhibition, guided by its curator and MCC Collections & Programmes Manager, Charlotte Goodhew.

The collection is an intriguing insight into the history of women’s cricket in England with memorabilia from the pioneering women who have transformed the game. An original ‘Red’ English Lady Cricket costume from 1888, and Betty Snowball’s trunk used during England’s first tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1934-1935 will be on display, as well as the first women’s World Cup from 1973, which predates the men’s tournament by two years.

The exhibition is one of many projects geared towards making MCC Collections, displays and narratives more equal and representative.

Speaking about the exhibition Charlotte Goodhew, said: “The items in this exhibition are wonderful pieces of inspirational history that showcase how women have made magnificent strides in cricket through the ages. From the initial concept planning stages which started in 2016 we have worked with leading experts and pioneer cricketers to bring this project to life including the late Rachael Heyhoe Flint, who’s energy and enthusiasm for promoting women’s cricket was infectious and we would like to dedicate this exhibition to the memory of Rachael and to the next generation of players.

“This landmark exhibition showcases original material from the newly acquired Women’s Cricket Association Archive, as well as rarely seen items from private institutions and personal collections.

“Everyone involved has been incredibly generous with their time and personal collections, with special thanks to all the donors and lenders including England legend Claire Taylor, former India captain Shubhangi Kulkarni, and St Leonards School in Scotland.”

This event is a great opportunity to celebrate International Women’s Day and women’s cricket, following the recent thrilling women’s Ashes series held in Australia, the forthcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand and ahead of history being made with England’s women competing in the Commonwealth Games this summer.

The event starts at 10.30 and finishes at 16.30. Tickets are £25 for adults and £15 for students and include refreshments on arrival and a light buffet lunch.

The event has been supported by the History Department at Royal Holloway, University of London and as well many generous donors who have contributed to the exhibition.

Tickets can be purchased online here.

There are limited spaces available for media to cover this unique event. To book a place or for more information please contact Gill Hawkes at [email protected]