Mark Broad Fund is fitting memorial

FOLLOWING the tragic death of Mark Broad, aged just 38, in April this year, a lasting memorial will be set up to benefit local sportsmen and women and in particular, the development of youth in the area.

Mark was a very keen sportsman, having played football for Broadwindsor, Netherbury and Chideock, where he was a member of their treble winning side in the late eighties.

He was also a key all-rounder for Bridport, Cattistock and Symene Cricket Clubs from the age of 13.

Not only was he a very talented performer, he was also one of the most popular and unassuming clubmen anyone could wish to meet.

In recent years, Mark took up coaching cricket to youngsters in the town and was so well liked by both children and parents that it is fitting that the Mark Broad Memorial Trust Fund has been established in his memory.

The object of the fund is to provide financial support to youth sportsmen and women, and if considered appropriate, to adults or clubs, with the aim of improving sporting excellence in the local area.

The fund is already in excess of £3,400, and it is proposed that the first awards will be considered early in 2005, when details of how to apply will be published.

The trustees of the fund are Mark's wife, Nikki, together with team-mates Colin Willcox, Rod Condliffe and Jon Ellis. A fundraising and tribute night is to be held at Freshwater Caravan Park on Friday October 22.

The evening will consist of a race night followed by local band This Is It and a disco.

Full details can be obtained from Kevin Davies on 01308 897457, or Colin Willcox, 07879 840862. Tickets will be on sale shortly at RJ Balson and Son butchers in West Allington.

* THE FIRST Mark Broad Memorial match raised £117 for the trust fund in his memory.

Playing 12-a-side, Symene and Cattistock, Mark's former clubs, fought out a two-wicket win for the visitors in the best cricketing spirit of which Mark would have been proud.

It is hoped to make it an annual fixture that in 2005 would involve Bridport, for whom Mark was also a key player.

Two of his Bridport colleagues - Adrian Chamney and Mike Vincent - were in the Symene squad this time and Symene's Colin Willcox turned out for Cattistock, as he had so often done with Mark.