All posts by Edward Cooper

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Notice of Imminent Closure: St. Helen’s Balconiers / Daffodil Cricket Tours

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It is with regret that the Committee of St. Helen’s Balconiers / Daffodil Cricket Tours announces the imminent closure of the Society, which has been in existence since 1972.

Members who pay by subscription are requested to cancel their payment at the earliest opportunity and, in any event, before their next renewal date.

Funds remaining in the Society will be utilised for the benefit of young, aspiring cricketers. The precise mechanism by which this objective will be achieved has yet to be determined.

The Committee, together with the Society’s earlier members, records its sincere thanks for your support over the years. This support has fostered camaraderie, enabled contributions to numerous charities, and provided significant assistance to Glamorgan C.C.C., which has received more than £400,000 through the Balconiers.

Current, People

John Williams memorial service details

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Having passed away peacefully on Thursday 19 February 2026, a Service of Thanksgiving has been confirmed for John Williams, St. Helen’s Balconiers Chair and long-serving Glamorgan committee member.

The service takes place at 1:30pm on Wednesday 18 March 2026 at St James Church, Walter Road, Uplands, Swansea, SA1 4QF. 

A request for family flowers only has been shared. 

Donations in lieu are welcomed to Guide Dogs, care of R & S Mustoe, Porthcawl Funeral Services, 75 New Road, Porthcawl, CF36 5DH.

Current, Talks

Six Sixes, Rusty Nails and Balconiers: Thanks for the Memories St Helen’s

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In this episode, the longest ever in the history of The Museum of Welsh Cricket podcast, we hear almost 50 contributors share their memories of the St Helen’s ground in Swansea.

Now no longer a cricket venue, St Helen’s has been at the heart of Glamorgan’s journey as a first-class county and has hosted many famous games and famous names as well as cricketing exploits that reverberate through the history of the game of cricket itself.

Contributions include those by: Andrew Hignell, pre-eminent historian of cricket in Wales, Mal Pope, singer, radio dj and composer, Fred Raffle (long time blind supporter of Glamorgan CCC),Peter Hybart (ex CEO of Cricket Wales), Dan Cherry (CEO of Glamorgan), Mark Rhyderch-Roberts (Chair, Glamorgan CCC), Alan Wilkins (President, Glamorgan CCC), Ken Lewis (Glamorgan’s oldest living player), Steve Watkin, Dean Cosker, Tony Cottee, Ossie Wheatley, Tony Lewis, Hugh Morris, Alan Butcher, Matt Maynard, David Hemp, Alan Jones, Waqar Younis, Jack Russell, David Gower, Sir Geoffrey Boycott, Max Boyce and many others.

Catch it here (Duration: 2 hours 23 minutes) https://www.buzzsprout.com/1238213/episodes/18127009-six-sixes-rusty-nails-and-balconiers-thanks-for-the-memories-st-helen-s-episode-156

Current, Events, People

Special Recognition Award – SHB Chairman John Williams

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At the Glamorgan CCC Awards Evening on the 30th September 2025 John was called forward to receive a “Special Recognition Award”. Dr. Andrew Hignell spoke to the audience outlining the work of the Balconiers and the importance of John in the achievements and role of the SHB over 50 plus years.

John Williams and Dr. Andrew Hignell display the award with Carwyn Williams assisting.
Photo credit: Chris Fairweather Huw Evans Agency
Sam Northeast and John Williams
Photo credit: Chris Fairweather Huw Evans Agency

Outside the Awards Event John Williams presented the Museum of Welsh Cricket with a cheque with funds to record the role of the St. Helen’s Ground and the St. Helen’s Balconiers, this will be through the use of display boards and a short film. The SHB Player of the Year Trophy was also placed in the care of the Museum of Welsh Cricket.

John Williams presenting Dr. Andrew Hignell with a cheque for a Museum of Welsh Cricket display recording the importance of the St. Helen’s Ground and the St. Helen’s Balconiers.
Photo credit: Chris Fairweather Huw Evans Agency
John Williams and Carwyn Williams with the Special Recognition Award
Photo credit: Chris Fairweather Huw Evans Agency

Current, People

SHB Chairman John Williams rings the bell ahead of the start of play at Old Trafford, Manchester – 30 July 2025.

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John Williams posing prior to ringing the bell

Many St. Helen’s Balconiers were present to witness John Williams ring the bell at Old Trafford ahead of play on Day 2 (Wednesday 30th July) Lancashire v Glamorgan County Championship fixture.

Daffodil Cricket Tours celebrating 50 years of excursions including this excursion with over 40 tourists staying in the hotel adjacent to the ground.

John dressed for the occasion with his Old Llandoverian tie.

Postscript: Glamorgan recorded their first Championship victory at Old Trafford since 1993 as they dismissed Lancashire for 318 on the final day of their rain-affected Rothesay County Championship with the victory by 154 runs maintaining the Welsh county’s bid for promotion into Division One next season.

Current, Daffodil Tours

Daffodil Cricket Tours – Booking Form

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Please find below the booking form/details for the Daffodil Cricket Tours trips to Lancashire CCC and Derbyshire CCC. Then a letter from the Chairman of the St. Helen’s Balconiers.

The trip to Middlesex CCC at Lord’s has already happened and it is unfortunate that the trips to Kent CCC & Leicestershire CCC have not been possible.

Please note that closing booking dates have been specified since Daffodil Cricket Tours need to pay hotels 28 days in advance, earlier if possible so that rooms can be secured. Please make your selections and return the form as soon as possible to John Williams.

250527 Daffodil Tours 2025 ScheduleDownload
250523 Daffodil Tours 2025 LetterDownload