Richard Tennant, Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, has paid tribute to the duo recently bestowed honours by the Queen.

Peter Wynne Thomas, the Club’s stalwart librarian and historian, was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to cricket and the community in Nottingham – while Enid Bakewell was bestowed an MBE for services to the women’s game. 

Wynne-Thomas has served at the Club since 1971, forming the library at Trent Bridge seven years later.

Boasting 15,000 books and in excess of 10,000 other items including letters, photographs, trophies and clothing, the library – under Wynne-Thomas’s stewardship – has grown to be the second largest collection of its kind in the world.

“I’ve been at Trent Bridge pretty much every day for 40 years. I’ve probably answered a million different questions from thousands of different people. It’s been a big part of my life.” Peter-Wynne Thomas

It has also been the base from which he has contributed to the education of many local school children since 1980.

“I was exceedingly surprised to receive the letter asking whether I would accept the award,” he said.

“From a cricketing point of view, I expect awards like this to go to the players and people in senior positions. I’m just the librarian, so it does feel fairly unusual.

“I’m very proud of it and honoured to be recognised for what I’ve done. What a great way to celebrate 40 years of the library!

“I’ve been at Trent Bridge pretty much every day for 40 years. I’ve probably answered a million different questions from thousands of different people. It’s been a big part of my life.”

Tennant added: “This is a thoroughly deserved accolade for a man who has contributed so much to cricket in Nottinghamshire, both the professional club and the recreational game, and to the education of many hundreds of local children.

“Peter’s presence and personality from his base in the library at Trent Bridge has made him a stalwart of our historic venue – and should anyone need information in relation to the history of cricket in Nottinghamshire, he is certainly the man.”

Bakewell enjoyed a 14-year England career, won the inaugural Women's World Cup in 1973 and was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2012.

Tennant said: “In 2016 our members voted to amend the constitution of the Club, meaning that we could recognise the contribution of individuals to cricket in Nottinghamshire, rather than solely to the County Club.

“Enid Bakewell was the inspiration behind us putting that notion to the members – and she was made a Vice President that very evening.

“I’m absolutely thrilled that her contribution to our sport has now been recognised by the Queen.

“Women’s cricket is currently enjoying a surge in popularity – highlighted by the inauguration of the Kia Super League (KSL) and a sold-out Lord’s to see England win the World Cup in 2017.

“We are hosting a KSL fixture as a double-header alongside a T20 Vitality Blast match for the first time this year, and girls are participating in the sport via the All Stars Cricket initiative in increasing numbers.

"She was an inspiration and a trail-blazer and her passion for cricket has never dimmed. She has served the game with distinction and she has for a long time been a real driver of women's cricket. Our achievements today are built on the hard work of people like Enid." Tom Harrison on Enid Bakewell.

“Without the likes of Enid carrying the torch for the women’s game during an era when it had far less prominence – and all the work she and others have done to increase its profile, that transition would have been far more difficult.”

ECB Chief Executive, Tom Harrison, added: "I am delighted for Enid Bakewell. Her career on the field was hugely impressive, and the landscape of the women’s game was markedly different during that time, which makes her achievements all the more significant.

"She was an inspiration and a trail-blazer and her passion for cricket has never dimmed. She has served the game with distinction and she has for a long time been a real driver of women's cricket. Our achievements today are built on the hard work of people like Enid."

Kate Davies, a member of the Nottinghamshire’s General Committee, was meanwhile awarded a CBE for services to diversity and equality in healthcare. Davies holds the position of Director of Health and Justice, Armed Forces and Sexual Assault Services within the NHS.

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