Cornwall Cricket League secretary Michael Weeks has revealed his surprise – and delight – after being awarded the honour of Medal of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) for ‘services to cricket in Cornwall’ in the 2023 King’s New Year Honours List.

It is believed to be the first such honour to be awarded specifically for cricket in Cornwall. Malcolm Broad received an MBE in 2000 for services to schools’ cricket.

On receiving the email notification marked ‘confidential’ from the Cabinet Office, Michael, widely regarded as Mr Cricket in Cornwall, said: “Initially I thought it was an email scam and almost deleted it.

“I’ve kept many things confidential over the last 30 years but none more difficult than this. The hardest part was keeping it totally confidential for over a month.

“I still can’t believe it and am immensely honoured and very proud to accept the award. My thanks of course to all my colleagues for their support and help over the years.”

Joe Skinner, managing director of Cornwall Cricket, said: “We are delighted that the efforts of league secretary and county club assistant secretary Michael Weeks have been recognised with the award of a British Empire Medal (BEM) in this New Year Honours List.  

“We rely heavily on volunteers to develop and deliver the game throughout the county and it’s no exaggeration to say that Michael’s contribution as a member of this very substantial and distinguished group has been utterly extraordinary, especially given the fact that he has served without any expectation of reward for almost 50 years.

“Initially associated with Beacon Cricket Club in the west of the county and the lead for media reporting of weekly results for almost as long as anyone can remember, he is respected by the whole of the Cornwall cricketing community.  

“Of the current league management committee, his unbroken contribution extends 12 years beyond that of any other volunteer.

“We salute his efforts and thank him for all that he has done to get the game on within the county. Nobody has done more for cricket in Cornwall and we look forward to his contribution continuing into the 2023 season, which should see the production of his 25th yearbook.”

Michael was elected to the Cornwall Cricket League management committee in October 1992 and has just completed 30 consecutive years as a member. In January 1995 the league were looking for a first-ever press officer. Michael volunteered, and continued ever since. It is now part of his duties as league secretary, which, following in the late Mike Evans’ footsteps, he took on in 2020.

He joined the County Club committee in 1998 becoming club archivist, media officer.