Cricket clubs to fight for Lord's
It’s raised well over £2m for various charities since it began more than a decade ago.
And now organisers of the Magnolia Cup, Goodwood’s annual charity race for female amateur riders, have announced a new charity partner.
My Sisters’ House have been announced as the official charity for the 13th running of the Magnolia Cup, sponsored by Markel.
The charity race, where 12 inspirational women line up to race down Goodwood Racecourse’s home straight, will take place on Ladies Day, which this year falls on Thursday, August 1, at the Qatar Goodwood Festival.
Founded in 2014, My Sisters’ House is a West Sussex women’s centre.
It supports any self-identifying woman to improve their welfare and wellbeing, reducing their risk of domestic abuse and supporting recovery.
Operating across two hubs, located in the Arun District and Chichester, a presence in the communities, allows My Sisters’ House to help women reach their goals for future employment, education, or training through the Thrive Employability programme.
Over 600 women a month are helped by My Sisters’ House and demand for their services continues to rise, particularly since the costof-living crisis.
Founded by a group of like-minded local women, with tiny premises, and only a few volunteers, the team supported 35 clients in 2015.
Now in their tenth year of operations, My Sisters’ House has over 30 staff and 50 volunteers.
They supported a record number of new clients in 2023, reaching 1,756.
Lucy Budge, CEO of My Sisters’ House, said: “We are beyond delighted to be the chosen charity of the Markel Magnolia Cup this year.
"As a local charity, run by women, for women, we love what the Magnolia Cup stands for, and has achieved, in terms of championing women and women’s opportunities.”
Her Grace, The Duchess of Richmond said: “We are so pleased to be supporting My Sisters’ House as the charity for the Markel Magnolia Cup this year.
"My Sisters’ House provide incredible support to women locally.”
Sixteen Sussex cricket clubs are set to compete for the right to play in a dream final at Lord’s after learning their first opponents in the Voneus Village Cup 2024.
The draw for this year’s tournament has been held at the Home of Cricket ahead of the preliminary and first round matches next month, with more than 350 clubs from England, Scotland and Wales taking part.
In the Sussex group, 16 clubs will face off in the first round on Sunday, April 28. The draw is as follows: West Chiltington & Thakeham v Crowhurst Park, Bosham v Buxted Park, Bolney v Elsted, Liphook & Ripsley v Emsworth, Ifield v Rottingdean, Hadlow Down v Outwood, Findon v Glynde & Beddingham, Mayfield v Waldron. The group winner will eventually compete against sides from other parts of the country, leading to two lucky finalists competing for prestigious cup - which has been run by The Cricketer magazine since 1972 - at Lord’s on Sunday, September 15.
The 2024 Voneus Village Cup Community Legends Award, which recognises the village clubs up and down the country that are integral to their rural communities, will also run concurrently with the tournament and details on how to enter your club can be found here.
Voneus Village Cup ambassador and World Cup winner Lydia Greenway said: “The Voneus Village Cup has been a staple of rural sporting life across Great Britain for more than half a century – and this year yet again promises many more exciting twists and turns on the road to Lord’s.”