2007 is a very special year in the cricket calendar as the Bunbury Festival celebrates its 21st birthday.  The Festival, which was the brainchild of David English, has long been established as a key building block in the ECB Development of Excellence programme.

Indeed, the tournament is the envy of many other national governing bodies for sport in England and Wales and provides youngsters with the opportunity of achieving their potential.

In my nine years with the England and Wales Cricket Board I have been privileged to have visited a number of the Festivals, including the 2006 event in the glorious surroundings of the Preston Nomads Cricket Club in Sussex.

I know how much my staff at the ECB, as well as parents, supporters and most importantly players, appreciate the hard work of the ESCA officials in making the Festivals happen and the support and good humour of David himself.

It was a fitting tribute that the ECB ‘Special Award’ for Services to Cricket in 2006 was presented to David at the PCA Awards at the Royal Albert Hall at the end of last year.  His contribution to our great game has been truly outstanding and on behalf of everyone at the ECB wish him and all Bunbury’s past and present a very happy 21st birthday.