POPULAR TV FIRST VENUE TAKES HEART CARE MOST SERIOUSLY

The location where the first live televising of cricket took place is the latest recipient of a gifted defibrillator by the RALPHH charity.

Whilst in 1950 the tones of Richard Dimbleby and John Arlott could have been heard coming from Chipperfield Clarendon Cricket Club, today this attractive venue between Watford and Hemel Hempstead attracts a wide group of different age players.  Formed 183 years ago, the Club has 200 members who between them contribute to three male and one female adult eleven; under 9,11 and 13 boys’ teams; one under 15 girls; and a Dynamo and All-Stars groups aged up to 5. The current clubhouse was built in 1972 and the ground is leased from Dacorum Council. 

The need for reliable defibrillation equipment on the ground was properly identified by the Club’s committee, and so an approach was made to RALPHH for help.

The presentation of the equipment was made by Jane Allen, mother of the late Robert Allen, who gave his name to the charity (Robert Allen Life Promotion and Healthy Hearts Trust). Accepting the equipment were Club Secretary Laura Anderson and next to her wicketkeeper batsman and Vice-Chairman Si Sampat. This took place just three days ahead of the start of the season for teams in the Hertfordshire League, so net sessions were in full swing.

“I am really pleased that we have been able to help such a lively and enthusiastic club,” said RALPHH Chairman Richard Allen. “This is the second cricket club that we have been able to gift equipment prior to the start of the 2026 season, which shows that cricket is taking precautions in readiness for the unexpected much more seriously than even before.”