Bristol Venturers Cricket Club
Club History
The Bristol Venturers Cricket Club was established by staff at Bristol Polytechnic in in 1974 and named the Bristol Polytechnic Venturers. Bolstered by students the club changed names on the establishment of the University of the West of England (UWE). As links with UWE diminished it was decided to rename the club to Bristol Venturers in 2008. Playing home fixtures at the (now) Cathedral School ground in Beggar Bush Lane, the club has played friendly fixtures throughout it’s existence and follows the philosophy that whilst winning is good, it is not the only consideration – having fun is just as important.
The loss of the Beggar Bush Lane Ground, when the University of the West of England sold the ground to Cathedral School, led to a move to the Fishponds St Matthias ground. This period saw the first club tours to Devon and Wales. With the loss of the St Matthias ground and the Venturers reluctantly became a travelling side. In 2008, the fading links with the University of the West of England led to a decision to rename the club The Bristol Venturers Cricket Club. 2008 saw the re-emergence of the club tour - to play Eymat and Damazan from the Lot et Garonne region of southern France. So successful was the overseas tour that it has become a regular end to the season, including recent tours to the French Riviera and Central Portugal.