Graham Hawes of Bentley Cricket Club is the Ambassador Cruise Line Unsung Hero for 2025 – an award celebrating individuals across the county who truly make a difference at grassroots cricket clubs.
Recognised for his remarkable commitment to youth cricket through extensive volunteering with the Bentley Cricket Club Colts section, Graham Hawes has been named the Ambassador Cruise Line Unsung Hero for 2025, as Essex Cricket and Ambassador Cruise Line celebrate community spirit and dedication.
The Unsung Hero Award, a partnership between Ambassador Cruise Line and Essex Cricket, honours individuals who make extraordinary contributions to their local communities through cricket – often quietly, behind the scenes and without seeking recognition. This year’s winner receives a stunning seven-night Scandinavian Springtime Delights cruise, sailing from London in April 2026, as well as an exclusive pre-season coaching session with Director of Cricket Chris Silverwood, at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground.
After receiving the award, Graham Hawes said: “I feel quite proud, not only for myself but for my club – Bentley Cricket Club. So it’s for them as well as much as it is for me.”
On winning the pre-season coaching session with Chris Silverwood, Graham added: “I am absolutely delighted – it will give our entire Under 11s squad a once in a lifetime chance for them and I think they will be very excited.”
Gordon Nardini, Chief Marketing Officer for Ambassador Cruise Line, and Dan Feist, Chief Executive Officer for Essex Cricket, praised Graham’s selflessness and leadership as they presented him with the award during the lunch interval on Day One of Essex Men v Somerset Men, in front of a thousands of Essex Members and supporters.
The Nominees
Jordan Campion:
A lifelong member and player of Chelmsford Cricket Club, Jordan began as a Colt and now serves as the club’s Colts Coordinator whilst juggling the responsibility as the fourth XI captain for many years. Jordan has become a guiding influence for the next generation of young players at Chelmsford Cricket Club.
Graham Hawes:
Affectionately known as ‘Mr Cricket’, Graham dedicates countless hours to supporting everyone at Bentley Cricket Club. He embodies the true spirit of community and passion for the game dedicating his time to the Under 11s and youth cricket at Bentley.
Peter Phillips:
The driving force behind Walking Cricket at Essex Cricket in the Community. Peter’s enthusiasm, creativity and fresh coaching ideas have been the catalyst for keeping the programme vibrant and inclusive for all of those who attend.
Noor Talib:
A Level 2 cricket coach, Noor is a trailblazer for women’s grassroots cricket for Walthamstow and Leyton and she has been instrumental in creating a club (Leyton Cricket Women) where women can play, belong and proudly represent their community. Additionally, Noor volunteers to take care of social media and admin work.
In celebrating Graham Hawes and the other nominees, Essex Cricket and Ambassador Cruise Line are delighted to shine a light on the many volunteers across the county who make grassroots cricket thrive.
Watch the Unsung Heroes Video:
Secure your international tickets at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground!
Tickets for England Women’s Vitality IT20 against India Women at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground on Thursday 28 May 2026 are on general sale and selling fast!
The T20 game will be the opening game of the series between the two sides and will also be the first game of India Women’s tour of England.
After an unforgettable summer of international cricket for the England teams, tickets for the fixture next summer have already proved extremely popular in the priority windows so secure your seat today!
Tickets can be bought online or through our Ticket Office on 01245 254010 (phone lines open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm).
