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The new cricket season is just around the corner, with Bedfordshire naming a 13-man squad to take on an MCC Secretarial XI in a pre-season friendly on Sunday (19 April).

The 50-over clash takes place at Dunstable Town Cricket Club with an 11am start. Entry for spectators is free.

It’s the first match of a new National Counties campaign which will see Bedfordshire once again compete in the three-day NCCA Championship alongside white ball competitions, the 50-over NCCA Trophy and the NCCA T20.

With a packed schedule across formats ahead, this is the only pre-season game before the competitive action starts, with Bedfordshire facing one of the longest trips of their season as they head to Roseworth Terrace to open their 50-over competition against Northumberland next weekend.

Bedfordshire then host a May Bank Holiday double header in the same competition, with Lincolnshire visiting on Sunday, 3 May – a game also hosted by Dunstable Town – while Ampthill Town Cricket Club host Bank Holiday Monday’s tie against Staffordshire on 4 May.

This Sunday’s opponents, Marylebone Cricket Club – more commonly known as the MCC – was formed in 1787 and has a rich history, as well as distinctive membership jackets often seen at Lord’s in the capital.

The Secretarial XI are just one of a number of representative MCC sides who often play as part of the Club’s wider outreach work.

Bedfordshire will once again be captained by Flitwick’s, George Thurstance with Nabil Moughal, Jack Fuller, Jake Tarling and Bedford School alumni, Archie Houghton amongst the familiar names in the 13-man squad to face the MCC.

How you can get involved

With the costs of running a National Counties side mounting, Bedfordshire County Cricket Club has been courting sponsorship throughout the winter, with a number of businesses and individuals contributing to the county.

A typical season from April to September can cost upwards of £55,000, with only £36,000 of that coming from funding by the National Counties Cricket Association (NCCA).

For businesses interested in offering their support, they can contact Bedfordshire CCC’s head of fundraising, Chris Tarling at fundraising@bedsccc.co.uk.

The Bedford Independent has committed as a ‘Business Plus’ partner for the season ahead, with Bedfordshire County Cricket Club part of its ongoing commitment to local sport, both on and off the pitch.

Read: Bedford Independent extends commitment to local sport with County Cricket Club partnership

This support may include coverage of matches, club news, and reciprocal commercial agreements.

Bedford Borough Council is inviting residents and local professionals to take part in the Walk Against Stalking 2026 on Friday 24 April at 11.30am, as part of National Stalking Awareness Week. The free community walk aims to unite people from across Bedford Borough and Bedfordshire to raise awareness of stalking and its serious impact on individuals and communities.

Last year’s walk saw a powerful turnout, bringing together people from all walks of life to share stories, stand in solidarity, and support those affected by stalking. This year’s event promises to continue that momentum, building greater understanding and encouraging local action to tackle stalking in all its forms, both online and offline.

Stalking can cause fear, anxiety, and isolation. Coming together for this walk provides an opportunity to show support for those affected and to learn more about the help available. Participants will also be able to meet and speak with professionals from local domestic abuse and victim support organisations through the Bedfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership (BDAP).

Councillor Jane Walker, Portfolio Holder for Valuing Families: Children’s Services at Bedford Borough Council, said, “Every step we take during this walk sends a clear message – stalking has no place in our community. By standing together and continuing the conversation, we can raise awareness, support survivors, and challenge the behaviours that allow this type of abuse to continue.”

Participants are asked to gather outside the main reception at Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford, from 11.30am. The walk will cross Riverside Bridge, head through the town centre and the Harpur Centre, and return via The Embankment, crossing at Butterfly Bridge before finishing back at Borough Hall along the riverside path. It is expected to last around one hour. Please check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the conditions.

To confirm your participation, please email dasit@bedford.gov.uk

For more information about stalking and National Stalking Awareness Week, visit www.suzylamplugh.org

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, support is available through the Bedfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership at www.bedsdv.org.uk

This event is supported by the Bedfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership, with planning and organisation from Bedford Borough Council’s Domestic Abuse team and colleagues from Bedfordshire Victim Support.

Let’s stand together to raise awareness, challenge stalking, and create a safer community for everyone.