Glenys Odams: Women's Cricket Pioneer Turns 90

Leicestershire had the pleasure of hosting Glenys Odams for her 90th birthday celebrations during day one of last week’s fixture with Middlesex at Uptonsteel County Ground.

Glenys made history in 1976, when she became the first woman to be elected on to a first-class county cricket committee, a momentous stride forward in the progression of women’s rights within cricket.

Now turning 90, she marked her latest special occasion by indulging the opening day of the Foxes’ County Championship clash with Middlesex in the Illingworth Suite at Grace Road.

Speaking about the day, she said: “I was overjoyed to spend the day in the place I’ve always described as my second home.

“It was a wonderful and memorable occasion, which reminded me just how much pleasure I have had from cricket over the years.”

Glenys was visited by various board members and other dignitaries during the day’s play to congratulate and thank her for the unwavering service she has given to Leicestershire over the past 70 years.

Her appointment to the committee followed a 25-year association as a supporter of the club, while she played a crucial part in organising fundraising efforts after becoming the first Joint Secretary of the Friends of Grace Road.

She helped arrange the group’s first fundraiser, a rummage sale held in November 1970, as well as 'knit-ins', dances, skittle evenings, fashion shows, book sales, Christmas markets, treasure hunts and sports quizzes, before working part-time in the promotions department during her time on the committee.

Growing up in Northamptonshire, Glenys fell in love with cricket after watching her local side in Corby, before being inspired by the likes of Denis Compton as she became an ardent watcher and listener of Test cricket.

A pioneer for women in cricket, Glenys stood on the committee at Leicestershire until 1995, when she decided against seeking re-election. Whilst far from a fleeting tenure, it is her legacy left on cricket which will forever remain. A true trailblazer for the sport.