CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF KENTISH BAT AND TRAP WITH SHEPHERD NEAME

This year marks the 100th anniversary since the Kentish sport of bat and trap was officially founded at Shepherd Neame pub Ye Olde Beverlie in St Stephen’s Green, Canterbury.

The origins of the bat-and-ball game, seen as a precursor to cricket, can be traced back to the 13th century, but it was in 1922, in Ye Olde Beverlie’s large pub garden, that the first bat and trap Canterbury and District League was founded. 

To mark this centenary, Faversham-based independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame is launching a campaign to encourage more people to try the unique Kentish sport.

As a long-time sponsor of Kent Cricket, with the Club’s Canterbury headquarters The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, named after its most famous beer brand, Shepherd Neame has enlisted help from two Kent players George Linde and Matt Quinn to promote the game, filming a ‘how to’ bat and trap guide, available to view at https://youtu.be/wbOuiREJEaE

New limited edition anniversary bat and trap kits have also been issued to eight Kent Shepherd Neame pubs: The Artichoke, Chartham; Bucks Head, Sevenoaks; The Evenhill, Littlebourne; Golden Lion, Sturry; Horse and Groom, Ramsgate; Tudor Rose, Upnor; White Lion, Selling; along with the original setting for the game, Ye Olde Beverlie.

The Artichoke in Chartham is among 30 teams that play across four divisions in the Canterbury and District League. Licensee Holly Millin said: “When I took over the pub in 2021, I hadn’t previously played bat and trap, but I am definitely now a fan! We have two league teams and are fortunate to have a bat and trap pitch separate to our pub garden, where they play every Wednesday evening. We are always happy to welcome individuals and families to have a go when the league isn’t playing, as it is a fantastic way of bringing people of all ages together. We are delighted that Shepherd Neame is championing this unique Kentish sport to encourage more people to get involved.”

Shepherd Neame’s Director of Marketing and Communications Joanna Richardson said: “Bat and trap is played in pub gardens across our Kentish heartland, and this centenary is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness of this fantastic game. We hope that our campaign will encourage individuals, families and friends of all ages to get outside and have fun together trying this unique Kentish sport.”

To launch the centenary celebrations, Shepherd Neame is holding a Bat and Trap Family Fun Day at Ye Olde Beverlie this Sunday (August 28). The free drop-in event, taking place from 1pm to 6pm, offers the chance for people of all ages to try the game in the beer garden where it first began. The first 30 people to arrive on the day will receive a free drink. If you are interested in attending please email [email protected]

Shepherd Neame is also supporting a bat and trap competition taking place at Canterbury Rugby Football Club on Bank Holiday Monday, August 29. Organised by Verum Financial LLP, the event is being held in aid of Kent Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Therapy Centre located near The Marine Travel Ground. Registration starts at 3pm and the Clubhouse Bar will be open for the duration. Shepherd Neame is providing a free first drink for players, and winners will receive a tour of the Faversham Brewery and branded t-shirts. The independent family brewer is also donating a bespoke bat and trap kit which will be kept by the MS Therapy Centre after the event for residents to enjoy. Entering a team of six costs £50 and further sponsorship opportunities are available. Buy tickets at: buytickets.at/kentmstherapycentre/734078 or to enter email Matt Carr at [email protected]

For more information about the origins of bat and trap and how to play this unique game, visit www.shepherdneame.co.uk/batandtrap