Nottingham attacks: memorial cricket game being held for Barnaby Webber

The 19-year-old student from Taunton was one of three people who died in last year's attacks

Flowers left at Barnaby Webber's former cricket club, Bishops Hull
Author: Oliver MorganPublished 15th Jun 2024

Earlier this week, people in Nottingham - and across the country - came together to remember the lives of Barnaby Webber, from Somerset, fellow student Grace O'Malley Kumar, and school caretaker Ian Coates - all who lost their lives in last year's attack.

On Thursday (13 June), a two minutes silence was held for all three victims to mark exactly 12 months since the tragedy.

More here: Memorial event held to remember Nottingham attack victims

Today (15 June), the former club which Barnaby Webber used to play at is hosting a memorial match in his honour - and it's going ahead despite the forecast rain.

Organisers say there has been 'a lot of behind the scenes preparation' for the event, proceeds of which will go to the charitable foundation, which was set up in the 19-year-old's name.

Announcing the event on Facebook last month, the cricket club said: "Next month will mark a year since we lost our dear friend and teammate, Barnaby Webber.

"On Saturday 15th of June, we as a club are organising a memorial event to remember and honour Barney. Please see the poster for any information about the day.

"We would love to see as many of you there as possible to celebrate his incredible life through cricket which he so dearly loved."

The team news is already out, too - with the pink and navy side led by club captain Matt Chanter, those in light and dark blue will be headed-up by Ed Smith - whilst the yellow and navy squad will be led by Charlie Webber, Barnaby's brother.

We caught up with fellow cricketer, and close friend of Barnaby, Ed Smith.

He told us: "It has been a very tough period for all of his mates, and of course his family.

"His smile is definitely missed in the changing room, but his memory lives on in there. The way everyone has pulled together to get through it and help everyone else is something I will never forget.

"Barney would drive back from Nottingham just to play for us at the weekend - and this might be after a midweek game for the university.

"That being said, I know his favourite part of the game was the social side - and that's where a lot of my memories come from, off the pitch, and having a laugh after the game.

"Some of my most special memories of him are actually the most simple - like playing garden cricket with him and his brother.

"I think what made him so popular was how fun he was to be around. There really wasn't a dull moment when you were with him.

"Saying that, he could also be incredibly caring, and be the guy looking out for you.

"The support for this weekend has been incredible. So many people have put in so many hours to bring it all together."

Yesterday, we learnt for relatives of the Nottingham attack victims are getting free legal advice from the lawyers who represented those involved in the Post Office scandal.

Solicitor Neil Hudgell said they are exploring their options in their bid to change homicide laws here in the UK.

Next month, another one of Barnaby's close friends will be running an ultra-marathon in his honour - which you can find out more about here: Nottingham attacks: victim's friend calls for more accountability.

Read more: Nottingham attacks: Communities come together one year on

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