The Ashford Cricket Club Tourist of the Year trophy was presented to the club in 2007 by Rita Cornwell in memory of her husband Dennis Cornwell. Dennis epitomised everything that is the Devon Tour. He was a fine bowler, socialised long into the night, on one occasion toured for a full week without booking annual leave and played the game in a true sportsmanlike fashion. He toured every season from 1952 until 2001, notching up remarkable 50 consecutive tours, a record that will never be broken.

After a week of glorious sunshine, four outstanding matches, plenty of ice-cream, outstanding camaraderie and some excellent cricket, Ashford Cricket Club is delighted to announce that IAN DOGGETT has been crowned Tourist of the Year 2026 following the club’s annual tour of South Devon over the Whitsun Week.

Selected by all the tourists, the votes have been counted and verified. This award recognises the individual who most fully embraces the true spirit of touring cricket, just like Dennis Cornwell. While runs, wickets, catches and on the field performances may help, history has shown that these are by no means essential qualifications.

Throughout the week, IAN DOGGETT demonstrated all the qualities required of a champion tourist. He managed to be present at every match, every social gathering, every post-match session and every important team discussion, often long after common sense suggested heading to bed.

Whether offering tactical advice that nobody had requested, leading the charge to the nearest refreshment establishment, expertly recounting events that became increasingly dramatic with each retelling, or simply ensuring team morale remained at dangerously high levels, IAN DOGGETT was at the heart of everything that made the tour memorable.

The Tour Manager, Keith Manning, commented:
“There were some strong candidates this year as demonstrated by the list of candidates. We saw remarkable displays of child minding, enthusiasm, resilience and commitment from several tourists. However, IAN DOGGETT combined all the key attributes of a great tourist: dedication, humour, questionable judgement at appropriate moments and an unwavering commitment to the team. It was impossible to ignore his contribution.”

The 2026 South Devon tour will be remembered primarily for the weather, but also for the competitive cricket, the outstanding hospitality and the many stories that will undoubtedly improve with age. At the centre of many of those stories was IAN DOGGETT, whose efforts on and off the field made them a worthy recipient of the club’s most coveted touring honour.

Everyone at Ashford Cricket Club congratulates IAN DOGGETT on becoming Tourist of the Year 2026 — a champion tourist, a credit to the club, and living proof that what happens on tour rarely stays on tour.