Michael Holding Visits Suffolk College - 13 September 2006

Today Michael Holding, legendary West Indian fastest bowler, journalist and Sky TV commentator, visited Suffolk College to view the exciting developments taking place to establish a new FE College and University Campus Suffolk (UCS) on the Ipswich Waterfront. Michael, who is based in Newmarket and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Civil Law for his contribution to cricket, at the UEA Graduation Ceremonies in July, was shown the site and the detailed development plans for what is now regarded as the most ambitious and entrepreneurial educational development in the country. Commenting on the visit Dr Peter Funnell, assistant principal at Suffolk College and executive dean at UCS said:

“Michael Holding is a cricket legend who has a profound interest in education and training and a love of Suffolk. He’s visit reflects he’s interest in our work to develop the Ipswich Education Quarter, including a new university presence for the county and new College buildings. Michael reinforced our vision and offered a number of insights from his vast international experience that will support and enhance our work. He is a great advocate of our work and we welcome his interest and support”

Michael has produced many devastating spells of bowling, none more so than on the 1976 West Indies tour of England, when he took 28 wickets in the series at 12.71; at the Oval, a wicket on which 1507 runs were scored in the match, he had the extraordinary figures of 8-92 and 6-57. He exceeded this wicket haul in the 1983/4 series against India when he captured 30 at 22.10.

He played for Jamaica from 1973, captaining them shrewdly, and in England for Lancashire, Derbyshire and Sussex, adding spells with Queensland and Tasmania in Australia and Canterbury in New Zealand.

ENDS

Notes for Editors

Michael Holding Statistics:

60 Tests 1975-87: 910 runs at 13.78; HS 73:249 wickets at 23.68, BB 8-92:22 catches.

102 LO Ints 1976-87: 282 runs at 9.09, HS 64, 142 wickets at 21.36, BB 5-26: 30 catches.

First-class 1973-89: 3600 runs at 15.00, HS 80; 778 wickets at 23.43, BB 8-92: 125 catches.

For further information please contact:

Tracey Bailey, Promotions Manager

Tel: 01473 296520

Email: traceybailey@suffolk.ac.uk

Issued by Promotions

13 September 2006