We spoke to experienced law partner and Legal Services Director on the Supervisory Board, Kirpal Bidmead, about her role with Derbyshire CCC and what attracted her to cricket.
Bidmead has over 20 years of experience as a solicitor and has been the Head of the Family Law Team at Flint Bishop LLP since 2012, based in the Derby office.
She specialises in protecting the interests of high net worth clients and was listed as a Notable Practitioner in the 2017 edition of Chambers and Partners.
She has just completed her first season on the Supervisory Board and took the time to give us an insight into her passion for cricket.
Why cricket?
I grew up watching cricket. My family originate from India and are huge cricket fans. I confess that until 2004, I had only watched international matches on the television. My “all-time greats” are Brian Lara (who I once had the honour of meeting) and Kapil Dev.
On moving to East Midlands, I went to my first match at Trent Bridge to watch England play India. I absolutely loved it and the atmosphere was brilliant. The camaraderie between the two sets of supporters was great and I vividly remember packed lunches being shared and eating samosas and sandwiches while cheering. That was it, I was hooked.
What attracted you to this role?
I felt I would enjoy the challenge of being a member of the Board. Talking to my predecessor, Rob Tice, who heads up our Employment Team at Flint Bishop LLP, he also felt the Board could benefit from my experience and outlook. I am measured but outspoken and if I feel I have something to add, I will speak up.
With the Women’s World Cup and Kia Super League matches taking place at The 3aaa County Ground, is it refreshing for you to see more women’s cricket on the world stage?
Yes, without a doubt. I have four sisters and we were brought up with the belief that boys and girls are equal. However, there was always a distinct lack of female role models in sport when I was growing up. Fortunately, this is changing. I strongly believe that there should be access to resources and opportunities, regardless of gender.
We need more role models in cricket and indeed in all sports, for example football and rugby. I have a daughter and she has just joined her school cricket club. I didn’t have that opportunity but am so pleased that she does; the tide is turning.
Do you see yourself as a role model for women in law and sport?
To some degree, yes. I want people, whatever their gender or background, to feel that they can achieve success. Sport and law, at Board level, have been and still are dominated by men. That does not give a true representation of our society. I do not want people to imitate my behaviour but I want them to know that if they work hard, they can be successful and have influence.
Were you been impressed with the season, particular the T20 campaign for Derbyshire?
Absolutely! The Falcons had a fantastic start to the campaign, winning three of their first four matches. It was a real achievement to go into the quarter finals with Billy Godelman and Wayne Madsen leading the way. The Team did Derbyshire proud.
What are your aims whilst on the Supervisory Board?
My role is to promote the Club and provide supervision. I hope to influence and shape the Club’s strategy. I want to engage and inspire the Club’s members and generally promote cricket within a diverse and friendly environment. It is important that we strengthen our links in the Derbyshire community. I want to increase participation especially among girls and women and the British Asian community. As our Chief Executive, Simon Storey has previously stressed, one of the most important things is to be successful on and off the field. The Club will then attract more followers. I will do all I can to achieve this.
Price freeze for 2018. Club Membership will once again offer one great value price for all in 2018. Join today for only £139, if purchased before 1st February Early Bird deadline.
