On June 19th Shifnal Cricket Club was delighted to welcome Mark Pritchard, Shropshire’s local MP, to the ground this afternoon. His visit offered a brilliant opportunity to showcase the club’s ongoing development, celebrate the work of our volunteers, and highlight the positive impact cricket continues to have within the Shifnal community.
Vice Chair Neil Lorimer and Adrian Collins, Head of Development, were very pleased to host Mark and guide him around the ground. He was highly complimentary of the dedication shown by our volunteers and the vital role they play in supporting grassroots sport. Their commitment, week in and week out, is central to the club’s success and to the wider contribution we make to the local community.
The ground was already set out for junior coaching, creating a fantastic backdrop for the visit. Mark was impressed by the setup and the enthusiasm surrounding our junior programmes, which continue to grow year on year.
During the tour, Neil and Adrian discussed the club’s plans for the development of the pavilion, outlining future improvements designed to enhance facilities for players, members, and visitors. Mark showed great interest in these plans and recognised the importance of continued investment in community sports infrastructure.
As a former member of the Parliamentary Cricket Team, Mark couldn’t resist the chance to step into the nets — turning his arm over and bowling a few off‑spin deliveries. It added a fun and memorable moment to the afternoon and highlighted his genuine connection to the game.
Shifnal Cricket Club would like to thank Mark Pritchard MP for taking the time to visit and for his ongoing support of local sport. We look forward to welcoming him back in the future as our development plans progress.
