Jess Brown-Fuller Congratulates Chichester Priory Park Cricket Club

Jess Brown-Fuller, MP for Chichester, has tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM 635) congratulating Chichester Priory Park Cricket Club on its 175th anniversary, tracing its origins to the first recorded match played in Priory Park on 7 August 1851.

The motion recognises the club's historic role in English cricket, including former member Arthur Hobgen's part in financing James Lillywhite's pioneering 1876-77 tour to Australia, which produced the first ever Test match. It commends President Graeme Bennison and Chairman Gary Rustell for their leadership, and highlights the club's active and growing women and girls division, offering both softball and hardball cricket for players of all ages and abilities.

Jess has tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM 635) congratulating Chichester Priory Park Cricket Club on its 175th anniversary.

It also welcomes Chichester District Council's commitment of nearly £1 million towards redeveloping the club's White Pavilion, and calls on the Government to increase support for local cricket clubs so they have the facilities and resources to keep growing grassroots participation.

The EDM follows Jess' visit to the club on 18 June, where she met members and coaches to hear about the challenges it faces, shortly after the Council approved the £996,835 pavilion redevelopment, funded through the Asset Replacement Fund, Section 106 contributions, and the Community Infrastructure Levy.

Commenting, Jess Brown-Fuller said:

"Priory Park Cricket Club is a real jewel in Chichester's history, and it's fantastic to see it thriving 175 years on. The club continues to be run by dedicated volunteers and players who deserve facilities to match their commitment. I'm delighted the District Council is investing in the White Pavilion, and I'll keep pushing Government to ensure clubs like this have the support they need to celebrate future anniversaries."