Grimston Cricket Club celebrate 75th anniversary by appointing Lord Bellingham as president

Grimston Cricket Club are celebrating their 75th anniversary in style, securing three new sponsors, unveiling a brand-new purpose built training facility, and announcing Lord Henry Bellingham as club president.

First team captain Mark Tilbrook believes this is an exciting time for the club.

Tilbrook said: “We are bucking the trend of local cricket clubs being in decline.

“Grimston is really leading the way in a revitalisation of village cricket, with brand new facilities and three great sponsors.

“Lord Bellingham is a hugely influential spokesman for the club, not to mention a lifelong cricket fan, and we couldn’t be happier to have him onboard.”

Utilising Sport England’s Return-To-Play grant, the club have been able to install a new all-purpose practice facility at the Grimston Cricket Ground to enable them to return to practice in a socially-distanced way.

Meanwhile, two of the club’s new sponsors have covered the cost of kitting out the team for the coming season.

Additionally, The Three Horseshoes pub have also agreed to provide sponsorship and complimentary food, in a further boost to the club.

Lord Bellingham is equally enthusiastic at the prospects for the club, stating that he is pleased to be able to combine his passion for cricket and for local cause.

He said: “I am delighted to be named as president of Grimston Cricket Club.

“As a local man it is great to see these new facilities and to be able to play a part in driving the future success of this fantastic club.”

Joe Johnson, director of first-team sponsor JPJ IT Consulting Limited, who deliver IT project management, business consultancy, and change management services, said: “Grimston is a great village club with a real emphasis on teamwork and camaraderie.

“I jumped at the chance to sponsor the first team, and seeing my logo on the front of the shirts gives real satisfaction.”

Also sponsoring the club are Endpoint IT Ltd, who specialise in information security, project governance, and IT strategic leadership.

Practice nets are at 6pm on Wednesdays, and matches are at 1pm on Sundays. New players are always warmly received.