Club is bowled over by royal award

Knockin and Kinnerley cricket club's ground is quintessentially English.

Set down a country lane in the midst of beautiful green fields with often a field of cows joining those watching the games.

It is also a hive of activity, both on match days and through the week.

The club has become the first in Shropshire to receive the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), recognising the input from its members, both on and off the pitch. Committee members travelled to a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace and the club has been cited in the London Gazette.

Volunteering roles at the club are wide and varied.

Many players and former players give up their time to coach the thriving junior section and new women's section, encouraging those who want to play either competitively or socially.

Many hours are spend keeping the Nursery Ground in shape and the club's pavilion in good repair.

Chairman, Barrie Hawkin, said: "The award recognises excellence in voluntary activities we carry out. This is a landmark achievement in the 158-year history of our village cricket club and we should all take pride that, henceforth, we will always be Knockin and Kinnerley Cricket Club (QAVS).

He said the club had gone from strength to strength in recent years with the willingness of people to give up their time to help, meaning that young cricketers could be coached and progress through the teams.

"The club is enjoying great success both on and off the field with a growing membership in excess of 200 and unprecedented competitive success for our senior and junior teams.

"Rather than rest on our laurels, the granting of the award means the club can go from strength to strength as we provide sporting and social skills for all ages, genders and abilities in this beautiful part of rural Shropshire.

"The essence of this award is a testament to the tremendous work that our volunteers do to further the aims of the club and I would like to express my gratitude on behalf of the club for their time and efforts. There is, however, a wider constituency including supporters, members, sponsors and players who help to make all this possible and my thanks go out to all of you who have contributed in various ways."

He said the club planned to celebrate this achievement with an event later in the year.

"I would like every member, supporter and friend of the club to celebrate with us."

President, Charles Roberts, said the club has blossomed in the last five years and now has a massive junior section.

"So many give up their time but special thanks must go to our groundsman Paul Higginson who is absolutely fantastic and keeps the ground in such fine form. The parents support us brilliantly and we have I think the highest number of junior members in the county."

As part of the award members of of the committee were invited to a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace and the club has been cited in The London Gazette.

In the coming weeks the club will receive a signed certificate from Her Majesty The Queen and an insignia inscribed English Crystal presented personally by the Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire. The club will also be able to use the official QAVS logo on its communications, sportswear and signage.

The club has four teams in the Shropshire Cricket League, and a string of junior teams.

It has also helped others enjoy the game of cricket.

It responded to an appeal for cricket kit from a cricket club in Cologne in Germany.

The country has become a haven for refugees, many from places such as Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afganistan, who enjoy playing cricket.

Players donated old kit and the store cupboard at the club was also raided to parcel up a large box of equipment and clothing.

It was taken over the Germany and donated to the Köln Zalmi refugee team in Cologne.