Catherine talks to Walbottle resident and club volunteer, Andrew Smith.
Newcastle North MP Catherine McKinnell joined local cricket club members in Walbottle on Saturday (6th July) as part of a national ‘Meet Your MP Day’.
Organised as a joint initiative between the League Cricket Conference, Club Cricket Conference and the Midlands Cricket Conference, MPs across the country were invited to visit their local clubs to hear at firsthand about the challenges they are facing, as well as the significant benefits they provide to communities.
Catherine visited Benwell and Walbottle Cricket Club for their match against Burnopfield, which they comfortably won – reaching 185 for 5 wickets, with 9 balls to spare. Catherine talks to Walbottle resident and club volunteer, Andrew Smith.
The club, which was founded in 1868 and known originally as Benwell Cricket Club, changed its name on moving to its current location at Walbottle Campus in 1997. It plays in the Northumberland & Tyneside Senior League.
Catherine said:
“I’m always incredibly impressed by the wide range of sporting activity and different opportunities available week in week out for young people across Newcastle North – much of which is sustained by a group of dedicated, local volunteers.
“It’s really important that sporting clubs like Benwell and Walbottle CC are supported as much as possible, not just because of the obvious health benefits to members but because of the important role they play in their local community.
“I had a fantastic afternoon at Walbottle, and would strongly encourage constituents to think about getting involved with the club.”