Chichester Priory Park Cricket Club, 175th anniversary

That this House congratulates Chichester Priory Park Cricket Club on celebrating its 175th anniversary, tracing its origins back to the first recorded match played in Priory Park on 7 August 1851; recognises the club's historic role in English cricket, including former member Arthur Hobgen's role in financing James Lillywhite's pioneering 1876-77 tour to Australia, which produced the first ever Test match; commends President Graeme Bennison and Chairman Gary Rustell for their continued leadership of the club; further commends the club's active and growing women and girls division, which offers both softball and hardball options in a friendly, inclusive environment for players of all ages and abilities; welcomes Chichester District Council's commitment of nearly £1 million towards the redevelopment of the club's White Pavilion; notes that this investment will help to deliver improved changing facilities, accessible provision, and a new social space; further notes the important role that clubs such as this play in encouraging grassroots participation in cricket and supporting community health and wellbeing; and calls on the Government to increase support for local cricket clubs, to ensure they have the facilities and resources needed to continue growing participation at a grassroots level for generations to come.