Walberton resident celebrates 55 years as cricket tea lady

Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert joined Walberton cricketers for tea on Sunday (12 May) to mark a special day for the Club.

Joan Jackson has retired after preparing teas for Walberton Cricket Club for 55 continuous seasons.

Around 60 players, Club members, supporters and local residents applauded Mrs Jackson as she received a glass bowl to commemorate her unique contribution to the Club.

Mrs Jackson was flanked by her husband and Club President, Roy, and also her son, Chris and grandson Nick who were both playing for Walberton Cricket Club against Slindon.

The MP, District Councillor Norman Dingemans and Parish Council Chairman Sharon May were among the guests who attended the ceremony.

Speaking at the presentation, Mr Herbert said: "55 years of unbroken service to the Cricket Club is an incredible achievement and must surely be a national record.  Think how many teas Joan must have prepared in this time!  It really is a wonderful example of dedicated voluntary service, so on behalf of everyone here I would like to thank Joan for everything she has done for the Club".

Mrs Jackson thanked everyone for her gift and said that she was looking forward to having more time at the weekends.  She recalled that the Clubhouse was in a sorry state when she first started preparing teas, with birds in the roof a particular hazard, and she thanked all the volunteers who had helped her over the years.

Notes

1.    For more information about Walberton Cricket Club please see their website http://walbertoncc.ridea.co.uk/