Shifnal's bowlers join the country's elite
A Shropshire club has officially become only the sixth crown green bowls club in Britain to achieve Clubmark status – to glowing presidential acclaim.
Shifnal's feat was rewarded at a formal presentation by British president Barry Massey at the December meeting of the Molson Coors Mid Shropshire League.
And Massey, from the Potteries, paid a terrific tribute to the club before handing over the certificate at Wellington's Sir John Bayley Club.
He said: "It's a bit like a restaurant getting a Michelin star – they are only the sixth crown green club in Britain out of about around 2,500 to have done it.
"So my sincere congratulations go to Shifnal on achieving Clubmark status."
But proud Shifnal secretary and Clubmark co-ordinator Brian Murray warned the hard work was not over for club officials and members.
He said: "Clubmark is no longer a project for us – it's business as usual now.
"We are in the process of splitting from Shifnal Cricket Club and setting up as a separate limited company – so there is lots to be done."
Murray paid tribute to the club's officers for their patience in dealing with a 'marked increase in paperwork' – and the whole club for buying into the 'culture' of Clubmark status.
He also thanked county development officer Peter Carter for his contribution over two years.
