In another cricketing coup for the area, Saltaire Cricket Club, in conjunction with the Beckfoot Schools Sports Partnership, have worked with Local MP, Philip Davies, and the English Cricket Board, to bring the ECB's fun "Cricket Factory" Roadshow to town, with the support of England Players Matthew Hoggard and Katherine Brunt. The national "Cricket Factory" run by a Skipton based company, rolls into town on Friday 9th March, and plays host to four primary schools (Saltaire First, Glenaire, Wycliffe and St Walburga) which operate within the Beckfoot Schools Partnership. Teachers from the local schools and coaches from Saltaire Cricket Club and nearby Bradford & Bingley CC will assist the "Factory's" staff in  helping the school children get the most of several innovative pieces of coaching equipment in order to introduce them to the beautiful game. The England players will also chip in and give the children the benefit of their vast experience.

This is the second time Matthew Hoggard has visited Saltaire to promote cricket to local children. He flew in by helicopter two years ago when the Club, with other local organisations, held a large volunteering event to renovate the Half Moon Cafe in Roberts Park. It is good to welcome him back again, together with his England women's team colleague, Katherine Brunt. We hope there will be a legacy to the visit, which is currently being negotiated with a local business, and which will help future cricket and sports coaching in all the Shipley primary schools. Over 200 children will participate in the event, and we hope they will have a wonderful time learning about the game and meeting the England stars.

As usual, the Saltaire Sentinel will be sponsoring the ball for Saltaire’s first home match of the season, which this year is against Woodlands on  Saturday, April 21st.