Worcestershire Supporters’ Association have donated the mobile building which has housed the Club Shop in recent seasons to Worcestershire County Cricket Club.
The Association purchased the structure ahead of the 2018 campaign for nearly £30,000 from Rapid Retail, and it was situated next to the Graeme Hick Pavilion.
Association committee members sold club merchandise on match-days in the new building – a role they had voluntarily carried out previously when a shop was housed on the Cathedral side of the ground and then at the back of the Basil D’Oliveira Stand.
With the Cricket Club taking over the running and staffing of the Club Shop when it can open – as well as operating a flourishing and successful on-line service – the Association felt it was appropriate to donate to them the building to use for whatever purpose they deem fit.
Supporters’ Association Chairman, Andrew Jenkins, said: “We hope the Cricket Club can make fair use of the mobile building, whether it be for continuing use as a Club Shop or another part of the operation.
“I believe the on-line sales during COVID-19 have been excellent and, if the Club Shop is staffed and run by the Cricket Club generates lots more income for the County, then we will be delighted.
“We will continue as an Association to lend as much financial support as we can to the club via the Ground Improvement Fund.
“We are currently discussing with them a potential project where we are keen and willing to lend our support.”
Worcestershire CCC Head of Commercial and Operations, David Hoskins, said: “The Supporters’ Association are an iconic organisation which have been part of the fabric of the Cricket Club for many decades.
“Next year is the 70th anniversary of when they were formed (1951), and they have raised millions of pounds for the club – including for the actual purchasing of the ground in the 1970s.
“The Association’s support and help will never, ever be taken for granted and they will continue to have an important role to play for many years to come.
“The donating of the Club Shop is greatly appreciated and rest assured we will put the building to excellent use.”
