Council mark 150th Anniversary with Civic Reception

Provost McCormick makes a presentation to President Peter Hempsey as oldest club member, Jack Thomson (left), and ex-captain John Simpson look on

Greenock Cricket Club’s 150th Anniversary Season was marked by Inverclyde Council recently when a Civic Reception was held in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Buildings.

At the function attended by Provost Michael McCormick and his wife, councillors and council officials were President Peter Hempsey, former Presidents and Captains of the Club, a number of long standing members and representatives of the Hockey and Squash sections.

During the reception, Provost McCormick spoke of Greenock Cricket Club’s long and distinguished history in the local area and across Scotland. He noted the Club’s many successes in cup competitions and league championships both in the West District and nationally, and offered his congratulations on these many achievements which had brought recognition to the Inverclyde area. An inscribed crystal glass rose-bowl was presented by Provost McCormick to Club President Peter Hempsey.

In reply, Mr Hempsey thanked the Provost for the honour bestowed on the Club. He expressed the Club's thanks to the council for the support received by it over the years for its varied activities and, in particular, the coaching programmes for young players in cricket and hockey, both in local schools and at the Club’s training facilities at Glenpark and at Inverclyde and Clydeview Academies. He also stated that, as part of Greenock Cricket Club’s vision to be a community sports hub within the Inverclyde area, work was well under way to develop links with a number of other sports which might use the Glenpark facility.

Good wishes for an enjoyable evening were expressed on behalf of a number of former and current members who were unable to be present, including current Scottish Internationalist Richie Berrington, presently part of the Scottish Saltires team on a seven week tour of international matches in Dubai and the UAE.

President Peter Hempsey (seated, centre) is joined by the ex-captains of the Club. Seated left is John Simpson, and seated right Sir Robin Duthie. Standing from left to right are Robbie Henderson, Roger Hardie, Duncan Drummond, Brian Lang, Charles Stewart, Provost McCormick, David Duthie, Wilson Evans, Craig Wright, Ron Irvine, David Thomson and Ryan Begley (current captain).

The ex-Presidents of the Club join Peter Hempsey. Seated to his left is Fred Haw and to his right are Jim Mitchell and Jim Snoddy. Standing left to right are Roger Hardie, Hugh McClure, Stewart Robinson, David Cunningham, James Lepick, David Campbell, Bill Gunn, Tom Ward and Neill Cook.