Greenock Cricket Club 150th Anniversary Dinner Dance

Almost 230 guests attended the Club's 150th Anniversary Dinner Dance in Greenock Town Hall on Saturday evening 17 March. It was a highly enjoyable night with a great atmosphere created as a result of so many who were present knowing each other .

Club President, Peter Hempsey welcomed the guests and thanked them for their support prior to an excellent dinner being served by the staff of Buckley Catering, who did a very fine job.

During the evening various methods of extracting a few pounds from the assembled company, which included a raffle and an auction, enabled the Club to raise over £3500 for Club funds.

The original commissioned painting of a cricket scene at Glenpark by top Scottish artist Robert Kelsey (see www.rkelsey.com ), which was the top auction item, was bought by former 1st XI Captain, Ken Godsman, who telephoned his bids from Dubai where he is currently acting as the Team Manager for the Scottish International Cricket Team taking part in the qualifying event for the world T20 competition.

The evening was a great success and thanks are due to the small organising group of Maureen Harrison, Wilson Evans, Roger Hardie, Bill and Helen Gunn, Ryan Begley and Peter Hempsey. Numerous others helped with preparations in the hours leading up to the event and and their willingness to assist was greatly appreciated

Roger Hardie and his wife Trish put together a very finely presented display and powerpoint of photographs and memorabilia, some of which can be seen in the accompanying photographs.

Thanks were expressed by Peter Hempsey for the many donations of items for the raffle and auction and to Buchanan's of Scotland for providing each lady guest with a small presentation box of chocolates and also after dinner mints for each table. There were thanks too to the member who wished to remain anonymous who provided a miniature of whisky to each gentleman guest.

The busy dance floor in the hours after the meal was completed was an indication of the good music provided by Willie Gorman and his band.