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Annual Dinner & Presentation Evening 2002.
Around 50 OTCC Members and friends enjoyed the intimate atmosphere and excellent food and drink at Donzella's Restaurant on the evening of Saturday October 5th. In the absence of Andrew Griffin (on holiday), our Chairman David Harrison took on the role of Master of Ceremonies, assisted by piquant asides from Baz. There was a Photo Quiz, organised by Michelle Harrison, to occupy everyone between courses, with a couple of bottles of Bollinger for the winners. Somebody won, but not Melvyn Sibley and Dave Gregory who only managed to recognise Boris Becker ! But one out of fifty is a start ! This diversion raised £55 for the Club !
After the meal there were the usual award ceremonies. Dave Harrison reported on each of the four teams, roughly as follows !
Saturday 1st XI. The Saturday 1sts finished fourth in the league, a creditable performance. There were four centuries during the season, by Andrew Griffin, John Megeary and of course a couple to Leigh Sibley. Leigh took the batting trophy and Stuart Keeping the bowling.
Saturday 2nd XI. Not a good season for the Saturday 2nds, who finished bottom of Division 5 and will thus be relegated and play in Division 6 next season. Not all bad news however. There were several good performances from up and coming players, and it was particularly good to wecome Chris Murphy back to the side after an absence of several seasons. Chris, who scored 3 fifties during the season, won the batting trophy and David Gibson the bowling.
Sunday League XI. An unsuccessful start to league cricket on Sundays, with OTCC coming joint bottom of the league. We struggled to get a side for much of the season and great credit is due to Iain Keeping for his perseverance. The level of interest in Sunday league cricket was low and hopefully will improve next year. We always managed to adhere to the League's policy of playing at least three Under-18s every week, and this bodes well for the future by giving these youngsters the chance to play in League cricket. Stuart Keeping won both batting and bowling awards.
Sunday 2nd XI. By contrast the Sunday Casuals had a pretty good season, with good fixtures, a settled side and a good mix of old and young players. Notable performances included Liam Bennett's 5-17 against Bibury, Chris Wicks with 72 against Badby (must have been the blind school !) and Baz's 79 against Old Bradwell. I have been asked to mention Steve Oakley's innings against MK City when he faced 49 balls and scored 3 runs ! The highlight of the season, however, was Quinton Jones' maiden century - 101 retired against Willen. So we gave him a 100 Club tie - and he'll wear it too !
Then came the presentation of trophies. Most Improved Player went to Ben Cadigan again. The Clubman of the Year was Brian Conibere who was praised for his good sense, industry and patience - well done Brian ! Finally the trophy for long service to the club went to Neville Thompson. Neville has worked quietly for the club for many years - indeed his immaculate records are the basis for the majority of the scores which appear on the "Results" page of this website. Congratulations Nev ! For more details of the trophies etc and to see previous winners, go to our Trophies page.
The Chairman told us that the New Pavilion Fund stands at about £11,000, with a pledge of another £5,000 from Olney Town Council. Further fund-raising events should add significantly to this.
The Club is planning a tour to Oporto in Portugal in 2003 - more details when available.
We were all pleased to see Dave Peet at the dinner, hopefully fully recovered from a recent illness.
Finally thanks were expressed to Iain Keeping for organising the evening.
After the speeches there was more frivolity. Certain players were informed by the Chairman that they had volunteered to carry out individual pledges, which were then sold to members - and raised over £100 ! The pledges are recorded here so that we can be certain that they are carried out !
1. Leigh Sibley will spend at least half an hour on a horse, and jump at least one fence.
2. Paul Megeary will play at least two consecutive games next season.
3. Stuart Keeping will bowl at no more than medium pace at Steve Oakley at this winter's indoor nets.
4. Neville Thompson will refrain from dancing at the next Club Disco.
5. Steve Oakley will take and complete one golf lesson in order to regain his confidence.
6. Iain Keeping carried out his pledge there and then. He read a poem by W H Auden which bemoaned the death of his gay lover - we were all very moved !
7. Hammer will watch and enjoy a video "Farewell to Filbert Street".
8. The Griffin Brothers will play as partners in a game of golf, and will not abuse each other for the entire 18 holes. (Fat chance !)
9. A referendum was held, as a result of which Bernie Gallyot, despite protests from Dawn and to shout of "Sadam !! ", will regrow his moustache. Someone pledged another £10 if Bob Steele shaves his off !
10. Finally an extra item was added - the Chairman has pledged to get rid of his Tin-Tin hair cut before the next time he goes out to bat.
And so ended a very pleasant evening !!
October/November 2000
The high winds during the past week twice blew our sightscreens over. On the night of the 24/25 October the gales blew one screen over and carried the second into the ditch. It took six of us to get it upright again, and to put both screens in what we thought was a reasonably sheltered position close to the pavilion. But the big storm of 29/30 October blew both over ! This time some damage was done to both screens, but hopefully this can be repaired. The real problem now is how to protect them for the rest of the winter. All suggestions will be considered !!
We had a lucky escape on 1 November when the Ouse flood waters came to within a few feet of the pavilion. The nets were flooded, but luckily the pavilion was not.
  
 
October 2000.
Our Presentation Evening was held at the Olney Centre on Saturday 21 October. The evening was a great success with about 100 members and friends attending. The bar was very busy and speeches were kept to a minimum. The Chairman thanked our sponsors, our umpires (Richard Duncombe, Roger Saffrey and Dave Peet), Dave and Michelle Harrison for organising the tour to Guernsey, and Doreen Saffrey for doing the teas for us ! He then asked our President George Wells (elegantly attired in a cravat) to present the cups and trophies - see our "Trophies" page for details of the winners. (one of whom was George himself !) Mike Lord did the October draw for the 100 Club (for the winners see "100 Club" page) and the remainder of the evening was spent in drinking and eating. Some club members were observed on the dance floor.
October 2000.
The Morrant Ouse Valley League Presentation Evening was held at New Bradwell Cricket Club on Friday 20 October at 7.30pm. Olney Town were well represented - a minibus full of players attended. Both our Saturday League Elevens came top of their respective league divisions, so we had lots of trophies to collect !! And Stuart Keeping brought home both batting and bowling trophies !
August 1995 - from the "Citizen".
Olney Town's Leigh Sibley cracked 91 as a Morrant Ouse Valley League's representative side beat New Bradwell by six wickets in a match for the Stan Matthews Trophy...Sibley saw the rep side through to 165-4 and victory against Bradwell who totalled 163-9 off their 40 overs."
The following "anonymous" ode, written in 1984, has been preserved for posterity.
"Ode to an Ancient Cricketer"
(or "On the Alleged Retirement of Melvyn Sibley")
Can it really be true that now at last
Melvyn is admitting he is past
The age of Agility and skill
Is he completely over the hill ?
Some will say that this decline
Began much further down the line
And his ability to moan and gripe
Has long outweighed the cultured swipe.
Who thought that we would ever see
Melvyn down on bended knee
Alas, not for honours from our Queen
But marbling on a bowling green.
(This verse is optional !)
This same chap when but a small school lad
Lost a tooth which bled like mad
His desk mate seeing the bloody teg
Staunched the flow with the help of her knicker leg.
The Club will miss that sunny smile
The relaxed approach, the subtle guile,
The honeyed words, the friendly twitch
As the Rugby Club hummock our pitch.
But we who know him well of old
See that yonder lies a heart of gold.
He has worked for Cricket and Olney Town
Never has he let us down.
And so it is farewell we say
But wonder, can he stay away ?
We hope not, and therefore with good reason
Say "Thanks Mel - see you again next season !"
From the "Standard", 6 June 1980.
Ron Mawer - an appreciation from Olney Town Cricket Club.
The passing of Ron Mawer closes a unique chapter in the history of Olney Cricket and ends a remarkable 34 year association which started when the Club was reformed in 1946 after the Second World War.
At that time Ron was what Olney people would call a 'foreigner', but he had the perfect cricket pedigree having been born a Yorkshireman, and inheriting all the enthusiasm, instinct and love for the game traditional to that county. Of these attributes Ron gave freely over the years and the Club benefitted in every aspect of its activities.
As a player he was a shrewd captain. a determined batsman, a gutsy wicket-keeper and a bowler of underrated ability. He played regularly for the 1st XI until his 50s, and then returned to running the 2nd XI encouraging the younger players by precept and example; he also doubled as a 1st XI umpire whose verdicts were based on a comprehensive knowledge of the game.
Adminsitratively, Ron's contribution to the Club was incalculable. He held the posts of Hon. Secretary and Match Secretary for over 20 years and was still discharging his duties from his sick bed. He had long spells as Chairman and Team Secretary and together with his wife, Connie, had been the mainstay of the catering arrangements for many years; he was no stranger to the groundsman's duties and willingly accepted any chores that came his way.
Ron fought his illness as he played his cricket, with courage, optimism and determination, but sadly it was a match he was destined not to win. Those who knew and respected Ron, and this covers a broad spectrum of colleagues and opponents across the years, will miss that sloping gait, the wry smile and the after match yarn.
Olney Town Cricket Club will miss his energy, devotion and loyalty, it will not easily be replaced. He was a true sportsman, and a great clubman - well played, Ron !
April 1973.
An Olney Cricket Club social evening was held at the Two Brewers on Thursday April 5th. The function, which was attended by 32 people, was arranged by the club members for the ladies who, during the past season, provided willing help in the preparation of teas and cakes. Their work is greatly appreciated by all the players.
During the evening a buffet supper was provided and a raffle was held.
Will all members please note that there will be a players' meeting in the pavilion at 11am on Sunday, April 15th. The club will gladly welcome any new members. (from the Bucks Standard)
From the minutes of the Committee Meeting held at the Presbytery on Wednesday 13 September 1933.
The Treasurer informed the meeting that he would be unable to continue in office owing to the fact that he was leaving Olney. This was accepted with regret and the meeting very warmly thanked Mr Steward for his services to the Club. Mr P Woodwards was asked to fill the position.
Messrs Pettitt and Dawson presented a Football Scheme whereby the Club was to benefit to the extent of 5/- (25p) per week throughout the Football Season 1933-34....this received the support of 24 members.
From the minutes of the Annual General Meeting, held at the Church Hall on 30 August 1933.
Mr S W Lord was elected Chairman. It was proposed and agreed that Messrs C R Mann and A Colson should again be joint captains (for the 1934 season). Mr E Wilkinson was elected Secretary, Mr E Steward as Treasurer. It was agreed to form a Management Committee, and the following were elected:- Messrs Robinson, Dix, A and R Berrill, Goldsmith, Inchley, Pettitt, Mynard, Rice, Chaplin, Dawson amd Woodwards.
Mr A Rice was elected as Umpire, and Mr F Chaplin as scorer.
The Treasurer reported that there was a small deficit, the Club owing £4-15-6, but this fact was very satisfactory as the expenditure had been very heavy during the season and taking into account the debt from 1932 the Club had this season kept within its assets. The subscription for 1934 was set at 4/- (20p !)
From the Minutes of Olney Town Cricket Club, 24 July 1933, held at the Pavilion, Recreation Ground.
Present:- S W Lord Esq, A Colson Esq, S Dix Esq, C R Mann Esq, E Pebody Esq, E Steward Esq.
Mr S W Lord was elected Chairman. Mr E Wilkinson acted as Secretary in the absence of Mr E Robinson.
The Secretary stated that he had heard from the Northampton Master Bakers Association stating that they would be very pleased if it was possible for them to have the Club ground and use of the Pavilion on the 10th August viz the Thursday in Bank Holiday week.
The Chairman stated that the Club was not in a position to do this without the consent of the Parish Council to whom the ground belonged.
It was then agreed that the Secretary should write to the Council asking for their consent, a fee of £1 was fixed for the use of the ground and pavilion by the team, this to be given to the Club as subscription.
The following is from a book entitled "Olney, with its wit and humour illustrated", by Oliver Ratcliff, and from the chapter "My Look Round Olney". The book was published in December 1907. (Thanks to Robyn Smith for lending us her copy.)
"Olney Town Cricket Club. This club was formerly known as the "Excelsior" which had its pitch in the field called "Hatch green". In due course efforts were made to get a more suitable ground and this was obtained in a field adjoining Yardley Road which was retained until the year 1898 when the club again migrated to the "Recreation" field and devoted their attention to levelling a portion for play and by their devoted energies they now have a good wicket. From the village teams that were their former opponents in matches they have aspired to meet more important ones including the League teams of Northampton, Wolverton etc. It is anticipated, by the promising signs of the young blood in the club, that there is a brighter prospect in store which is to be hoped for in the interest of cricket in connection with the town. It is to be noticed that some of the original promoters of the club are still in evidence, Mr J W Whiting, Mr S Haseldine, and Mr W Field, the last signalized himself during the past season by making his first century. The club give the credit of their success to their "genial" captain, Dr Grindon, who has filled that position for the past seven years, and to their ex vice-captain, Mr E Mobbs, the "Olney Jessop", as he is a batsman of the forcing type and an idol with the spectators who delight in seeing him smashing the ball to the boundary. He is also a fast bowler of high merit and a player we hope to see assist the county in the near future. Mr Archer Field, another all round cricketer, has rendered yeoman's service for the club, and always holds a prominent position in the averages of both batting and bowling. The club's record for the past two seasons is as follows:- 1906, matches played 18, won 9, drawn 3, lost 6, score 1893 for 153 wickets, average 11.01. 1907 matches 17, won 6, drawn 5, tie 1, lost 5, score 2138 for 140 wickets, aver. 15.27."
From the same publication:-
"On the approach of the Jubilee celebrations in 1897 there was a lot of talk by some very enthusiastic attendants at the meetings convened for that occasion to consider what should be done as a befitting memorial of the great event. The suggestion of these enthusiasts was a "recreation" ground for the children to play in as they were "kicked off the Knoll and other open places" when playing......Correspondence took place....and the following paragraph....appeared in a local print: "At a Jubilee committee meeting, on June 18, 1897, letters were read from Lord Dartmouth and his agents stating his willingness to let a field for cricket, football &c., at a rent of £1 per acre, for 21 years. In the course of the meeting it was stated that the field was to be let as a sports field for cricket, &c., and not as a public recreation ground." This accounts for the children being, not always politely, ordered out on account of imaginary damage to the grass. The "Recreation" or more correctly speaking Sports ? field, is a back field, adjacent to a back street, in the back part of the town, awkwardly situated. The approach is down a long pathway through a field and is skirted by barbed wire......"
This photograph also appears:-
The Coronation of Edward VII took place on 26 June 1902.
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