By Emily-Rose Toohey
Stanthorpe and District Cricket Association has a dedicated group of cricket tragics whose impact on the club over the past years have left an enduring legacy.
Paul Smithers, more affectionately known as Pig, was awarded Life Membership of Stanthorpe and District Cricket Association recently.
His Souths teammate, fellow umpire, and close friend John ‘Chook’ Hendry nominated and presented him with his badge.
John said to the cricketing grand final crowd two weeks ago that Paul has been involved with the association for nearly 50 years as a player, committee member, and now as an umpire.
“Congratulations Paul and thank you for all you have done for cricket in our community,” John said.
John himself alongside Mark Lanza had their names and nicknames (‘Chook’ and ‘Bluey’) professionally painted on the new CF White scoreboard at the cricket grounds, as both men have contributed and continue contributing towards improving the association and its facilities.
John is a Stanthorpe local and has been involved in cricket since 1974, was president for six years, vice-president 20 times, and umpires games.
“It’s a real honour that they thought that much of mark and I,” he said.
“I’ve got more out of cricket than what I put in, I love every aspect of the game and as umpire, I’ve got the best seat in the house.”
Similarly, Mark said having his name on the scoreboard is a privilege.
“I’ve been involved for 37 years, and John and I are both life members,” he said.
“I played soccer for a majority of years, but I have more memories out of cricket because the games always last longer.”
Mark said that John was responsible for organising the grant money for the new scoreboard and Mark himself made the frame.
“We do it to get the best facilities we possibly can,” Mark said.
