Local artist James Fretwell presents a portrait to Dave Christie

We asked the artist, Freuchie’s own James Fretwell, about his inspiration, process and reasoning for producing such a beautiful piece of art.

James replied:

How could I borrow Dave’s 1985 tie for reference purposes, without arousing his suspicions?

How could I ask him why he’s the only team member who hasn’t got his jacket buttoned on the Grace Gates photo, without appearing rude?

How could I look into his eyes to see what colour they are, without him getting the wrong idea about me?!

And my answer to anyone who asks why I’ve painted Dave’s portrait is simple:

“How could I NOT?”

 

  Portrait of Dave Christie holding The Village Cup in 1985

James must have spent many hours on this labour of love for it certainly brings to life the admiration and affection  Freuchie has for Dave “Dad” Christie.

When asked for his feelings on the gift, Dave responded:

"Superb!"

We’ll hang it in the house for the time being, although it may be so big we’ll have to think about building an extension!

I’m delighted that James based it on the 1985 photograph and  has given me more hair and fewer wrinkles than I have today.

My daughter (Linda) says that she wouldn’t want it on her wall because she’d feel her dad was watching her all the time!
(Editor’s comment: We suppose that’s a rather back-handed compliment, but it’s a sincere compliment nonetheless).

Dave has suggested that at some stage, the painting might be hung in the club.

Technorati Tags: Dave Christie, Freuchie, Freuchie Cricket Club, James Fretwell, The Village Cup

One of the main features of Saturday’s Family Fun Day was the official opening of the new Sports Court, even if it’s likely to retain its now unofficial title of ‘the MUGA.’

‘Taster Sessions’ were on offer – was that not supposed to be about sampling the sporting activities rather than scran?

Patrick Laughlin, Chairman of Freuchie Community Council, kicks off the MUGA opening ceremony whilst Dave Christie and Cllr Andrew Arbuckle wait nervously for their parts to come…

Dave Christie cuts the ceremonial ribbon ably assisted by Cllr Andrew Arbuckle and Mr 60 Minutes, whilst every kid in Freuchie enthusiastically crowds around.

Freuchie Cricket Club coaches teach key skills to our youngsters during the Kwik Cricket Taster session.

The activity tents with Freuchie Church as a back drop.

The new Player’s Disciplinary Unit? Or the new dressing rooms?

Just Chillin’ in the Freuchie sunshine

Great crowds, great weather and good fun all round.

Sunday was more about cricket, with a T20 game against Falkland and the official launch of our book “Freuchie Cricket Club, 1908 – 2008.” Events were opened by Sir Menzies Campbell, attention initially divided between the cricket and a ceremonial tree-planting in the school playground to commemorate the thirteen players in the Lord’s squad. No less than nine of them were at the ceremony.

Sir Menzies Campbell opens events on the Sunday

….. but what on earth is Coo looking at?

“And dae ye mind yon time ….?

The closing ceremony with Sir Menzies Campbell, our president Ian Paterson, the irreplaceable Dave Christie and Cricket Scotland president Bob ‘Faff’ McFarlane.

We’re betting this blanket has a story or two to tell…

Like so many days of the kind, it’s hard to do justice to all the people who worked to make this weekend what it was, but we have to mention Helen Lawrenson and her team for much of Saturday’s events, Rachel and Dave Tosh for the catering, our bar staff, the players who ran Saturday’s sports for the kids, Falkland Cricket Club for joining us on the Sunday, Liz Smith MSP, Sir Menzies Campbell MP, our local councillors and Bob McFarlane, Scott McCrone for ‘The Book,’ (all but five of our fifty copies already spoken for) Jock and Black Light for the Lord’s video display – the list just goes on and on. And we finished the day with a win over our old rivals, Falkland. What more could a body ask for!

Over the next few days we’ll be adding more blog posts with even more photos and commentary from the weekend.

Technorati Tags: Freuchie, Freuchie Cricket Club, Cricket Scotland, Falkland Cricket Club, Liz Smith, Menzies Campbell, MUGA, Scott McCrone

Known as The Three Commandos, these kilted (don’t ask) ruffians will break out from Perth Prison to make their way to a secret hide-out. Kenny (The Menace) Crichton, Dale (Youngcoo) Cowan and Michael Jackson (Jacko The Cracker) have fifteen hours to get to their destination, where their collars will be felt by the local polis to verify fact and time of arrival.

There will be a total of ten teams in the Jail Break, all operating under different constraints – can’t use any form of transport that uses fuel, mustn’t spend any money, mustn’t have a pint for two weeks before (all right, I made the last one up) or whatever. Trophies will be awarded to those who get furthest / have the fanciest destination / show most originality in modus operandi etc.

“Cui bono?” as they say in the better class of detective fiction. Who stands to gain by this criminal activity? The aim is to raise funds for the refurbishment of the Black Watch Museum in Perth, the event organised by Alan Duncan (oor Duffer) of the Grey Lodge Settlement in Dundee. (Grey Lodge works in all sorts of different ways to get help to people who need it and is a worthy cause in itself). In the case of The Three Commandos, half the money raised will go to the Black Watch Museum appeal, with half to Freuchie Cricket Club.

Get your hand in your pocket and your name on a sponsor sheet! There’s some behind the bar in the club, or speak to Duffer (07790 026 124), Kenny (07818 504 939), Mike (07800 691 059) or Dale (07716 317 948).

We are also looking for people who might be able to help in whatever way – accessories before or after the fact, as it were. Talk to one of these guys if you want a bit of previous against your name!

Technorati Tags: Black Watch, Perth, Perth Prison, Grey Lodge, Freuchie Cricket Club

Although that’s the best part of a week away, we are concerned about icy conditions on the Lathrisk Road. We might have hoped that the thaw that’s happening right now would last long enough to clear the road, but we are told that the outlook is for the weather to get worse rather than better. Even one or two patches of ice would make things dangerous, and it sounds as though there’s every prospect of a very icy Lathrisk road by next Saturday.

So, sorry, everyone. We’ll get the race organised as soon as we can.

Technorati Tags: Freuchie, Freuchie Cricket Club, Cycle Race, fund-raising

Apologies to everyone left disappointed at missing out.

Technorati Tags: dance, Hogmanay

Saturday 21st November 2009

10am – 12 noon

• Tombola
• Home Baking
• Raffle
• Veg for sale

An enjoyable morning for all.

Please come along and support our club.

Tickets only £1 each.

Technorati Tags: coffee morning, Freuchie, Freuchie Cricket Club

These are all Sundays, all between 11am and 1pm.

Our fabulous Auld Year’s Eve Party might be fully booked by now, but it’s worth a try – call Jock Wallace on 07775 776 821. Tickets a fiver, regardless of age. If it’s anything like last year, it’s a hooley not to be missed.

Technorati Tags: Freuchie, Freuchie Cricket Club, Hogmanay, Auld Year’s Eve

Coffee Evening

Friday 4th September 2009

7pm – 9pm

• Tombola
• Home Baking
• Raffle
• Veg for Sale
• Bowl at the stumps
• Target Golf

An enjoyable evening for all, please come along and support our club.

Tickets £1

Technorati Tags: coffee evening, Freuchie Cricket Club

Presentation Disco

Saturday 29th August 2009

7pm – 1am

Bring your own nibbles

All the family welcome

Technorati Tags: disco, Freuchie Cricket Club, presentation disco

This week we welcome our local rivals, Falkland, to Freuchie after a 2 year absence. I’m sure it will be a very competitive game, but all rivalries will be put aside after the game so we can enjoy a few beers together. We look forward to a big crowd attendance for this derby match.

I’d like to welcome Gregor Morris to the club, Gregor hails from St Andrews and has just finished a gap year playing cricket in Australia. He will make his debut for the 2^nd XI on Saturday at Penicuik.

The club is sure to be busy on Saturday night as there is a Race Night and Freuchie Football Club is having their end of season drink. Anyone wishing to attend the Race Night is very welcome to come along and join in.

Technorati Tags: Falkland, Falkland Cricket Club, Freuchie, Freuchie Cricket Club, Freuchie Football Club, Gregor Morris, Penicuik Cricket Club, St Andrews