Denis has been a hard-working member of our club for a long time. As Dave Christie said this morning ‘he wisnae feart tae get his hands dirty.’ Before he became too ill, Denis was a very active member of our committee, ready to pitch into whatever job was to be done, but in particular, he was one of those who worked to build up club funds through the Glenrothes Football Club ‘Super Sixes.’

We are all stunned by the news that Kash’s five year old son has been drowned. We really have no information beyond that and the fact that Kash is on his way to Pakistan to join his family.

The thoughts of everyone in the club go to Dot and her family and to Kash and his.

Keep track of all that’s happening on the Freuchie Cricket Club Facebook page.

 
Photos: Groundsman Dave Christie says farewell to the auld mower and welcomes our new workhorse on a rainy Freuchie day

Administered by Freuchie Community Council, the money is intended to be used for the benefit of the whole village, and this mower does just that. The park is one of Freuchie’s major assets and is used by the whole village, but not everyone realises that the Cricket Club provides all the effort to keep it clean and to cut the grass, as well as paying for all associated costs – including rates. We are grateful to Campion Homes and Freuchie Community Council for this contribution to the heavy costs of maintaining the park. Our staff photographer was on the spot to see the new mower arriving and the old one going away (to the big outfield in the sky?)

  Photos: New mower arrives

   
Photos: Dave’s last ride on auld faithful and he says farewell as she is loaded onto the back of the van

  Photos: Dave gets the new workhouse out of the rain

Technorati Tags: Freuchie, Freuchie Cricket Club, Freuchie’s Glorious Weekend

He did ask that we try to win another trophy so we can have a repeat of the celebrations. The challenge has been made!

A big thanks go to Freuchie Community Council for purchasing one of the 1908-2008 Freuchie Cricket Club books for the community. The book will be made available for viewing in the library.

Technorati Tags: Freuchie, Freuchie Cricket Club, Freuchie Community Council, Helen Lawrenson, Patrick Laughlin

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

Commemoration plaque secured to the school wall

Elizabeth Smith, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, was enthusiastic about taking part in Freuchie’s Glorious Weekend celebration of the Lords’ victory. Liz, who is no stranger to cricket, is a former member of  the Scottish Ladies Cricket X1, a Governor of George Watson’s College in Edinburgh, Deputy Convener of the Cross-Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Sport, a coach of two girls’ cricket teams and has been an admirer of Freuchie Cricket Club’s achievements for many years.

Elizabeth Smith MSP at Freuchie’s Glorious Weekend 

Liz was delighted to be involved in the tree planting ceremony and spoke of the wonderful cooperation in Freuchie between village, club and school to the benefit of the whole community:

"I remember the famous Lords’ occasion in September 1985 very well indeed. It was an extraordinary achievement by the 13 men from Freuchie and a real boost for Scottish cricket, the benefits of which I believe we are still enjoying 25 years on. In particular, I congratulate Freuchie Cricket Club on its youth development programme and on its strong links with the local primary school in the grounds of which 13 fruit trees will be planted to celebrate the 1985 victory. That feature is a terrific link between the cricket stars of the past as those of the future."

Side note: The club hopes to arrange a match next summer with Liz’s under 14 girls team, so come on Freuchie girls start training now, the facilities are there.

The tree planting delegation and VIPs listens to Liz Smith’s tribute
Left to Right: Ann Duncan (wife of Alan Duncan), George Crichton, Stewart Irvine, Mark Wilkie, Dave Cowan, Fraser Irvine, Sir Menzies Campbell MP, Dave Christie, Brian Christie, Andy Crichton, Elizabeth Smith MSP, Bob McFarlane (President, Cricket Scotland) and his daughter and Pete Hepplewhite

Formalities complete, it was down to the Lords’ players and their representatives to plant the new fruit orchard.

[ Click on any photograph to see a larger version ]

Davie Cowan aka “Coo” plants a Pear “Williams” tree

Ann Duncan plants an Apple “Tydeman’s Early” on behalf of her hubby Alan aka “Duffers”

Ann had a starring role in the 1985 BBC and STV documentaries which were running in the clubhouse all weekend, courtesy of the broadcasters and Black Light.

Editor’s comment: It was noted Alan didn’t turn up until after Mr 60 Minutes had finished up for the day and gone home. Could this be another “Stig” type identity? Just a thought!

Mark Wilkie plants a Pear “"Williams” with headteacher Rona MacLean-Ross keeping a watchful eye for any misbehaviour

Pete Hepplewhite plants a Pear “Conference” tree

Stewart Irvine aka “Jasper” plants an Apple “Blenheim Orange”  tree

Brian Christie puts an Apple “Ellison’s Orange” into the ground

Fraser Irvine plants an Apple “Blenheim Orange”

George Crichton jokingly asks, “Where’s the rest of it?”, as he plants an Apple “Charles Ross” tree

Club President Ian Paterson aka “Patsy” is honoured to plant a Cherry “Stella” tree on behalf of Niven McNaughton

Editor’s comment: The tree planting was really motoring at this point! Our photographer wasn’t getting a moment to line up the shots before the tree was planted and it was onto the next one. Please send us any better photos you may have of Patsy planting this tree.

Many people expressed their delight to see Niven had managed along to the club on the Sunday even if someone had to stand in for him at the tree planting ceremony.

Andy Crichton plants an Apple “Charles Ross”

Dave “Dad” Christie gets help from Jasper to plant an Apple “Ellison’s Orange” tree 

Davie Houston aka “Housty” plants a Pear “Williams” on behalf of George Wilson… but where’s Robbie!

And finally…

Alan Wood of Norsk Hydro, a sponsor of the 1980’s, plants an Apple “Bramley” on behalf of Terry Trewartha

Gasp! Job done and it was time to watch Freuchie beat Falkland.

The Daily Record produced an excellent reunion article earlier in the week which provides a little background on each player and their contribution to the victorious Village Cup run. We heartedly recommend you take a look if you’ve not already done so.

Once again there are so many people to thank for making this special commemoration possible: headteacher Rona Maclean-Ross; the pupils and the staff of the school; our invited VIP guests; the Lords’ squad and their representatives. There is also a long list of people who shovelled and trundled barrows around to prepare the ground: David Girdwood; Andy Mather; Mrs.Lesley Thomson; Mrs. Catriona Nimmo; Mrs. Wendy Simpson; Gill Milne; Mrs. Cam McIvor and Scott McCrone. Thank you one and all.

It is heartening to see the Fife Council Community Payback Offender’s Scheme being used for such good work in our little village. A big show of appreciation to the staff and clients of the service who also put in so much hard work. 

Members of the community who missed the start of the Freuchie vs Falkland 20/20 match to watch the ceremony should also be thanked for choosing to come along to witness this historic moment.

Editor’s comment: Hopefully we’ve not missed anyone out!

One final thing, the man from Del Monte has been on the phone and he says “Yes”! – for those too young to remember the advertising campaign, you can check out this advert on YouTube.

Technorati Tags: Alan Duncan, Ann Duncan, Brian Christie, cricket, Dave Christie, Dave Cowan, Davie Houston, Fraser Irvine, Freuchie, Freuchie Cricket Club, Freuchie Primary School, George Crichton, George Wilson, Liz Smith MSP, Mark Wilkie, Niven McNaughton, Pete Hepplewhite, Sir Menzies Campbell MP, Stewart Irvine

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

Daily Record

• In pictures: Little Freuchie Cricket Club – 25 and not out
• Reunited after 25 years.. the Scots who shook the world of cricket

Smart Community Fife

• Freuchie Sports Court now open!
• New orchard commemorates ‘Freuchie’s Glorious Weekend’
• Freuchie’s Celebratory Cricket Match

The Courier

• From the archives: Fabulous Freuchie win at Lords’
• From the archives: Freuchie cricket glory
• Freuchie Cricket Club to relive Lord’s glory of 1985
• Bowled over by Freuchie’s Lords’ heroes

The Scotsman

• Scotland’s day but Botham got the whisky

We will revisit this blog post over the coming days as we become aware of other links to relevant articles.

Technorati Tags: Daily Record, Freuchie, Freuchie Cricket Club, Smart Community Fife, The Courier, The Scotsman