Chorley Cricket Club official picks up 'lifetime achievement' award (From Chorley Citizen)

Chorley Cricket Club official picks up 'lifetime achievement' award

4:37pm Tuesday 19th July 2011 in Chorley CC

A FANTASTIC servant of Chorley Cricket Club has picked up the region’s top award for services to the game.

John Mawdesley was rewarded for more than 50 years serving his local club by winning the Lifetime Achiever Award at the annual ‘OSCA’ ceremony at Lancashire County Cricket Club’s Old Trafford home last week.

John was watched by delighted club officials and proud family members as he was presented with the award at a glittering presentation evening at The Point, Lancashire’s prestigious new conference facility which overlooks the famous ground.

And after receiving the award, the modest club stalwart was quick to praise his team of volunteers who assist him in his work as site manager at Windsor Park.

“I am delighted and honoured to receive this wonderful award, but it would not have been possible without the many people who help at the club on a voluntary basis,” he said.

“We are very much a team and a great team, and I would like to thank them all.”

John, whose son Ian is current second team skipper, played in Chorley’s second team at the age of 15 and then established himself in the first team for many years as a skilful and courageous opening batsman and reliable slow left arm bowler.

He went on to captain the team with great skill in the 1976 and 1977 seasons before joining current club president Frank Henry in setting up the club’s now renowned junior section which has produced a string of talent including current Lancashire ace Tom Smith.

He has been a `hands on` committee member for many years and as site manager can be found most Saturday mornings, summer and winter, tackling practical jobs from repairing benches or roofing to replacing windows or water pipes.

“We are proud and honoured as a club that John has received this award and it is fully deserved for years of work, all of which has been voluntary,” said Chorley CC chairman Peter Mockett.

“He has a wonderful sense of humour, practical skills and is a very modest and unassuming man and we are very lucky to have him at the club.”

The OSCAs, which stands for Outstanding Service to Cricket Awards, are presented on an annual basis, and nominations come in from across the region.

John’s Lifetime Achiever Award was sponsored by Metrolink and presented by a representative of the company.

A celebration for John's award for club members, officials and family is being held in the club at Windsor Park at 8pm on Wednesday, July 20.