Peter McMeekin became associated with Reed Cricket Club when he moved into the village with his wife Marion some forty years ago and he has been a significantly valuable Non-Playing Member since then. Peter has been a generous contributor to our Club, in the early days often making significant contributions and donations to the Club via frequent Sponsorships through his company Reed Consultants Ltd.

Once involved with the Club Peter soon became a General Committee Member and served in various important committee capacities for well over 30 years. Peter has served the Club in a variety of specific roles most notably as a hard-working Hon. Secretary, and latterly, as an even harder working Bar Sub-Committee Chairman and prime working contributor. Peter has spent countless hours administering the smooth running of what is our most vital and number one fundraiser, our Club Bar. That role involved stock purchase and management; profitability margins; cashing-up and banking; and the mundane chores like pipe-cleaning; sorting glass-washer malfunctions and gas cylinder connections. And that is without mentioning the actual “Serving behind the Bar”!

Additionally, Peter was responsible for applying for annual alcohol licences and temporary events notices so that we, and often the Reed Village could enjoy many social occasions, some of which Peter organised, arranged and also hosted. Peter only fully withdrew from his Bar-related duties in Autumn 2023.

Possibly because he lives the nearest to the Club Pavilion, it also often fell on Peter to be the liaison point for many other issues that arose in relation to the Reed Clubhouse. These might include supervising deliveries, overseeing and admitting visiting contractors, assisting with building security; Wi-Fi problems; BT issues, etc. etc.. as well as being on-hand for Local Authority and Fire Brigade inspections. He took his responsibilities very seriously and has been a huge asset to our Club.

When he was a little younger, Peter was very much one of the volunteer labourers who helped build the various extensions to the clubhouse over the years and carried-out other tasks around the club and grounds. He was especially keen for the Village’s Fireworks Party to be supported by club members, often building the bonfire himself.

Many small clubs rely on people like Peter who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep them running. All of the above tasks and responsibilities have fallen on Peter, (some more willingly than others). We cite them to demonstrate that a person who was not a cricketer but simply a hard-worker keen to improve our club both materially and socially, and to support its members and players.

Peter’s contribution has had a great impact on our Clubs significant success, growth and development.

Thank you, Peter,

Proposed by: Peter G. Baker, Vice-President, Reed Cricket Club.
Seconded by: John Q. Heslam, Vice-President, Reed Cricket Club.
1st November 2024.