Norman Kirk MBE

Goole Town Cricket Club was saddened to learn of the passing of Norman Kirk MBE this week. 

 

Norman was an important member of the Club for 72 year, a remarkable achievement.  

 

Norman started as a scorer aged 15 and went on to become Secretary and Treasurer for many years. He only handed over the General Secretary’s position to David Caldicott when David’s experience of grant applications and construction made sense while the Club planned and built the new Clubhouse in 1996. Norman continued as Cricket Secretary organizing the teams and also as Treasurer until handing over to Simon Franks in recent years as the Club moved into the computer age. Norman had over 70 years at the Club, 50 years on the Committee and 40 years as Secretary and Treasurer. 

 

Norman was so proud of his MBE which he received in 2000 for services to local cricket and Goole Town CC in particular. He received his award from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in November 2000 on the day Sir Michael Caine was knighted. That year was Norman’s 50th at the Club. He was so proud of his award and the photograph of the Queen presenting it to him always took pride of place on his lounge wall. It was proudly displayed alongside team photos of the Club’s championship winning teams of the early 1990s. 

 

It was such a privilege for a club like Goole to have one of its officials recognized in this way. It was a unique occasion for Goole Town CC and a rare one for any cricket club. 

 

Norman managed the Club through many challenging times. Many of our younger cricketers playing now will only know our brilliant clubhouse and facilities. They will not remember the older clubhouses which were short on facilities but still sources of fun and excellence. Norman kept the Club going through more difficult times and the current excellent status of Goole Town Cricket Club owes much to his devotion, honesty and dedication over 70 years. 

 

David Caldicott 

Goole Town CC Secretary