Gloucestershire Echo

Minchinham­pton mark Steve’s 40 years of service

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MINCHINHAM­PTON CC have marked 40 years of service by treasurer Steve Hooper with a special presentati­on.

Steve began his cricketing career at Uphill Castle, in Weston-super-mare, before moving to Gloucester­shire and taking on the role of balancing the books at Minch in 1980.

Chairman Justin Hodges said: “Steve took over from a gentleman who was chief exec of Stroud and Swindon Building Society, so he had big boots to fill.

“He has since kept meticulous files, with all 40 years of accounts being stored neatly in his garage. Steve has been with the club long enough to see the pavilion/shed move three times, from next to the tennis courts, to under the trees – after it was wheeled over – to its current position.

“On the playing side, Steve was wellknown for his long bowling stints in the 90s. He regularly bowled one end all innings – at a time when there were no limits for bowlers – and frequently racked up spells of 20-plus overs; he was a very canny left-arm bowler.

“Steve was also a big factor in the late 90s behind the financing and building of the pavilion we are in today. Whilst Steve has called time on his innings, it should still be noted that he continues to make a big contributi­on to the upkeep of the playing field with his cutting of the grass boundaries.”

As a thank you for his tremendous service, Minch presented Steve with a print of the Cheltenham College ground by Jack Russell, which the Gloucester­shire and England wicketkeep­ing legend personalis­ed with a special message.

Steve, an avid Gloucester­shire supporter, also received a copy of Grenville Simons’ book, A History of The Cheltenham Cricket Festival.

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 ??  ?? Steve Hooper, left, with Minchinham­pton chairman Justin Hodges
Steve Hooper, left, with Minchinham­pton chairman Justin Hodges

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