Australian Cricket Society

"...caring for cricket"

Coming up

27 Feb, 2012

Allan Border Medal Lunch

ACS members are invited to our traditional Allan Border Medal Day Luncheon at the Kelvin Club.

Our guest speaker is likely to be a member of Australia's recent test whitewash over India and it's your chance to pay homage to Australia's elite cricketers over the past 12 months.

For this very popular luncheon, bookings with ACS secretary Wayne Ross on 0416 983 888 are essential.

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Welcome to the Australian Cricket Society

The Australian Cricket Society is a fraternity of cricket lovers. Founded in Melbourne in 1967, the Society's charter is to promote the spirit of cricket wherever and by whomever it is played. Members celebrate the game with regular meetings, dinners and film nights.

Guest speakers at its Annual Dinners come from the Whos Who of cricket. Down through the years, the Dinner has been been addressed by Sir Donald Bradman, Lindsay Hassett, Ian Johnson, Neil Harvey, Bill Lawry, Tony Greig, Ian Healy and in more recent times Justin Langer, Damien Fleming, Dean Jones and Graham McKenzie.

A highlight of each Dinner is the announcement of the Young Player of the Year and encouragement awards that support youth and grassroots cricket. Autograph hunters and memorabilia collectors are in their element at these Dinners.

The Australian Cricket Society has a busy playing fixture, fielding teams of Over 40s and Over 60s cricketers against like minded opponents. It's Wandering X1 is a keen participant in veterans cricket carnivals played at many magnificent cricket grounds around the world.

Our Pavilion magazine is a quality 48-page annual with articles by renowned cricket writers and a forum for members to express their thoughts on the game. In addition the Society publishes a quarterly news bulletin Scoresheet edited by Doug Manning - now in his 42nd year as editor.

A range of merchandise is available for members, including clothing, caps and ties. Extremely popular are the recordings of Annual Dinner speeches going back many years including the Don’s address in 1973.

If you're a cricket lover, we hope you'll find something of interest on our website. If you'd like more information on our fraternity, contact our membership officer or download a Membership Application form

Vintage Cricket Tour NZ style ... For the Cricket Lover

Our Wandering X1 is off again, this time to Wellington New Zealand in March for for the World Vintage Cricket Carnival (over 40s). It's the 15th overseas tour for our intrepid Wandering X1 and one guaranteed to whet the appetite of the cricket lover. Firstly, there are 3 games at some of the most stunning cricket grounds New Zealand has to offer. In between, there’s the opportunity to explore the delights of Wellington and surrounds, plus guaranteed tickets to the New Zealand – South Africa Test at the famous Basin ground. Then, for those wanting to extend their time in NZ, EWW have come up with a week-long post cricket tour of the North Island taking in Napier, Rotorua, Auckland and the Bay Of Islands.

At around $2000 for the cricket week including airfares, transfers, accommodation, pre and post Carnival dinners included, the package is sensational value for money. Vacancies still remain for 4 players to join the party which will be capped at 13 players plus WAGS. If you’re interested in the cricket week or the post tour of the North Island, call tour leader David McNamara on 0412 105 100 or Christine at Events WorldWide on 5989 7666. For more information see NZ tour itinerary

NEWS

Lunch And A Chat With William McInnes

Three times Logie winner, actor, author and cricket tragic William McInnes was our guest at a joint luncheon with the Kingston Saints at their excellent Parkdale headquarters during October.

The laid back entertainer regaled the 70 strong audience with stories of his love of cricket, his childhood and his journey into acting and writing. At the completion, McKInnes signed copies of his latest book Worse Things Happen At Sea for the very appreciative audience.

Peter Baxter @ The Kelvin Club

Peter Baxter - author of Inside the Box and for 34 years the producer of the BBCs Test Match Special entertained members and guests at a most memorable Kelvin Club lunch in August. A renowned speaker, the audience was enthralled with his amusing stories of the greats of cricket broadcasting Brian Johnston, Christopher Martin-Jenkins and Jonathan Agnew and the many outstanding cricketing personalities in his time.

Bruce Postle Luncheon

The Bradman of sporting photographers Bruce Postle, whose work adorned dozens of front pages of the Age in the 70s and 80s enthralled the many sporting fans at the July Kelvin Club Luncheon. A highlight was a slide show of his world acclaimed sporting shots of cricket and his famous pic of Tommy Woodcock sleeping with Reckless on the eve of the Melbourne Cup. Bruce launched his long awaited photographic magnum-opus THE IMAGEMAKER at the Luncheon and signed copies for members on the Day.

Damien Wright Tribute Luncheon

Recently retired Victorian Bushranger fast bowler Damien Wright was our special guest at a Kelvin Club luncheon in June. Society members, Damiens family and Cricket Victoria representatives all paid tribute to one of the great warriors of Australian cricket. President Piesse conducted an enthralling interview with our most engaging popular guest who remarkably has shaken off injuries to be part of three of the past four Sheffield Shield winning teams.

ACS 44th Annual Dinner

Former Test fast bowler and Australia's most recent inductee into the Hall Of Fame Graham Garth McKenzie was the guest speaker at the Australian Cricket Society 2011 Annual Dinner during May. Following the toast to cricket by Victorian Chairman Of Selectors John MacWhirter, McKenzie's reminiscences and modesty charmed the audience of over 100 members and friends.

The traditional highlight of the evening was the announcement of the Young Cricketers of the Year awards (to Glenn Maxwell and Annie-Rose Maloney), an Encouragement Award to Robbie McComb and Recognition Award to scorer Mike Walsh. Other highlights included a third time win by Les Pimm of the ACS Box Grainger award and the award made retrospectively to 1990s star Trevor Matthews. Stalwart Des Lloyd was the winner of the inaugural Over 60s Richard Elvins trophy.

AFL Season Launch with Ron Barassi

Following in the footsteps in recent years of Leigh Matthews, Peter Hudson and Peter McKenna, Ron Barassi was our guest of honour at a packed Kelvin Club for the launch of the 2011 AFL Season. The dynamic player and revolutionary coach - regarded by many as the most influential personality in the history of the game - filled the room with his presence.

At the completion of an inspirational address he signed autographs and shook hands with the many admirers. In a typically geneous gesture, Ron donated his speaking fee to the Queensland Government Flood Appeal.

Wandering X1 Hosts The Homies

The Wandering X1 hosted the Compton Cricket Club at the picture postcard Melbourne University oval in early February. Formed by homeless activist Ted Hayes, the Homies preach the values of cricket as an alternative to the gang lifestyle for homeless African American and Latino youth in Los Angeles. USA. They believe cricket's rules and etiquette are a civilising influence that helps to counter the negative effects of poverty and homelessness.

Supported by the reformed Chamberlin Charitable Fund, the ACS team skippered by Marcus Curnow included members of the Not For Profit sector and University Premier League Club.

Christmas Dinner with Aggers

Jonathan Agnew entertained Society members and friends at Leonda on Day 4 of the Melbourne Test - the night England retained the Ashes. The voice of English cricket enthralled the packed house with his astute observations on the game and many reminiscences of his career as a cricket commentator. A highlight of the evening was a replay of the radio commentary regarded as "the greatest piece of radio commentary ever"

Season Launch with Steve Bernard

Following in the footsteps of James Sutherland and Jack Clarke of recent years, Australian Test team manager Steve Bernard entertained a jam packed Kelvin Club for the launch of the 2010-11 Australian cricket season. A former NSW fast bowler, coach, selector and mentor to a generation of cricketers, the Brute gave members a fascinating insight into what goes on behind the scenes and his views on how the game has changed during his time at the helm.

The luncheon again this year was attended by Australia's top cricket administrators plus the media.

Matthew Hayden Cocktail Party

Matthew Hayden returned to the scene of so many of his triumphs - the MCG - in October for the launch of his no holds barred book Standing My Ground at a ACS Cocktail Party. One of the true greats of the game, Matthew spoke openly and elequently about his career, his critics, his early self doubts and the major issues confronting cricket today. He remained passionate about the game and its potential for engaging Australia's indigenous community.

Cricket Tragics @ The MCG

Co-hosted by the MCC Library and the Australian Society For Sport History, the evening began with the launch of cricket tragic Neville Turner's new book Addicted To Cricket - a sparkling collection of essays covering cricket and music, the game's great personalities, the laws of cricket and his favourite cricket literature. After the break, film archivist Glenn Gibson with the use of new technology showed film of 100 years of Ashes battles including some never seen before footage - an evening that will be long remembered by the large audience.

Brad Hodge Luncheon ... Tribute to the Little Master

Members, guests and the media packed the Kelvin Club in August to pay tribute to Victoria's greatest current cricketer - Brad Hodge. The Little Master has scored more runs and been capped more often than any other player in 160 years of Victorian first class cricket.

In an entertaining Q & A, Brads candour and humorous stories of his cricket (and football) career enthralled the audience of nearly 90. To mark the occasion ACS President Ken Piesse produced a 48 page tribute booklet signed by the author and Brad himself. With a production run of just 203 copies, this is a collectors item. The booklet almost sold out on the day but members still wishing to pick up a copy should contact the ACS Merchandise Officer.

Member News

2012 Pavilion out now

The Australian Cricket Society's Pavilion magazine has just hit the bookstands. Edited by Ken Piesse with contributions from leading cricket writers, it's the magazine for the cricket enthusiast ... the cricket connoisseur.

The 2012 edition features coming speedster James Pattinson on the cover. Mark Browning takes a look at the changing face of Australian cricket. Ken Piesse celebrates 150 years of cricket and reveals the amazing journey of Bryce McGain. A must read is Jonathan Agnew's masterly speech during the Boxing Day Test the evening England retained the Ashes. Neville Turner reports on Australias's recent tour of Sri Lanka while guest columnist Wally Wright throws new light on Wally Grout - the grandfather he never knew. There's a fascinating story on the cricket library to die for and quirky look at cricket street signs.

The 2011 edition took a look at our national pastime as celebrated through art. Malcolm Knox named Australia's Best X1 Test captains, Mark Browning asked who was the greatest player never to to don the baggy green while Michael Saunders revealed his passion for collecting cricket cards. Ken Piesse paid tribute to the Victoria's own Little Master Brad Hodge, took a walk down memory lane to Ken Eastwoods 15 minutes of fame and published exerpts from Chuck Fleetwood-Smiths never before seen schoolboy diary. Neville Turner took an appreciative look at New Zealand cricket while Ron Elliott talked about his new cricket novel.

Society members receive a free copy of Pavilion as part of their annual membership. Non members can obtain the latest copy from most good bookstores at $9.95 RRP or through our Merchandising Officer. Some back issues of Pavilion are also available at $2 per copy. For a list of back issues, contact the Merchandise Officer.

What they say about Pavilion

'Easily the best cricket magazine year in, year out' ... TONY BLACKSHAW Adelaide

'Well done on Pavilion. It's a fantastic read and very well put together' ... RON CARDWELL Sydney

Wandering X1 back Down Under (but not for long)

Our aptly named Wandering X1 has just returned home from yet another successful cricket tour ... this time to the Armidale NSW for the Australian Over 60s Championships. In March we participated in the third Trans Tasman Vintage Cricket Carnival staying at the Radisson Gold Coast Resort for a week of sun, golf and of course the cricket. 2010 was a big year for ACS Wandering X1s with participation in the Golden Oldies Cricket Festival at picturesque Harrowgate in Yorkshire in August plus the Vintage Cricket festival in Capetown South Africa in March ... a 3 week tour that included a safari adventure, the delights of Sun City and golf at the championship Gary Player course. For more

Our Wandering X1s participate in veteran cricket tournaments all around the world. We're looking forward to the next Vintage Cricket Carnival to be held in Wellington New Zealand in March 2012. Our Wandering X1 has already signed up for the Golden Oldies Festival in Adelaide in December 2012 while President Ken Piesse and wife Susan will again head up our 2013 Ashes Tour. The itinerary will most likely include include tickets to at least two Tests. Along with playing games against village sides, it's the ultimate tour for the cricket lover. For interest in playing with our Wandering X1s or in joining any of the tours, contact Ian Hammet on 0438 250 145 or email cricketdownunder@iprimus.com.au

Have your Say

This is your chance to have your say on the big cricket issues of the day. It's a members only forum to express your views on any cricket subject whether it's team selection for the upcoming Ashes series, umpiring, Twenty/20 or even sledging. Contributions can be in the form of an original article or just a comment on an existing topic. The best articles or comment will be posted on the website. For your say in no more than 300 words ...

Reading Room

Here's a few recommendations on cricket books. Whether it be Alan Gregory's Woodfull - Gentleman and Scholar Bernard Whimpress's limited Edition Addicted to Cricket, Gideon Haighs Silent Revolutions, David Fultons The Captains Tales, Ashley Malletts One Of A Kind or Ken Piesse's Great Australian Cricket Stories, the Reading Room showcases the best new cricket books on the market this year. We take a peek at the latest releases and offer some tips on where to get them at some good prices. New Releases

Coming Up ...

27 February 2012 - Allan Border Medal Day Luncheon @ the Kelvin Club

ACS members are invited to lunch at the Kelvin Club with Australia's most recent Test cap Ed Cowan and celebrate the stars of Australian cricket over the past 12 months Monday 27 February @ 12.00 midday for 12.30. Bookings with Secretary Wayne Ross on 0416 983 888 acs@asn.cricketvictoria.com.au