Mark Carmichael – Life Member of Gordon District Cricket Club

[Mark Carmichael was awarded life membership at the Stags AGM in July. The article below comes from the speech given by Geoff Hickman recommending his nomination]

Mark grew up in the south-west of NSW in Crookwell and came to Sydney in the late 70’s to commence his university studies. He started playing for Petersham-Marrickville and remembers his first encounter with Gordon in a 4th grade game at Turramurra Oval.

He has great memories of his time with Pete’s and in fact when we play Randwick-Petersham now he refuses to call them anything but Petersham.

From there Mark moved interstate and played in both Perth and Melbourne representing University of WA and the Melbourne CC. He also played in England during this period. When he returned to Sydney in the mid 80’s he played for University of NSW where he played the rest of his grade career.

Mark became involved with Gordon in the mid 2000’s when his children Henry, Matilda and Alex started playing cricket for Gordon. He managed the Green Shield side when Henry played and also was involved with Matilda and Alex’s junior teams.

One of Mark’s great passions with cricket has been watching his children’s games and getting involved by helping when needed.

During his time involved with the club, which is nearly 20 years, he has acted as a selector, Chairman of Selectors and Chairman of the Cricket Committee, as well as in recent years sitting on the General Committee of the club.

What is so impressive about Mark’s contribution to the club, is that for most of his time at Gordon he has not had any direct involvement with the club, by either being a past playing member or having children playing, with Henry pursuing his rugby career with Gordon and Matilda her cricketing career in Western Australia.

If you look at the club’s current Life members the vast majority have played at the club, in fact there are only 3 living life members that have received the honour of life membership and not played for the club.

So, congratulations Mark, it is a pleasure to have this opportunity to thank you for your contribution to our club and formally nominate you as a Life Member of Gordon District Cricket Club.

Mark Carmichael (right) with fellow life member Bob Thomas