When I was first asked to write the introduction to this, our 125^th Anniversary commemorative brochure, I was at a loss as to what to exactly put into print.

However, as I perused the contents therein and marvelled at the deeds of my

Predecessors, I became profoundly aware of what a truly momentous year this is, and

How proud and privileged I am to be sat in the Chairman’s seat of office.

When our first ever Chairman, Mr. Joshua A. Hirst assembled his committee in the old courtroom in l878, could he possibly have believed what he was about to create?

There were generous donations from committee members and patrons totalling £19.6s.6d.

Enabling the Mottram `ball’ to start rolling and they all adjourned to the Pack Horse Inn.   Not I might add, to spend the kitty.

They sowed the seeds for generations to come that would reap the benefits from their noble decision to form Mottram Cricket Club.

To all the men and women who toiled in the past to make M.C.C. what it is today, we give a big vote of thanks, we will be forever in their debt.

To my present committee, social members, players and sponsors, I would like to pass on my thanks for your continued support, long may it continue.

For the future, we look forward to the continuation of the excellent competition which we are experiencing in the Derbyshire & Cheshire League, and hope that the results we have achieved in the last two seasons will be sustained.

In closing, thank you on behalf of Mottram Cricket Club for purchasing this brochure and for making your contribution to this, our 125^th Anniversary.

The toast is, Ladies & Gentlemen, MOTTRAM CRICKET CLUB.

See you at the Ball.