Left to right: Hugh Lyden, Tam MacDonald, Albert Morrison, Derrick McDicken, Kenny Paterson, George Gemmell, Gordon Mills, Dennis Gray, Geordie Rattray, Gavin Goudie, Jimmy McMillan, Ally Wilson, John McCool, Billy Thomson, Alan Pirie, Jasper Gardiner, Billy Young, Tom Findlay, Ross Findlay, Kevin Hitchell, Sam Frew, Brian McGill, Dennis McKnight.
FINAL HOME MATCH (Hospitality)
Talbot Hospitality is always a great day out and various levels of hospitality are available. Our final home match of the season v Arthurlie was a great finale both on and off the park and this was due in no small part to the large number of ex Talbot players in attendance for a catch up within an environment where they are welcomed and revered. The mind boggles as to the number of winners medals these great stalwarts of the club have amassed between them.
After the match, Commercial Manager Colin Chisholm thanked all the sponsors for their valued support. In an emotional address he praised the ex-players for their contribution throughout their playing careers and how they were instrumental in bringing success to the club in a scale we could only have dreamt about previously. Many of them were the pioneers of the success that we have become spoiled with and accustomed to. The fact they turn out in such numbers on days like this show that they are still very much a part of our ongoing success story.
The ex-players’ Man of The Match award was won by Ross Smith (Ross picked up all five sponsors awards) and he was presented with his award by Kevin Hitchell who with Dennis McKnight represented the Hitchell family. Colin in his address paid a glowing tribute to the late Cammy Hitchell and it was fitting that his son Kevin presented the ex-players award.
The ex-players acknowledged the contribution made by the Graham Wilson and the club’s all time top goal scorer Dennis Gray presented Graham with a gift to mark his testimonial year.
Colin also thanked the many regular sponsors such as the Loons, The Old Crocks and Mauchline Bowling Club who were in attendance on Saturday and to the many other groups who have sponsored during the season; he welcomed “The Riverside Inn Lads” from Newmilns who attended for the first time. Hopefully their first visit will not be their last and we look forward to welcoming them back again.
Thanks were also extended to Mr Brian Paterson of Emerald Contracts who has sponsored the match ball in every home fixture this season.
Listed below are a selection of photographs taken on the day, and we wish to thank Tommy Griffin, Hugh Muir, Jim Torrance and Morton Wright (Jnr) for sharing their photographs with the club, if anyone else has pictures of the day they wish to share, please What’s App them to 07718 768127 or email [email protected]
One unexpected highlight was a visit from “The Fitba Nomad” who is a prominent Ground Hopper. He visited the ground (and the village hostelries) and produced a superb written piece on his experience. The following is a extract of the content; however, it is well worth reading the full article (click on the link below) and be sure to hit the like button if you are impressed.
“Finally, I arrived at Beechwood Park, but rather than run straight in and explore I headed to one of the best fitba social clubs I’ve ever been to The Talbot Club. A quid entry was wrestled from my hand by a pair of charming auld yins and it was a price worth paying tenfold just to see the trophy cabinets full of more shiny things than a magpie’s wet dream. Trophy after trophy is on display, including ‘The Granddaddy of them All’ the Scottish Junior Cup. I might have gently caressed her at Vale of Clyde earlier in the season but, seeing her up on the wall like Juliet in her balcony was a fine sight indeed. Trophies aside it is a braw place, draught beer & plenty of spirits on offer, signed shirts everywhere you look and plenty of really lovely supporters. An honours board above the bar demonstrates the sheer scale of Talbot’s accomplishments over the decades, with confidence shown by the spaces left for future wins in still running tournaments. Beautiful place, cracking atmosphere and guid drink”.
https://thefitbanomad.wordpress.com/2023/04/23/atomic-dropped-at-auchinleck/
The Fitba Nomad with Willie Young & Kenny Paterson.
As stated previously, this was our last home game of the season, however if you are interested in attending match hospitality in the season ahead, contact Colin Chisholm 07929 831057 for details of the various packages available.
Pre Match welcome to the players from Willie Young
SATURDAY’S OTHER MATCH SPONSORS
THE LOONS
THE RIVERSIDE INN LADS, NEWMILNS.
THE OLD CROCKS & MAUCHLINE BOWLING CLUB
OTHER IMAGES FROM THE DAY
