Charlie honored for his services to cricket

Charlie honored for his services to cricket

Moonee Valley’s Graeme “Charlie” Walker has been honored with Life Membership of the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association.
The Life Membership was announced and presented to Charlie by NWMCA president Steven Knight at the association’s annual general meeting on July 28.
Charlie was recently re-elected Moonee Valley Cricket Club President for his seventh season, and was our Club’s junior co-ordinator for seven seasons before that.
Charlie, 58, has been the North West’s Under 10 Co-ordinator and a member of the junior committee since 2002/03, and our regular club delegate.
He’s also on the junior wet weather committee and is the regular voice for the recorded message on the NWMCA’s weather line for junior announcements, and on many occasions for senior announcements too.
Charlie said he was honored to be acknowledged with Life Membership and especially pleased to have received it from Steven Knight, with whom he has worked closely for many years on junior cricket initiatives, and on occasions on senior matters.
Charlie is responsible for Under 10 fixturing each season, and also has a keen interest in the Association’s rules and bylaws and discipline and investigations issues at both the junior and senior levels.
“I enjoy being involved as Under 10 Co-ordinator in the entry-level age group for cricket,” he said.

At left: Moonee Valley President Charlie Walker with his Life Member badge bestowed by the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association.

“It is important that things run as smoothly as possible for youngsters in their introductory season to our great sport of cricket, and equally important that their parents can have confidence in the program provided by our clubs and our Association.
“It was particularly pleasing that in the 2013/14 season we had 64 Under 10 teams, which is the most we’ve ever had in my 12 seasons in the role.
“I first became involved with the North West when I raised issues with the timing of the Under 10 fixture. But instead of just complaining I offered to work on a solution, and my involvement has continued since then.”
MVCC parent Paul Brock (right) was elected Junior Vice President at the AGM, and as head of the junior committee this means Moonee Valley will be well placed to raise issues of concern to our Club.
“As members of the junior committee we are representing the interests of junior cricket, rather than our own Club,” Charlie said.
“However, membership gives us the opportunity to ensure that matters of interest to our Club and our parents can at least be brought to the attention of the decision-makers.”
Rob Arnold of Taylors Lakes Cricket Club, who joined the junior committee the same year as Charlie, did the other age groups of junior fixturing and has also served on the NWMCA Board, was also honored with Life Membership.
Rob and Charlie are now among just 35 Life Members of the NWMCA and its predecessors, the North West Cricket Association and the Moreland Moonee Valley Cricket Association.