Q: How long have you been a member of the Shire, and what first brought you through the doors?
A: I’m not entirely sure when I first became a member, but I remember playing at Mannofield as a 9-year-old back in 1967. I’ve been a life member for many years now.

Q: What’s the best memory you’ve had at the club over the years?
A: Serving Desmond Haynes — the West Indies opening batsman — a brandy with fresh orange when he played for Scotland in 1983.

Q: What do you enjoy most about organising the Social League and Snooker League?
A: I’ve been organising the Social League for nearly 10 years now and it’s a great way to meet fellow members. With around 34 regular players these days, it takes a fair bit of time — good job I retired a few years ago!
The Snooker League has also been brilliant, especially visiting different social clubs for away games that I hadn’t been to for many years.

Q: Over your years in the Social League, who would you say have been the toughest competitors?
A: There have been many over the years — Dave McColgan for snooker, Ian Stuart for darts, Alan Nelson for dominoes, and Ian McBain for his speech play ?

Q: What’s your favourite night of the week at the club — and why?
A: Definitely Saturday nights. Especially if the Dons have won, and during the cricket season when the first team win and the bar is full of high spirits.

Q: You’ve spent plenty of time behind the bar… what’s the most ordered drink?
A: Tennents Lager, without a doubt.

Q: You play alongside your son David in the Social League — what’s the best piece of snooker advice you’ve given him?
A: “Don’t listen to me.”

Q: Your wife Carol is well known as the stalwart of the family — with you away at the club so often, how do you keep her on the good side? ?
A: It’s less about staying on her good side and more about avoiding her bad one! But seriously, I take her to the club as often as she wants to go.

Q: As Membership Secretary, what would you say to someone thinking about joining the club?
A: Don’t hesitate — we’re a friendly bunch, whether you’re here for the cricket or the social side.

Q: Finally… what does the Shire mean to you personally?
A: Family. I’ve had several relatives work here. I regularly met my mum and dad on Saturday nights, and we’ve had christenings, birthday parties and many other social events over the years in the Bradman.