Looking back at the history of the Metropolitan Cricket Association
W Bro Reynold Hintzen PGStSB
At the creation of the Metropolitan Cricket Association, the first of many matches was staged at the scenic ground of the Royal Masonic School for Girls in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire. This popular venue was ideal for matches and fundraising for the boys and girls involved in the Sir Leonard Hutton Foundation and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children.
As this fixture gained popularity over time, so did the competition from other counties. Matches were played against challengers from Middlesex, Kent, Surrey, Hertfordshire, Sussex, Essex, Northamptonshire, Huntingdon and members of the Metropolitan Grand Lodge hierarchy were attracted to attend.
Becoming involved at the outset, I was pleased to be appointed Vice Captain and Assistant Coordinator and then honoured to be elevated to the Captaincy after three years. After five years, I was appointed as the Coordinator.
Recruitment of players to represent the Association has always been an ongoing exercise and soon attracted a host of players from the Guyana Lodge No 9626, including W Bro Rodney Boyce, W Bro Andrew Phillips, Bro Orrett Clarke (who is constantly reminding us what a good cricketer he is, and proving his point by performing creditably in his matches), Bro Ricardo Shepherd, Bro Gareth Grant and Bro Lancelot Pusey (who always attends as our resident DJ and Entertainment Manager).
All musical entertainment is provided by Bro Lancelot Pusey throughout the afternoon when tea, coffee and snacks are available. Equally popular is the post-match bar facilities and BBQ. According to Caribbean custom, there would always be a taste of Caribbean rum to be sampled, which became the responsibility of W Bro Rodney Boyce.
Over the years, travelling to and from matches far away proved difficult. It has now become an annual event to play the Middlesex District Cricket Association team for the trophy.
In 2019, at the Annual General Meeting, the Committee of the Association updated the Constitution and Rules as well as appoint Committee Members as follows:
Coordinator and Secretary – W Bro Rodney Boyce
Assistant Coordinator – W Bro Dr Reynold Hintzen
Captain – W Bro Eva Roberts
Vice-Captain – W Bro Andrew Phillips
Treasurer – W Bro Anthony Gibson
Promotions – W Bro Lee Townsend
Entertainment – Bro Lance Pusey and Bro Gareth Grant
The Association always welcomes new members and visitors. Please do contact W Bro Rodney, our Coordinator and Secretary, for more information.
This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 45 July 2021 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons – Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.
Read more articles in the Arena Issue 45.
