The arrival of the invitation announcing "The Celebration" immediately set the mind to work. For some it was about the memories of times and people past. For others there were a range of questions. Who will be there? How adventurous of the club to venture such an undertaking! Who are the former players to be receiving the honour of Life Membership? Of course for the modern player it also raised questions about the cut of suit to be worn or purchased, what colour should be added to the hair and of course should it be worn with gel or without gel?!

Importantly though, the invitation announced that the gathering would be at the Crown complex on 28 November 2007. The invitation also noted the following:-

The evening opened as Colin Kinnear - Master of Ceremonies for the night (pictured left) and of course himself a Carlton Cricket great welcomed all those present.

Col took the opportunity to tell the assembled throng how the evening had come to be before  then introducing Carlton President - John Douglas.

(It should be noted that not only did Col "anchor" the night as MC but also had been significant in helping to make the night happen through a series of contributions. Those efforts are appreciated by all who attended.)

Following Colin's warm words, Carlton President - John Douglas took the stage and formally welcomed the 220 guests in attendance for the night. John took the opportunity to elaborate on the decision of the Board to confer Life Membership to all those who had played in a First Eleven premiership. In the course of his welcome he also noted the range of far-flung places from which the night's special guests had come. In short all states bar South Australia were represented. 

Geoff Tamblyn, as Chairman of Cricket Victoria, responded to John's welcome by proposing the toast to Carlton Cricket Club.

(Pictured below John Douglas - left and right - Geoff Tamblyn as he later shared some time with Col Kinnear and Richie Robinson.)

After the "welcomes" were concluded, and throughout the night, guests enjoyed a wonderful meal together with the chance to reaquaint themselves with the many familiar faces in the crowd.

The evening also included a Guest Speaker - another great "Carltonian". As a footballer, his time is associated with Hawthorn Football Club, but as a Premiership Coach, it is his time time and achievements with Carlton Football Club for which David Parkin has earned respect and reputation as a great developer and leader of sports talent.

On the night of "The Celebration", David largely directed his comments to the playing group and in particular those who are part of the First Eleven. In doing so, David spoke especially about the matters of the power and value of cohesive teams in pursuit of clear goals and further, of the importance of hard work toward those goals. 

(Pictured right David Parkin - the evening's Guest Speaker - addresses the night in a typical pose of strength and purpose.)

Later, David took the opportunity to mix with many of Carlton's First Eleven players.

A further period to refresh and relax was followed by the proceedings that were central to the night. This was the awarding of Life Membership in Carlton Cricket Club to a number of Carlton's former First Eleven Premiership Players. Those presented with the honour are listed below. (Alpha order L to R and pictured below in no specail order.)

N. R Buszard
K. G. Fewster
R. C. Jordan
H. Martin
J. S. Miller
R. D. Robinson
E. W. Seccombe
I. R. Taylor
J. W. Vine

 K. Farmer
A. L. Gallagher
B. R. Knight
G. D. Miles
G. C. Nichol
M. B. Scholes
G. A. Smyth
W. M. Tyson

Each of the recipients were introduced by Col Kinnear and were presented their Certificates of Life Member by Shannen Scholes. Most Award recipients quietly accepted their award and awaited the presentation to others. It would be no surprise to many to learn that one - Mr R. C. Jordan - took the opportunity to joyfully offer some comment. Ray's presence on the night was keenly felt and enjoyed as it has been across Melbourne and Victorian sporting fields for many years.

As First Eleven Premiership Players of Carlton Cricket Club, all Award recipients are regarded as greats of the club, but one - Mr A. L. Gallagher - holds a quite special place in Victorian sporting history. In 1968 "Gaggs" was a member of the Premiership winning team of Carlton Football Club. In the following week he set to work as part of the Season 1968/69 Carlton Cricket Club First Eleven Premiership winning team. The cricket team achieved this mantle by completing the season undefeated. As an individual achievement, playing in an AFL Premiership and Cricket Victoria premiership in the one season is one we are unlikely to see again.

Following the presentation of Life Membership certificates, Neil Buszard responded on behalf of the group. (Pictures below - Neil Buszard responds, Ray Jordan receives his certificate, the Scholes girls - Shannen and Dianne.)

Next to be recognised were two people who, as administrators have been significant contributors to Carlton Cricket Club over a considerable period of time. The two gentlemen have, through their contributions, enabled the club to hold the worthy recognition of being well-run and, in sound financial order and respected by others. The two new life members (pictured below with President John Douglas) are:-

 C. K. Cook

J. W. McConville 

Concluding the formal part of the evening's presentations, First Eleven captain - Tim Welsford spoke and told those assembled of the desires and aims of the First Eleven for the current season. In doing so, Tim gave a brief insight to the process the group took to set itself for the season. As well, Tim spoke of the impact and significance of this night by being able to meet and be a part of an assembly of so many greats of the Carlton Cricket Club.

Thereafter, the evening wound down with everyone enjoying the pleasure of catching up with friends and swapping yarns and discussing the prospect of future success. There was plenty of musing over when the next opportunity might present to get together again.

Several of the tables relax and enjoy each others company. For a long-time Carlton footy club supporter it was also great to see a host of wonderful footy players who had provided so many footy highlights over the years too.