Top volunteer inspires Greytown growth

OUR MAN: An affectionate choke for the Wairarapa Cricket Association volunteer of the year, Dave Parke (centre) administered by WCA chair Sam Rossiter-Stead (left) and WCA development and operations manager Simon Roseingrave.

Wairarapa Cricket Association's Volunteer of the Year is Dave Parke from Greytown.

WCA chairman Sam Rossiter-Stead said this season Mr Parke had been at the forefront of development within the Greytown Junior Cricket Club.

"As a member of the Greytown cricket committee he has helped to establish stronger community relationships with Greytown Sport & Leisure and Greytown School. These relationships have instigated playing number growth from four teams at the start of 2014/15 to seven teams in 2015/16.

"Through this work, and his interest in all things cricket, Dave was invited to be a member of the Wairarapa Junior Cricket Board and has been integral in helping alleviate a lack of playing facilities around the district for junior club cricket.

"With his help, Greytown School now has two Friday night pitches, and Greytown the capability of hosting up to four junior matches on any given evening."

Mr Rossiter-Stead said Mr Parke had put his name forward to manage the Wairarapa JCB rep Development Green side (under-12s), and his organisational skills and efforts were roundly appreciated by coach Chris Osborne, as well as all parents.

"It was Dave's organisation that allowed this side to play Saturday morning club cricket, travel to New Plymouth in the afternoon, before a match Sunday (a victory to the rapa), and travel home again in the evening."