Grafton cricket growth a testament to service

Stew Wilson (L).

Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to cricket

When Stew Wilson joined Grafton United Cricket Club out of school in 1971, he was seized to fulfil treasurer duties because "someone found out I was studying for a BCom".

Today Wilson is honoured for voluntary service which has seen the club flourish into one of Australasia's biggest, boasting more than 1000 members and 28 senior teams.

"When I started, I think there were five junior teams and three senior teams," he says. "We were based in the old Campbell Free Kindergarten [at Victoria Park], which had deteriorated so much that if you used the showers the water leaked out the entrance into the carpark.

"The floors were rotting, too. One day a lady sat on the [upstairs] toilet and ended up on the ground floor."

After the old grandstand burned down, Auckland City Council helped to fund new clubrooms. Wilson helped lead the fundraising. The new 1992 complex now also houses the Ponsonby Rugby League Club, Auckland Football Referees Association and Auckland and Districts Pipe Band Association.

Camaraderie has sustained Wilson in his transition from player to club president. "It's simple things like old mates ringing to wish you a Merry Christmas and always including 'good luck to Grafton'."

Wilson says the focus has turned from winning championships to ensuring everyone enjoys the game to justify their subscriptions.

He has also served on the Auckland Cricket board of control, the Eden Park board of control, Auckland Cricket and as Grafton delegate to the Auckland Cricket Association from 2002 to 2011. Andrew Alderson