MEMBERS of Redditch Cricket Hockey and Rugby teams paid tribute to retiring president Noel Green with a presentation evening.

Green joined the Club as a cricketer 60 years ago when he was 18 and has been involved ever since, serving on the Management Committee for 55 years.

During the 1970s he was Vice Chairman, becoming Chairman in 1980 and President in 1984.

He decided to step down as President but is staying on as a Director.

When Green joined, the Club was much smaller but provided facilities for cricket, hockey and tennis.

Over the years he played an active role and saw the Club go from strength to strength.

In the 1960s he saw the re-formation of the Rugby Club, even providing a pitch at the family farm.

He also oversaw the building of a new Clubhouse, the all-weather hockey pitch and squash courts, the floodlit Astro pitch, at the time the only one in Worcestershire, and new changing rooms.

As he retires, membership exceeds 500, of which over 200 are juniors being coached in and playing cricket, hockey, rugby and squash.

Added to this is the use made of the Club's facilities by many other organisations like the County Hockey Association, the Redditch Road and Path Cycling Club, the Redditch Sub Aqua Club and many football clubs who use the Astro pitch.

He is certain the club will improve its service to the community and supports plans to expand playing facilities over the next two or three years.