extension of amenities at mannofield cricket ground

With a view to affording better facilities for players, members, and spectators, Aberdeenshire Cricket Club have carried out at their ground at Mannofield an improvement scheme embodying the extension of the tea-room and refreshment-room, and the provision of a new car park. Owing to lack of funds the complete scheme drawn up by the special committee, under the convenership of Mr J. J. Williamson, vice-president, has not been undertaken meantime. It aims at the construction of an additional tea-room at the south-east corner and the introduction of electric lighting and baths in the players' quarters. The extended premises were formally declared open by Lord Provost Watt on Saturday afternoon. The Lady Provost was also present. 

Spectators' Loyalty Mr C. W. Mackie, president, outlined the improvements that had been carried out, and indicated the other plans the committee had in mind. The Aberdeenshire cricketers, he said, could help towards the completion of the entire scheme. If they could win the counties' championship for the next two or three years they would have no difficulty getting the necessary funds. They wanted to do something for the spectators who were very loyal to the club. Not only were they loyal, but he had it from the captains of visiting clubs that they would rather play at Mannofield than anywhere else because they were always given a better reception in Aberdeen than by their own people. The same position was to be found at Pittodrie. That, he considered, was a great compliment to pay to the sportsmanship of the spectators at the cricket matches and football matches in Aberdeen.

 Completed Scheme Hoped For Congratulating the club on its enterprise in providing the extended facilities, Lord Provost Watt said everything was tending to make the Mannofield ground one of the very best cricket grounds in the whole of Scotland. The completion scheme in its entirety would be a great boon to spectators. Recalling some of the past matches which Aberdeenshire had played against touring sides, the Lord Provost said he would like to see the arrangement of a visit from a representative English eleven. It would be an interesting event for Aberdeenshire cricketers and their supporters who did not have the chance of seeing the English players in action elsewhere. The Lord Provost referred to the great assistance the club had received from Col. Tawse, and expressed its indebtedness to the ladies who were responsible for the catering, and to Mr Mackie for the services he rendered as the club's president.  On the call of Mr J.J. Williamson cordial thanks were expressed to Lord Provost Watt and the Lady Provost. 

At the Ceremony The arrangements for the ceremony were carried out by the secretary, Mr R. Findlay Crabb. Those who accepted invitations to be present at the ceremony included, in addtion to the Lord and Lady Provost and Mr Mackie, Mrs Mackie and Mrs Logan, Mr S. Tawse, Mr and Mrs Wm. Veitch, Mr and Mrs John Murray, Mr and Mrs A. McBain, Mr J. J. Williamson, Chief Constable Gauld and Professor McKerron. 

Source : Aberdeen Press and Journal Monday April 27th, 1936