22. S. J. W. IRWIN 1963-1973

Some Presidents have been very good cricketers, others have been local dignitaries; Sidney Irwin, or to give him his correct name, Stewart, would not have claimed to be either of these, but in his own way he was a very good President.
His forte was Public Relations. He instinctively knew the importance of talking to members and of making visitors feel welcome at the Club. He would be present at every home match, wearing his Club tie, blazer and an eye shade, taking round the collecting box (painted in the Club colours) and greeting everybody on the ground with a cheery word. And in the bar afterwards he was the friendliest of hosts.
He did not involve himself greatly in the management of the Club, but would give quiet encouragement to the other Officers as they carried out their tasks.
Sidney had a party piece. With a little persuasion, and the odd medicinal gin and tonic, he would break into song in the bar, particularly in Cricket Week. His rendering, in a rousing tenor, of 'Alouette, gentil Alouette', followed by numerous encores, would bring the house down. If only we a had a tape recording of it!