Old Parks Sports Club renames fields after impactful members

In a ceremony held at the Old Parks Sports Club, three of the club’s sports fields were renamed to honour members who have made significant contributions to the club’s success and legacy. The event, attended by club members, families, and guests, marked a momentous occasion in the club’s history as it paid tribute to individuals who have shaped its identity.

Club manager Lizette Driescher emphasised the importance of honouring those who have left a mark on the club. “We felt that we wanted to honour long-standing members who impacted the sports grounds and got the club to where it is today.”

Among the honourees were Tony Borrajeiro and Doug Neilson, two long-standing members whose unwavering commitment and leadership have been instrumental in the club’s growth and success.

The chairman of the club, Dave Nosworthy, presided over the ceremony and shared the histories of the members. “Tony joined the club in 1963 as an Old Boy and member and he played pivotal roles throughout the decades. Serving on the cricket committee from 1964 to 1970, Tony then took on the role of vice treasurer, managing the club’s finances alongside grounds manager Copper Orr.”

Tony expressed his gratitude and stated, “It is an honour to have a sports field named after me. Old Parks holds a special place in my heart.”

The second field was renamed in honour of Copper Orr who passed away years ago. Nosworthy said little is known about Orr, but he played a pivotal role in bringing this specific field to life. “The club decided to leave the field in his name because he was on the tractor every weekend for six months preparing the field,” said Nosworthy.

Despite Old Parks’ efforts to locate his family and extend an invitation to the ceremony, they were unable to track anyone down. Nevertheless, his legacy lives on through the field that bears his name, serving as a lasting reminder of his contributions to the club’s history.

Nosworthy then moved on to the next field where he honoured Doug Nielson for his contributions to the club through hockey and cricket. “Doug started his cricket journey in the late 60s as a schoolboy, he later captained the Old Parks cricket Premier side to three consecutive league titles in the early 70s. His outstanding performance earned him the nickname ‘The Mean Machine’ and led to his representation of the Transvaal provincial A-team”.

Doug, equally touched by the gesture said, “Old Parks, to me, is good because of its members. It has great members and that’s what keeps this park going. The amazing members. My hope is to see the park continue and to see it grow.”

The renaming of the sports fields not only pays tribute to the individuals being honoured but also serves as a reminder of the club’s rich heritage and the bonds that unite its members. As Newsworthy summarised, “Today, we celebrate not only the past achievements but also the legacy they leave behind. Their names will forever be part of the club, even when we decide to rename the fields again, their names will remain on the boards inspiring future generations to continue their legacy.”

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