b]Profile of John Bell [/b]

Having now celebrated our 50th year, there is one person who has, as they say seen it all, done it all and has even got the t-shirt!!! Giving undivided loyalty and total dedication to one club for over 50 years (and counting!!) is no mean feat. He is of course no other than John Bell. He has done it all, scored a 100, taken a hattrick or three, 9 wickets in a match and catching the other wicket to fall off the bowling of Bill Ramsay. John has covered most positions on the committee and is still involved in his role as the Ground Convenor.

John was born on the 25th April 1943, he was a founder member albeit at the tender age of 14. He failed to play any matches at the original ground in Markinch. The next move to Dovecot Park saw John play only a few games during holidays, as he joined the Civil Service in Newcastle. He retired from the Civil Service in 1995 and began working in the local job centre until again he retired in 2005.

On the bowling front John and Bill Ramsay were an awesome opening pairing and in the early days prior to limitation of overs for bowlers John would regularly bowl from start to finish in a match. It was a regular occurrence for John to take over 100 wickets in a season, his best performance was 9 for 25 against Nairn's from Kirkcaldy. Nairn's were all out for 40 and John took a catch for the other wicket!! He has also had some success with the bat, making a century in a match against Perth Mayfield at the Doocot Park in Perth.

John also enjoyed many memorable tours, for normal he was recognised as being a fairly big hitter. One match in particular being the last match of a Bristol tour against Long Ashton. Needing 6 to win with only one ball remaining and with only one wicket remaining the opposition wicket keeper bet John a pint of beer that he could not hit a six into the pavilion to win the game. John duly obliged to win the game and of course his bet!!

John Bell died suddenly at his home in Glenrothes in October 2016, he will be dearly missed by all at GCC. See our News article for further information.