MDHA Life Membership to Kel Savage....
Kel Savage
Kel’s involvement in MDHA started more than 17 years ago when his children started playing hockey. While his wife Debbie was Secretary of the MDHA, his involvement in hockey increased, culminating in his presidency of the association for 2 years in the first instance, and again for another 2 years when we were unable to fill the position. Kel has continued in the role of Vice President, since his last tenure as President.
During this time and since, Kel has been a “hands-on” member of the committee. He is currently a member of the Finance Committee and Chair of the Grounds Committee. Both these committees are integral to the smooth running of the MDHA.
His contribution to the preparation and installation of our first ‘Water-based’ Artificial Surface in 2004/5 was enormous. During this time he was on site daily, negotiated contracts with suppliers, and liaised with Tiger Turf.
This surface is currently in the process of being replaced and again Kel has been involved from the ground up – being an active member of the Turf committee, involved in the investigation and selection of the new turf to be installed. This project will go into full swing in mid December, and again Kel will be there on site to ensure that all aspects of the new turf are correct.
Kel is currently the stadium convenor and has been since 2005. He is responsible for the activities held in the Stadium on a weekly basis. He has single handedly saved the cricket competition and has the respect of all involved. He does the draw, points, collects the fees for handing on to the treasurer and works the bar each and every Wednesday night, as well as on Thursday’s Roster for Granville Hockey club.
He has been Chair of the Grounds Committee for a number of years and as such acts as Manager for the Groundsman. He oversees the work to be done and implements plans for development of our facilities. He has the respect of all members of the committee, as is evidenced by the support he receives from the Hockey community at large, when working bees are called.
Kel is and has been an active member of the Finance Committee since the early 2000’s. This committee controls the expenditure of the MDHA, and as you are all aware, we now turn over half a million dollars a year. This is a huge responsibility, and Kel’s role on the finance committee is a testament to his contributions over many years. In 2013-2014 financial year, the MDHA will turn over in excess of one million dollars, which includes the expenditure involved in the new turf, plus the income from the Masters Championships in May 2014. Kel no doubt will be heavily involved in both of these activities.
Kel can be found each and every Saturday during the hockey season, behind the bar. He not only works the bar, he also controls the purchase of alcohol. He has had to negotiate the best prices from our suppliers.
His administrative skills have also been used over many years, having written letters, compiling Grant Applications (e.g. Water Tanks – successful) and often preparing certificates of recognition for awards presented by the MDHA. Kel is also our IT guru – always called whenever we have problems with our computer and Internet. He has been of invaluable assistance to Cheryll Brown (MDHA Secretary) in this respect.
Note: This is just a brief summary of the contributions Kel has made to the MDHA over many years, and all would agree that this Life Membership was well deserved.