Mark Henshaw
24/04/2007Mark Henshaw: Mytholmroyd, Motivation and Money
By Russell Eggar
Memberships, subscriptions, equipment, room hire, sponsorships, donations and advertising. These are just some of the things that Mark Henshaw has to consider as Mytholmroyd Cricket Club's treasurer. It is a job that undoubtedly takes a lot of time and effort as the club has a lot of financial dealings in just one season. "I look after everything financial, all the incoming and outgoings. All money matters at the club are seen by me."
It is no surprise that Mark has taken on the role of treasurer as he is both a resident of the town and has worked in the finance industry for a number of years. He now works in the tax office in Halifax but is...nevertheless still a popular member of Mytholmroyd CC mainly due to the outstanding work that he carries out. This work often contains jobs that go beyond his call of duty. He mentions that there are even tasks that he doesn't necessarily have to do, yet he is more than willing execute them to the best of his ability. "I even do the brewery orders for the beer supplies which can sometimes be a heavy load."
It could be said that without Mark the club would not in fact be able to function as well as it does. MCC is renowned for being a well-organised club and this it seems has a lot to do with Mark. He openly admits that he is an organised person. "You have to, without a doubt, be organised to do this job".
Mark covers every area of the club's finances, no matter how big or small, keeping track of every penny that comes in or goes out. Having said this, it is clear that Mark did not join the club merely to tend to the books! He is a keen cricketer and is dedicated to the club, having played at Ewood Homes for more than 20 years after moving to Halifax from Nottingham in the early 1980s.
He has played at every level within the club whether the 1st XI, 2nd XI or Sunday XI, and has been a part of all the recent successes and failures. He has been through promotions, championship wins, relegations and cup wins. He has scored centuries, captained sides and been out for ducks. He was even part of the second team that finished bottom of the second division and had to re-apply for league status.
An experienced batsman, Mark now plays in the Sunday team, helping teach and motivate the youngsters and supports them by batting whenever and wherever he is needed. "If it's all going wrong at the crease, I come in, usually at 8 or 9, and calm things down with an old head."
It seems that Mark's style of play is as organised as his budget-keeping. A player who is patient and selective in his shots, his experience is important and irreplaceable in such a young team.
He is also appreciative of the friendly and family nature of the club and enjoys the atmosphere it creates. He will continue to play for the foreseeable future and will also continue in his role of treasurer, a position that is possibly the most important job of all at a local cricket club. Therefore, it is not pushing it to say that the future of the club lies in Mark's hands or, rather, in his books.