James Grant Penwill - 1939 – 2023

​The club were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Life-Member Jim Penwill last week at the age of 84, who passed peacefully in his home in Greasby.

Jim was a prominent committee member from the 1960s until the early 2000’s and he held various senior management committee posts including Club Chairman, Club President, Secretary, Junior Chairman to name but a few. In fact, some current senior members will fondly remember Jim being involved in the running of the junior section when they were juniors themselves.

Jim was heavily involved in the club purchasing the back field in the 1990s from Miss Dodd who was the owner of Hill Farm at the time. He nurtured a good neighbourly relationship with her and was in good position in the negotiations of buying the land in order for our growing junior membership to be able to form a third and then subsequently a fourth team. Jim then administered the loans from members to fund the purchase. There is absolutely no doubt, that without his determination and dedication there would not be a back pitch today.

Jim’s plan was to fully develop the back pitch and facilities to match the standard of the front pitch and then to name it after his mother who was a great supporter and tea lady at Irby CC for many years.

In more recent years, as Jims health with age began to deteriorate he was unable to visit and attend the club as often as he liked. However, he remained in full contact with committee members and followed all weekly results. He always asked to receive the club accounts and AGM notes and was never backward in coming forward to give his opinions on what he thought the club should be doing to improve things.

Jim was a very generous man not just with his time but as a single man with no family he made significant donations to the club throughout his life which assisted with the running and development of the club.

​Jim’s funeral is being held this coming Thursday 27 th July at 10.30am at Landican. The club will also be hosting a wake straight afterwards and any member who knew Jim and are able and would like to pay their respects are welcome to attend.