The high regard in which Laurie Mayne has been held at Burnley CC during the past two seasons was demonstrated on Friday when the pavilion was crowded with well-wishers. A presentation of a picture and clock was made on behalf of the club by Mr. Tom Alston, chairman of directors and Lancashire League representative, while club captain Roland Harrison, on behalf of the players, handed over a canteen of cutlery. A bouquet was presented to Mrs. Mayne by Mrs. Harrison.
Mr.Alston said that while the professional and his wife would not be leaving Burnley immediately it had been decided to have the “farewell” prior to the last match of the season. Laurie had justified the confidence which another previous professional, Wally Langdon, had in him and he had been completely dedicated to his job. He had emerged with great credit not only to himself but to the club and the Lancashire League and was a fine ambassador for Australia. He would return home with the best wishes of everyone associated with Burnley CC and Mr. Alston commented that it spoke for itself when one recalled that it was a long time since there had been a presentation such as this to a departing professional.
Mr. Mayne stated that there was sadness in parting and it was not by chance that the picture and clock had been selected. Whenever Mrs Mayne and he looked at them in their home they would be reminded of Burnley and the many people who had been so kind to them. There were four gentlemen in particular he would like to name who had been especially outstanding in their service to Burnley cricket. Bill Ashworth was a groundsman who knew and loved his cricket. He had enjoyed playing under the captaincy of Roland Harrison, a player who with a little luck he felt would go to the top. There had been times when he had not agreed with the captain taking him off, but when he had thought about it and got rid of his “foolish pride” he realised it had been the best for the team. Roland’s fielding was of such a high standard that they had raised theirs in consequence. He himself would be glad to hear of Roland leading the team to league honours. Another loyal servant was Shaun Richards, the steward, who did so much behind the scenes and he hoped that he would continue at Burnley CC for many years. Mr. Mayne paid tribute to the secretary, Mr. Jim Mitchell, “a gentleman of the highest order,” and said that the club would be in a sad state if he had to leave. The retiring professional also spoke of Mr. Harold Dawson, the scorer, and the ladies’ committee who worked so hard to help raise money.
His two years In Burnley was an experience he and Mrs. Mayne would never forget for the wonderful people and the happy associations.