Reflecting on the life of our President we all have fond memories and those who attended his youngest son�s wedding in the early 90�s, will treasure the moment he stepped up and demonstrated his talents on the piano. He was often surprised when I mentioned the many activities the cricketing members were involved in during the close season, but I am sure our members would be equally surprised if they new the true depth and diversity of his life, moving through the best part of the 20th century and all the challenges that involved.

As well as a family friend, Bob has been an important figurehead for Bradninch Cricket Club and during the dozen or so years that I have been Chairman he has been a valuable ally giving guidance and support with a sympathetic ear, when things have not gone quite to plan. Despite the ups and downs (literally in terms of league positions) he has remained remarkably optimistic and set a useful yardstick for me as I have tried to maintain everyone�s focus on attaining the very highest of standards both on and off the field.

From a personal perspective I am glad that I had the opportunity to speak with him recently, immediately prior to the November AGM. He talked, as always, enthusiastically about Bradninch Cricket and was as keen as ever to continue as President for another year. We chatted for a good 20 minutes covering a wide range of subjects, touching briefly on the frustrations of old age and I was able to empathise with memories of my Father, as he too suffered, with ill health lessening his ability to lead such an active life in his later years.

Despite the inevitable thoughts of mortality, I came off the telephone fully motivated to deal with the busy day, ahead of chairing the evening�s AGM and felt a sense of well being having listened to our President speaking so positively about the support he would continue to give. He followed this up with good wishes in a letter, which was warmly received when I read it out at the Dinner and Dance two weeks later.

Looking back to his earlier days umpiring for Bradninch, he set high standards of etiquette and one of the simple disciplines he introduced was for the team to follow the Captain on to the field in an orderly fashion. Whenever I see a first class game I am reminded of his love and respect for the more cultural aspects of the sport and his influence on Bradninch Cricket leaves a lasting legacy, which we will endeavour to live up to in honour of one of the true gentlemen of the game.

Derrick Foan
BCC Chairman

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