So many will know what a genuinely tremendous stalwart of BGCC he has been over many years and the linchpin of the operation of the clubhouse. Geoff was an Honorary Life member.

Tributes will follow but in the meantime we are sure all the members and friends of the Club will join us in expressing our deepest condolences to Geoff’s wife Liz, children Mark and Abbie and the rest of his family.

Tom Gray

Many will have already heard the sad news of the recent death of Tom Gray, and will also join Barnt Green Cricket Club in expressing condolences to Tom’s wife Doreen, his children Stephen and Susan and the rest of Tom’s family.

Tom had reached the age of 90 and was the oldest member of Barnt Green Cricket Club, indeed he was an Honorary Life Member which is bestowed on a member in recognition of outstanding service to the Club over a considerable period. Tributes from a number of members confirm how fitting this honour was for Tom.

Tom was a right-hand bat and left arm round the wicket slow bowler. He started playing cricket as a boy in 1943 and eventually joined BGCC in 1971. He played mainly for the 2nd XI, which he captained for a number of years, but recorded his best bowling figures for the 1st XI of 8 for 21 against Water Orton CC. Tom also represented Worcestershire 50+ XI and after finishing playing in 1990 his career had included 9 hat-tricks. Added to this Tom also enlisted Doreen to produce numerous cricket teas – vital to any club.

Tom went on to an impressive umpiring career including being on the County 2nd XI and Birmingham & District Premier Cricket League umpires’ panels. He umpired at Lord’s and the Kensington Oval, Barbados. On the administrative front, he was a member of numerous cricket associations’ committees including the Midland Club Cricket Conference, the Worcestershire Cricket Association, Birmingham & District Cricket League, Worcestershire Cricket Umpires’ & Scorers Association, and of course BGCC committee – and was the club’s President between 2001 – 2004.

Tom combined his love of cricket with his teaching career and involvement in other civic and community organisations. He continued to attend the club regularly and was always keen to encourage the development of young cricketers. There is no doubt that Tom cared deeply about BGCC.

Tom’s qualities are reflected in a tribute from the club’s current President, Stephen Dodd:

“Tom played an extremely large part in my time at Barnt Green Cricket Club.

He coached me from the beginning, from nets at Warwickshire County Cricket Club, through to the club nets after school on the evenings. He gave me the chance to experience senior cricket at a very young age, allowing me to fill in and play in the 2nd XI when players dropped out at short notice at a time when the club only had two teams.

He was instrumental in me getting my first hundred for the club back in 1978, when he came out to umpire when I was on 50 and coached me through to my first 100, something I will never forget and be forever grateful.

He would always fight your corner, especially when it came to breaking into the 1st XI. Tom always has had BGCC at heart and was very vocal in his attempts to get the younger members into the 1st and 2nd XI teams, although this did cause conflict with other senior members of the club. He was someone you could always turn to for advice, although he would sometimes give it even if you hadn’t asked for it!

I don’t remember a single AGM when Tom has not attended, always making sure the committee worked in the best interests of the club and I can remember a few times when the AGM became very interesting and fiery.

A true clubman at heart, who has always supported the club and given his time and energy to support others. A special person, good friend and mentor, is how I will remember Tom. He will be a sad loss to Barnt Green, but remembered fondly by so many.”

Tom’s funeral has been arranged for Tuesday 29 December at Redditch Crematorium. Further details will be posted.