There was a very large attendance indeed at Easthampstead Crematorium paying their full respects and condolences to Angela and the family. They all gave moving tributes.

The wake was appropriately held at Finchampstead Sports Club with everyone able to look out on the fine cricket ground in the dry sunny weather. Again a large attendance saw family, friends, colleagues, neighbours and many cricket players and officials from clubs so well known by John and our Finchampstead Cricket Club able to pay their respects.

It is appropriate to repeat and recall our experiences of John. Already a senior cricket umpire when joining Finchampstead Cricket Club in 1990 he was then honoured when elected as a Vice President of the club in 1995. So a 35 years warm association with us.

John officiated as an umpire in the Thames Valley Cricket League then from 2000 following its start in the Home Counties Premier League. He was already a Minor Counties umpire prepared to officiate in matches anywhere in England from Carlisle to Jesmond and Norwich to Truro !! Ho officiated in more than 250 matches in both Premier League and Minor Counties matches so 500 plus. In addition countless Berkshire Youth and Wellington College matches, and many MCC matches including several overseas tours.

John also chaired the Premier League Umpires panel for 12 years thus serving on the main executive committee.

John served as most capable and respected secretary of our cricket club for the last seven years of his life. All this devotion to the game of cricket by John was so appropriate and demonstrated as we paid our respects to him at the Finchampstead club and ground he simply loved so much.

We wish to thank most sincerely Maxine, Geraldine, Phil, and the brothers Dan and Joshua of Finchampstead Sports Club for their considerable efforts to ensure the farewell to John took place so smoothly at the club he so valued.

NEIL DOODY : PRESIDENT FINCHAMPSTEAD CRICKET CLUB