The Twelfth Man 2011

9 For this Southerner “the Wombwell” has for some time been a home away from home. So many happy evenings spent with the welcoming members. Heartiest congratulations on your 60 th anniversary. Author/cricket writer and historian – David Frith (David has been a guest at Wombwell on six occasions. He won the Society’s Cricket Writer of the Year award in 1984 and makes a welcome return to speak at WCLS on 6 October 2011) Thank you for your letter reminding me of the WCLS 60 th Anniversary. Having just spent five sleepless nights listening to the final Test, I fear I am far too tired to think of anything witty to say – but heartiest congratulations in advance of September – the Diamond Anniversary month. Society Patron – The Lord Rix Kt CBE DL (written as England completed their Ashes victory in Australia, January 2011) I am delighted to wish the Wombwell Cricket Lovers’ Society a happy 60 th Birthday. You are not quite as old as me, but I still feel in fairly good nick so I am sure you will keep going for a while yet. I am particularly enthusiastic about your motto “My song shall be cricket and cricket my theme.” With best wishes. Tim Rice Wombwell Cricket Lovers’ Society occupies a very special place in the hearts of cricket lovers. For 60 years it has supported all that is good about the great game, encouraged young players and generally kept alive in difficult times the spirit of our summer sport. There are very few other organisations with the background and reputation of Wombwell Cricket Lovers’ Society. Long may it continue to promote the most glorious and beautiful of games. Society Patron – Sir Michael Parkinson Heartfelt congratulations to the Society on its Diamond Anniversary of 60 years of ‘Cricket Loving’ in the truest tradition of its famous theme. I have the happiest recollection of my early association with this fantastic organisation devoted to Yorkshire’s traditional links with the great game of cricket from junior level to its professional ranks. It was Jack Sokell, the then hard working secretary and founder member of the Society, who reminded me in his own inimitable style that following my appointment as President of the Yorkshire County Cricket Club my standing with some influential members would be enhanced if I could also show links with the Society. Of course he was right! I soon became aware of its increasing reputation in cricketing circles arising from its regular meetings with quality speakers who participated because of a ‘love of the game’ rather than any financial reward, which is so often the case these days. Another motivating force was the establishment of coaching classes for youngsters with potential by reputable coaches and keen volunteers who 60 th Anniversary Tributes sustained teaching methods of quality which in time resulted in some participants progressing to county level and even higher. Yet another notable achievement for a relatively small Society inspired by its hard working group of officials and associates. Long may such excellent work continue in fostering the benefits of cricket to so many. Society Patron – Sir Lawrence Byford, CBE, QPM, DL As I discovered some years ago when flatteringly asked a couple of times to talk to the Society, the members unwaveringly take their cricket seriously. An ill-timed or badly phrased observation can bring a rattle of gunfire from those in the audience who up to then have sat silently in rapt attention. With my instinctive regard for Yorkies, I always tried to choose my words with care. So there is a need for good-natured caution on the visitors’ part. It’s evident as we stroll the boundary in matches where Yorkshire are playing. We are encouraged to share a joke and an exchange, just as long as it doesn’t distract from the flow of the game. That is what I like about Wombwell. Its members have their own rules. They value the stats provided they are correct. They have always encouraged young players. They have an envied record for attracting famous players and administrators to their meetings. The Society’s reputation nationally has long been established. But in addition to the stern expressions – when serious matters like the county’s progress in the championship are being discussed – is the humanity that is never far away from this Cricket Lovers’ Society. It was what I noticed the first time I came to talk. To reach their diamond anniversary is a marvellous achievement. I compliment all, past and present, on the record to date. And I know there are many more runs to come. West Country journalist/cricket writer and author – David Foot Congratulations to the Wombwell Cricket Lovers’ Society on their Diamond Anniversary in 2011 – a year which sees Glamorgan CCC celebrate their own 90 th Anniversary as a first-class county. By the time the Society was formed, Glamorgan had lifted the County Championship title in 1948, and in subsequent years, they have been county champions on two further occasions. Matches between the Daffodil county and the White Roses have always been special affairs and here’s to further success for both counties and the Society in future years. Glamorgan archivist/county scorer – Andrew Hignell Very many congratulations on the Diamond Anniversary of the Wombwell Cricket Lovers’ Society in 2011. Cricket Societies are the heart of support for cricket throughout England and Wales and Wombwell has led the way as one of the most successful, knowledgeable and friendly of Societies. The list of speakers during those 60 years provides a Who’s Who of the game and has contributed richly to the history and enjoyment of the game we all love. Once again many congratulations on your first 60 years