The Twelfth Man 2011

4 When invited to act as Editor for the Diamond Jubilee edition of The Twelfth Man I was deeply honoured, for although I ‘talk a lot’ I have no previous experience of editing anything, or I have to admit no expertise on a computer. Turn the clock back 50 years and I would have quite cheerfully have tackled the job clutching a fountain pen (and even that description seems outdated) with ball- point pens having taken over. I bet autograph collectors must often regret that change when they look at the scribbles appearing on their sheets or books. I treasure the pages of neat signatures given the 1948 Australians in my small autograph book. I am so grateful for help and advice given so freely by James, by Mick and other Officers of the Society. The have provided me with the major part of this publication and I have to plead for the indulgence of members in selecting a personal favourite for what is the major article. Edward (Ted) Lester was a regular member of the County team when I first developed a love for first-class cricket. Of course, Uncle Horace of Somerset held a great deal of my affection for the game, but for sheer loyalty to the club, Ted can have few equals. Making his debut just after the war ended, he held his place in the First Xl for a decade, before he took on the duty of Scorer for the next 30 years, turning out in an emergency when he was turned 40. I always look out for a friendly chat when at Scarborough. So there we go. If members feel I am being self- indulgent then I plead guilty, although I suppose it is an Editor’s prerogative. I don’t know and, to set the record straight, when I speak of Uncle Horace, as I often do, for the sake of accuracy, Horace L.Hazell was half cousin to my Dad, another Norman. I know everyone must bow to the memory of dear Jack Sokell, a real giant who was unquestionably the founding father of The Wombwell and I have in my collection of cricket magazines many letters written in his instantly recognisable handwriting. I have three of the much prized glasses, presented to me over the past decade after ‘filling in’ as speaker for Jack. As long the Society continues in existence, the name of Jack Sokell will be linked to it in the minds of cricket lovers everywhere. Visiting the MCC Library, not in London but at the MCG in Melbourne, I was thrilled to see the latest issue of The Twelfth Man on the shelf displayed alongside other top cricket magazines. To ‘Dickie’, James, Mick, Ron, Roy, Beryl and John I owe a great debt of gratitude for their help in gathering together the material for such an important issue. Without them I would have been lost, for the task of an Editor, in my view is to draw together the hard work put in by many people, often unsung, something like that of a Chairman I suppose. So in presenting this very important issue, I wish to record my thanks to all members who have made me so welcome, but accept responsibility for any mistakes contained therein. EDITORIAL Editor – Normal Hazell 2010 Annual Awards E.H.Umbers Services to Yorkshire Cricket Stuart Anderson Jack Fingleton Cricket Commentator of the Year Kevin Howells Brian Sellers County Captain of the Year Andrew Gale (Yorkshire) C.B.Fry Young Cricketer of the Year Adam Lyth (Yorkshire) George Spofforth Cricketer of the Year Marcus Trescothick (Somerset) Denis Compton Memorial Award for Flair Neil Carter (Warwickshire) Les Bailey Promising Young Yorkshire Player Jonathan Bairstow Learie Constantine Fielder of the Year Martin van Jaarsveld (Kent) (source: cricketarchive.com ) Arthur Wood Wicket-keeper of the Year Chris Read (Nottinghamshire) (source: cricketarchive.com) Dr Taylor Best Performance in Yorkshire/Lancashire Matches Adil Rashid (Yorkshire) J.M.Kilburn Cricket Writer of the Year Andrew Collomosse Stuart Anderson receives the WCLS E.H.Umbers award for Services to Yorkshire Cricket 2010 from Society Patron Mike Cowan