The Twelfth Man 2018

38 THIRTY REFLECTIONS OF WOMBWELL R etiring Society secretary/official, Mick Pope, looks back across 30 years serving WCLS. When the Twelfth Man Editor asked if I would compile a piece for the 2018 magazine looking back at my three decades of involvement with Wombwell Cricket Lovers’ I was really a bit flummoxed as to how to approach the task. Then I struck upon it – thirty years wrapped up in 30 personal reflections of the memorable times, the dedicated people it has been my pleasure to serve alongside and also the significant symbols that capture what this great Society stands for. Here goes and in no particular order whatsoever! Jack Sokell – The founding secretary at Wombwell, who served for a remarkable 53 years. He was WCLS and the most hardworking cricket official I have ever encountered. Still much-missed! Brown envelopes – long before email, Twitter or the Internet, it was Jack’s thousands of letters, dispatched to all parts of the globe, that spread the word of Wombwell. Those letters, invites, messages and congratulations forged a mighty reputation. I received a good few myself! ‘My Song shall be Cricket and Cricket my Theme’ – again it was Jack who spotted this phrase and adopted it as a fitting motto for WCLS. Johnny Wardle – Wombwell’s first guest in September 1951 and a great supporter thereafter. Coaching – shortly after the Society’s formation the idea of coaching young cricketers became a major activity and down the years young players have developed their skills in the Wombwell nets. Some of course (from Arnie Sidebottom to Joe Root) have gone on to success in first-class and even Test cricket. The continuation of this support MUST remain a Society priority for as long as it exists. Coaches – from Eric Sykes and Ernie Steele, John Ambler, Mike Damms, Brian Marsh to Darren Crossland and ALL in between. Wombwell’s coaches have given up countless Sunday mornings and time to ensure that the young cricketers have been able to enjoy winter nets. Thank you one and all. Presentation/Awards night – each March we celebrate the progress of the young cricketers at the