That was 58 years ago and from that session we became firm friends and partners in all aspects of PCTBC.
I caught Bob’s first wicket for the 1st team against Longsight which was the start of his massive contribution as a player. Bob’s legendary status is based on his overall contribution to the club as a player, coach, captain, umpire, committee member, scorer, statistician, historian, vice-chairman, fixture secretary and President. WOW!
We played cricket, football, golf, snooker and, believe it or not, crown green bowls together and our families were all entwined in all aspects of the club.
Socially, many Saturday nights were spent together, the main discussion being Bob’s injuries from that day’s sporting fixtures and that is prior to him playing Rugby! Bob came up with the ultimate solution to that issue by producing his own in-house medical team.
We were both at the forefront of change which involved the club taking youth development as its priority. Bob started our Under 13 teams and threw himself into coaching, where he excelled. The players and coaches that came through that period are part of the major success of Prestwich Cricket Club.
In addition to all that Bob became the secretary of the Lancashire and Cheshire League and on to the Lancashire County League. Some would say, and I would agree, that Bob successfully ran both leagues. During that period he was appointed to sit on the Lancashire Cricket Board and after a few years became Chairman. A fantastic achievement for a brilliant administrator.
He transformed inter league matches at all levels and continued to manage them through to 2024. A giant of grassroots cricket in Lancashire, he was overjoyed this season when Prestwich reached the Lancs KO final but sadly was unable to attend due to ill health.
Just to put into context his contribution to Prestwich, even when poorly he arranged and managed all our fixtures up to and including our final fixture of this season on 29th September and arranged our Junior Presentation that takes place tonight.
That tells you everything about the man. Simply the best.
Rest in peace pal.
Brian.
** Bob’s funeral is 10am at Blackley Crematorium on Thursday 17th October **
