Have just returned from Brian Close's memorial service at St Chad's Church, Far Headingley. The large congregation were moved to applaud all three speakers who paid tribute to the great man. Brian Stott, former opening batsman for Yorkshire, read a speech prepared by John Helm, sports commentator and neighbour, who was away in India and then paid tribute to his former schoolboy friend himself. This was followed by Sir Ian Botham who spoke warmly of his former skipper at Somerset and how he had revitalised the county as well as developing the talent of Viv Richards and himself.
Finally Colin Graves, now chairman of the ECB, paid tribute not only to Brian Close the cricketer, but to his work for the club in developing young talent, as well as his period as President of the club. He spoke for everyone present by saying that his presence at Headingley will be missed by all cricket lovers. All the speakers quite rightly said we shall never see his like again.
Brian Sanderson has already reported on the weekend's events at Arthington, where cricket will be played for the next two weekends and does not end until Sunday 11th October. We are privileged each season to have this extended period of cricket when cricket watchers elsewhere have already shut up shop.
Martin Binks, the club secretary, as well as conductor of the Leeds Symphony Orchestra for the last 45 years, was awarded the CBE earlier in the year for his services to music. It could have been for services to Arthington cricket club for whom he has now taken over 500 catches behind the wicket.
Martin was in action behind the stumps last weekend with one agile stop down the leg side being particularly efficient. However, he did find time to demonstrate that he is also a very good photographer with a series of pictures of the regular spectators which he has sent to Catherine, daughter of the late Mick Bourne. Twelve months ago a memorial match was held at Arthington and the impressive Mick Bourne seat unveiled.
The Arthington regulars
The Arthington irregulars - Tony and Brian Senior on Mick Bourne's seat.
Fellow blogger Brian Sanderson looks as though he got a part in a Western.
Jennifer and Tony with their two 'minders' John Rex and Reg Parker.
Combined ages of the minders - 178 not out!
One final thought - we are approaching 300 blogs for the year, well past our record in 2013 already. We hope you have enjoyed them.
All three pictures by Martin Binks
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