Bill Cook
Steve Massingham
Simon Cussons
Leaving the Crease
Bill Cook
Bill reached the milestone of being 80 years old early in September 2015 and in view of the health problems that had affected him in recent years decided to retire from on-field umpiring and his position as County Education Officer.
Bill had been an active official in Cumbria for over 40 years, under the ACU & S in the past and more recently as part of the ECB ACO organisation. In addition, he had tutored umpire training courses for 30 years, enabling officials to achieve academic qualifications and thereby progress to the highest levels. Last year, he was awarded an Honorary Life Membership for his services to officiating, as well as his 40-year tie which he wore with great pride.
Bill passed away peacefully at home in March. He had endured many sessions of both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. His funeral service took place on Friday 7 April at the Crematorium in Devonshire Road, Barrow-in-Furness, and was attended by many friends and colleagues from the world of cricket. His twinkling sense of humour was never better expressed then when finally working out that emails he should have received from Head Office were not arriving because his email address beginning‘ Twocooks’ had been wrongly transposed to‘ Twococks’! He wrote‘… that as good as we are, even men of Cumbria cannot claim this distinction’!
Steve Massingham
Steve developed an interest in cricket as a youth player at Sleaford CC – my home club now. However, most of you, like me, will know Steve as a result of his extended period as an umpire and as a cricket administrator in Lincolnshire.
He was Fixture Secretary for the Lincoln and District Leagues, Chairman of the Lincoln and Lincolnshire Umpires Association, and Chairman of the Lincolnshire ECB Premier League Umpires – where he worked tirelessly for them all. In the positions mentioned he attended English Cricket Board meetings all over the country to keep Lincolnshire at the heart of the cricketing world, and he was well respected by county colleagues and ECB officials alike wherever he went.
As an umpire on the field in the Lincoln leagues he would take time to encourage the younger players, advise them of the way forward in their cricketing development and always encourage them to play the game hard but fair. His words encouraged many – some made their way to play county cricket.
Steve supported and mentored young umpires, encouraging them to understand the players and communicate with them on and off the field of play, and he was always available for a word when needed. He was also adamant about procedures to be followed and, as I was, often frustrated because things could not be followed through as a result of poor reporting.
As an individual, Steve always wanted to progress and through genuine hard work and application he reached the Minor Counties Umpires Panel and was one of the best in the East Midlands – a real achievement.
As Chairman of the ECB Premier League I had many dealings with Steve, both official and unofficial. For me he was a delight to work with. Lincolnshire Cricket and the Umpires Association has lost a real servant, but he and his style will always be remembered on and off the field.
By Lincolnshire’ s former ECB Chairman, Colin White
Simon Cussons
We are sad to report the death of Simon Cussons in February. For many years, Simon was the representative for Wales on the Membership Services Committee and served with distinction, always bringing a sense of sheer common sense to proceedings. He officiated for many years throughout North Wales and was awarded an Honorary Life Membership of the Association on 2014. His funeral was held in Chester and many members of the Association were in attendance.
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