Fawley and New Forest CCA stalwart Alan Sturgess has died after a long illness. A playing member and president at Holbury for 63 or more years, Alan worked for many years enhancing the pitches at Long Lane, the Waterside club being named SPL Ground of the Year in 2014. Alan was long time secretary of the New Forest CCA.
In a tribute, Fawley chairman John Church said: "We we have lost our leader, mentor and a friend. Alan simply was Mr Fawley CC.
"As a player Alan was a competitive and talented all rounder. Alan always gave 100 per cent and loved winning; however he always played the game in the right way, enjoying a pint with the opposition afterwards.
"He loved to encourage and support younger players as they made their way in the game. Our annual club tours and spending time with Alan each year was something we all greatly enjoyed and looked forward to.
"Off the field, Alan held most positions within the club. He was our club treasurer for over 20 years and since retiring from work has been our head groundsman. He has for many years been the club president. When the club’s actual existence was in doubt following the collapse of the social club, it was Alan who galvanised us as a committee to not give up.
"His love for cricket took him all the way to Australia a few winters when he went to support the England team in an Ashes series. I for one loved watching his tour round Oz via FB during a cold winter here in the UK. Some wonderful memories for all involved in that trip.
"The work he and his grounds team put in ensured we always have had one of the very best grounds in the County. I know how rightly proud he was when Fawley was named the best ground in the whole Southern League back in 2014. Del, Reg and Shaun who work on the ground with Alan will I know miss him greatly.
"He also took on roles to support the wider cricket community. He was part of the HCL disciplinary committee for a number of years and until very recently was the NFCA secretary. I know the whole local cricket community will be saddened by this news.
"The club will never be the same again that is for sure. Alan once said to me that if we as a club stand still we will, in effect, go backwards. I know we will not be letting that happen with our current Chairman Chris and committee, we owe it to Alan to keep trying to improve.
"Alan had very many other interests and passions outside cricket. How he found the time for it all I will never know ? RIP Alan, you will be missed by us all at Fawley."
Speaking on behalf of the New Forest CCA, association chairman Nick Gossip said: "Alan was an exemplary Secretary of NFCCA, serving, we believe, in excess of ten years on the committee and in this post.
"His exceptional organisational skills proved invaluable in arranging the Stone Cup and Presidents Cup competitions which are open to all New Forest cricket clubs, at all levels.
"Alan took a great interest in all clubs participation, and was thrilled when his own club, Fawley, won the Presidents Cup against Bashley (Rydal) this season. Sadly, he was not well enough to attend the final match.
"The NFCCA committee are proposing to award a new trophy in Alan’s honour for the coming season."
In a tribute, Fawley chairman John Church said: "We we have lost our leader, mentor and a friend. Alan simply was Mr Fawley CC.
"As a player Alan was a competitive and talented all rounder. Alan always gave 100 per cent and loved winning; however he always played the game in the right way, enjoying a pint with the opposition afterwards.
"He loved to encourage and support younger players as they made their way in the game. Our annual club tours and spending time with Alan each year was something we all greatly enjoyed and looked forward to.
"Off the field, Alan held most positions within the club. He was our club treasurer for over 20 years and since retiring from work has been our head groundsman. He has for many years been the club president. When the club’s actual existence was in doubt following the collapse of the social club, it was Alan who galvanised us as a committee to not give up.
"His love for cricket took him all the way to Australia a few winters when he went to support the England team in an Ashes series. I for one loved watching his tour round Oz via FB during a cold winter here in the UK. Some wonderful memories for all involved in that trip.
"The work he and his grounds team put in ensured we always have had one of the very best grounds in the County. I know how rightly proud he was when Fawley was named the best ground in the whole Southern League back in 2014. Del, Reg and Shaun who work on the ground with Alan will I know miss him greatly.
"He also took on roles to support the wider cricket community. He was part of the HCL disciplinary committee for a number of years and until very recently was the NFCA secretary. I know the whole local cricket community will be saddened by this news.
"The club will never be the same again that is for sure. Alan once said to me that if we as a club stand still we will, in effect, go backwards. I know we will not be letting that happen with our current Chairman Chris and committee, we owe it to Alan to keep trying to improve.
"Alan had very many other interests and passions outside cricket. How he found the time for it all I will never know ? RIP Alan, you will be missed by us all at Fawley."
Speaking on behalf of the New Forest CCA, association chairman Nick Gossip said: "Alan was an exemplary Secretary of NFCCA, serving, we believe, in excess of ten years on the committee and in this post.
"His exceptional organisational skills proved invaluable in arranging the Stone Cup and Presidents Cup competitions which are open to all New Forest cricket clubs, at all levels.
"Alan took a great interest in all clubs participation, and was thrilled when his own club, Fawley, won the Presidents Cup against Bashley (Rydal) this season. Sadly, he was not well enough to attend the final match.
"The NFCCA committee are proposing to award a new trophy in Alan’s honour for the coming season."
A proud moment in October 2014 when Alan Sturgess (right) was presented with the George Winkles Trophy after being chosen as the Southern Premier League's top ground. The late Paul Thompson is making the award. Dave Vokes picture.
