Local cricket has been saddened by the passing of New Milton stalwart Bob Meill, a club member for overs 50 years.
Bob, who worked for Commercial Union, served the club as a player, coach, Colts manager, Treasurer, and umpire, becoming a respected official on the league circuit for many years, having been an early recruit to the South Coast Panel of Umpires.
In a long-playing career, Bob enjoyed the wide range of cricket available in his day – Saturdays, Sundays, Southampton Evening League, mid-week friendlies against visiting touring sides.
An opening batsman, he was always looking to take on opposing ‘quicks’, occasionally to his cost – one ill judged hook shot resulting in a visit to A&E to treat a fractured jaw. A very competent wicketkeeper, he was also a source of good advice for his captains, particularly on the need for bowling changes!
As his playing career wound down Bob took on the role of Colts organiser and coach, supervising the development of a number of players who would represent the Club in subsequent years.
Chairman Steve Taylor reflected: “Running Colts sections in those days when youth cricket was less structured than it is now could be a lonely business, but Bob just got on with it for the benefit of my generation of young players ‘
For this and his many other contributions Bob received New Milton Clubman of the Year award in 1979.
Bob, who worked for Commercial Union, served the club as a player, coach, Colts manager, Treasurer, and umpire, becoming a respected official on the league circuit for many years, having been an early recruit to the South Coast Panel of Umpires.
In a long-playing career, Bob enjoyed the wide range of cricket available in his day – Saturdays, Sundays, Southampton Evening League, mid-week friendlies against visiting touring sides.
An opening batsman, he was always looking to take on opposing ‘quicks’, occasionally to his cost – one ill judged hook shot resulting in a visit to A&E to treat a fractured jaw. A very competent wicketkeeper, he was also a source of good advice for his captains, particularly on the need for bowling changes!
As his playing career wound down Bob took on the role of Colts organiser and coach, supervising the development of a number of players who would represent the Club in subsequent years.
Chairman Steve Taylor reflected: “Running Colts sections in those days when youth cricket was less structured than it is now could be a lonely business, but Bob just got on with it for the benefit of my generation of young players ‘
For this and his many other contributions Bob received New Milton Clubman of the Year award in 1979.
Bob Meill (centre) being presented with New Milton's Clubman of the Year award in 1979.
As an umpire, and an early official of the South Coast Panel, Bob’s unassuming ways made him a popular visitor to Southern League clubs. He became an umpiring instructor and frequently officiated New Forest CA knockout matches and numerous colts games, besides standing for Hampshire Under-17s.
Jeff Levick, Chairman of the Hampshire Association of Cricket Officials, recalls Bob as ‘a quiet, efficient colleague on the field, with an innate sense of fairness and respect for players.’
Although cricket was probably Bob’s first sporting love, his interests extended more widely. A lifelong Saints fan, he also served as an official of Bournemouth ‘Poppies’ FC for some years.
In recent times he enjoyed his visits to Fernhill to watch the new generation of players and to chat to old friends about the way the game had developed over the years.
Following the death of his wife Violet last year, Bob left his Barton on Sea home of many years, to live with his daughter. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. The thoughts and sympathies of the New Milton club are with Bob’s family. ST.
* Among the tributes paid to Bob were from -
Steve Watts: A true gentleman club legend will be sadly missed.
Shaun Lilley: Fantastic servant of NMCC & the South Coast Panel. A genuinely nice man and the epitome of a true gent. Very sad.
Alan Bundy: Always cool,loved working with him on Committees and standing with him was a pleasure. Sadly missed.
David Hawkins: Lovely man,used to see him at Bashley (Rydal) after he retired from umpiring.
Jeff Levick, Chairman of the Hampshire Association of Cricket Officials, recalls Bob as ‘a quiet, efficient colleague on the field, with an innate sense of fairness and respect for players.’
Although cricket was probably Bob’s first sporting love, his interests extended more widely. A lifelong Saints fan, he also served as an official of Bournemouth ‘Poppies’ FC for some years.
In recent times he enjoyed his visits to Fernhill to watch the new generation of players and to chat to old friends about the way the game had developed over the years.
Following the death of his wife Violet last year, Bob left his Barton on Sea home of many years, to live with his daughter. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. The thoughts and sympathies of the New Milton club are with Bob’s family. ST.
* Among the tributes paid to Bob were from -
Steve Watts: A true gentleman club legend will be sadly missed.
Shaun Lilley: Fantastic servant of NMCC & the South Coast Panel. A genuinely nice man and the epitome of a true gent. Very sad.
Alan Bundy: Always cool,loved working with him on Committees and standing with him was a pleasure. Sadly missed.
David Hawkins: Lovely man,used to see him at Bashley (Rydal) after he retired from umpiring.
