Bob and I shared many hours together, on and off the field of play, in the 1980s and 1990s. As umpires, we stood together in many of the evening New Forest Cup competitions and I have many happy memories of those evenings when, as umpires and players together, all shared as friends in the cricket.  Off the field of play, we spent many winter evenings instructing umpires courses at Bashley and at Langley Manor, together with another mutual fried, Tony Leadbetter.  For a number of years we also tested the grey matter together as part of the New Forest Umpires team in the Jarvis Cup, a national quiz competition on cricket Law.

Our paths drifted apart after 2000 when we could no longer do instructing together and I eventually turned from umpiring to playing.  But we kept in touch and I shall always remember the good times Bob and I shared, together with many of our other umpiring colleagues and playing friends.

I shall always remember Bob as a true gentleman, one of the best of the "old school", quietly spoken, but firm when he had to be.  I shall always count it to be a privilege to have been one of Bob's friends and colleagues and when I remember him I will also remember the many good times we shared together.  Rest in peace, Bob, and may the sun always shine on that great field of play where you now are.