Richard Robertson was made a Life Member of Reed Cricket Club at the General Committee Meeting in November in recognition of his devoted commitment to the Club in a forty-year association.
Since 1981 “Robbo” has contributed thousands of countless hours tending the pitches on The Green and also for the past decade at our second ground at Freman College. Currently, Richard is Chairman of the Herts & Beds Grounds Association and during his time at Reed CC he is or has been a Youth Team Manager, a Committee Member, a Vice-President and Trustee. Of course, Richard was a very good player back in the day too, being an important member of the successful Reed team of the late-eighties and he remained a First Eleven player well into his forties. Remembered mostly for his bowling, especially his various and often demonstrated wrist positions, once he moved down to the 2nd XI then 3rd XI Richard showed what a class batsman he was too. And the enjoyment of it all was evident. “Robbo” could “talk cricket” all night long if he desired.
We at the Club have made untold savings thanks to Richard’s skill, knowledge and selfless contribution – and we do not reward him with anything like his true worth. Yet, only four years ago he was faced with a potentially life-changing operation that might have left him crippled. Thankfully for all concerned, surgery was a success and he was soon back cutting and rolling The Green.
Richard is so proud of Reed’s playing honours and of the improved facilities that attract new players to our Club. He is immersed in its history and with the photographs and memorabilia on display that make it, in his words, “….. a real cricket club.” But in particular Richard takes special pride in his work and it is the quality of the playing surfaces about which he is most precious and that have had the most influence on the standard of cricket we all enjoy.
We are so lucky that Richard Robertson decided to make his home at Reed. Life Membership is in recognition of those forty years’ of service. Thank you Richard.
Reed CC Committee,
November 2021.
