Cricketers Last Boundary Weeping willows formed an honour guard For the cricket ball writ with a noble name A team of ten, which had once been eleven Would never be the same side again *** No bails united the forlorn stumps Since this wicket had fallen some days ago And as the bowler delivered to the lone batsman The hushed crowd willed a six to go *** The magical sound… of leather on willow The sweet smell… of freshly cut grass The cricketer… crossing the last boundary To a third innings that would forever last *** Michael Ashby

I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky, And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by, And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking, And a grey mist on the sea's face, and a grey dawn breaking. I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied; And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying, And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying. I must go down to the seas again, to the vagrant gypsy life, To the gull's way and the whale's way, where the wind's like a whetted knife; And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover, And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.

I first met Brian in the 90’s dressed in his overalls working on the club rooms at Havering-atte-Bower cricket club. Brian and Audrey were taking care of all the odd jobs that keep a community organisation alive. He was doing everything selflessly, unpaid and unheralded. When we first met, Brian’s humility helped me understand he was the club handyman. The humility masked the reality that he was also the president, the umpire (“How was that one Brian?”), a father, Dad, friend, mentor, and absolute bloody champion. Kate and I were a long way from home, but knowing Brian and Audrey were there meant we knew we were lucky to be in a great place with truly amazing elders. It was always clear that Brian was one of a kind. An absolute ripper by any measure. Heartfelt condolences to the equally amazing Audrey, Andy, Jane and Ellie and to the rest of the family. Mark & Kate Fuderer.