To maintain our highly successful and sustainable sports organisation we rely very heavily on a few key members and employees – dedicated individuals that have given considerable effort, commitment and expertise over many years to FCC.
Traditionally at our AGM these stalwarts have been recognised and awarded the position of Vice President – acknowledging his / her individual contribution to the ‘life and times’ of FCC.
Unfortunately, the months of November and December 2024 have not been kind, and sadly seen the passing of three VPs – Ray Bickley, Reg Hough and Fred Tomkinson. Three locally based guys, who in their own distinct ways gave so much to their beloved cricket club and its membership.
Ray Bickley is best known for his long-standing role at FCC as Club Groundsman. He was, for over 40 years, instrumental in the impressive presentation of our sports fields at both Taunton Ave and Wobaston Road (Jack Threlfall Memorial Ground) He specialised in the development and maintenance of the cricket squares and bowling green. Ray made a highly respected career out of horticulture and grounds maintenance – across the City he worked for Guy Motors, W-ton Adult College, Bushbury Crem, Penn CC, Pendeford Hall Park as well as FCC. He was a conscientious employee who took immense pride in this work, using his vast experience to provide high quality grass surfaces. His contribution to the local cricket scene was highlighted when South Staffs County Cricket League awarded Ray the status of Honorary Life Member.
Ray’s legacy is built around being a bit of a perfectionist, and in his memory, we will strive to maintain those standards he set.
Reg Hough was unparalleled in his support to his beloved FCC. Although he didn’t play any competitive cricket his contribution to the social ‘scene’ at FCC cannot be overstated. He was a genuine, likeable character who lived in Milldale Crescent with Joy, his wife and two daughters. Conveniently Reg and his family had an access gate onto the Taunton Ave Ground!
He especially loved our successful era of the 70s / 80s when we competed in evening knockouts (E & S and Wightwick).
Another Hough link – Reg was employed by our former land/leaseholders (Bradburn & Wedge) and alongside brother David, daughters Julie & Megan were regular and loyal board sponsors. Club members/ players will have fond memories of chats with Reg about cricket and football (especially the Wolves), and his legendary trips to Swanage! Even in his later years his affection for the cricket club never waned, in recent months Reg was particularly interested in following Davina Perrin’s journey into the professional cricket arena.
We have lost a true supporter
We sadly finally pay tribute to Fred Tomkinson. It is fair to say that the Tomkinson family are synonymous with FCC’s base at Taunton Ave. For many years Edgar, Betty and their two sons (Fred & Peter) lived in Springfield Cottage which formed part of the land leased from Bradburn & Wedge.
The Tomkinson’s played the important role of custodian / protector of our facilities until we finally transferred all operations to Wobaston Road (September 2004). Fred and his family formed an integral part of the sporting and social scene at the old ground – there are fond memories of retrieving cricket balls out of their potato beds, and if lost a black labrador would be employed to locate the missing Duke/Reader’s ball! Fred mainly played cricket in the 2nd and 3rdteams, including Captaincy of the 3rd XI, served on the Management Committee and for a while acted as Club Treasurer. Members will have great memories of Fred using his personal expertise to run the tote at fund-raising race nights. Fred’s passion for horse racing is legendary especially trips with friends and family to Cheltenham and Punchestown
During Fred’s captaincy of the 3rd XI, Shaun Guest (our former Club Captain) achieved his first of many centuries whilst playing on Northicote top field.
On behalf of FCC, the Club Senior Officers wish to relay our heartfelt sympathy and support to all family and friends of Ray, Reg and Fred
I would like to Thankyou so much,for the wonderful tribute,paid to my partner of 10 years ,Ray Bickley,he used to tell me the stories of when he went on Cricket tours( well perhaps not all) haha to say he will be greatly missed us an understatement,I wish you all good luck in the future xxx