Cricket St Thomas Seniors 2

Wednesday 8th July 2026

one of the joys of being a Blog editor, is when the phone rings and a quiet voice at the other end starts to speak...I've got some sad news....a long pause...I have just been told we have lost another Senior this morning....tick-tock-tick-tock...a really good friend of mine...deep breath...Maurice Arnold passed away in the early hours of this morning in Yeovil Hospital.

Maurice Arnold Club Member for Decades

Richard Forster informs us that Maurice had grown weaker over the past few months, as he visited him in hospital, which we reported here.

A few days later he was rushed to Yeovil once again, but this time there was to be no recovery as June & her daughter were called in by Hospital Staff.

Maurice was one of the originals when I joined in the early 2000's and spent much of his time entering Opens in the area with Chris B, Richard, Danny etc -
A single-figure handicap in his day, but always amazed me how for he could hit the ball with his compact frame.
A nice guy, no bells or whistles - just loved to play golf.

Not seen for a few years as he battled with COPD which in turn opened him up to other respiratory infections.

They seemed to return from every open with winnings of some sort.

Came Down Open

Richard continued "it makes you think, each time you see these pictures on the Blog - how salutary it is to enjoy what time we all have left - and wonder Who's next ! "

Monday 6th July 2026

Todays Jubilee Salver winners with a gross score of 59 (53.5 net) team of ex-captains Barrie Heath Dave Mugridge & Keith Hunt

Seniors Captain

Following recent months of illness and frequent hospital appointments in London, James Siabi has decided to step aside from most of the duties of Seniors Captain. Ongoing health issues will limit the time available to direct and support the Seniors Section in the remaining months of his captaincy, and he has expressed a wish to hand over many of the day to day duties to the Seniors Committee after the Charity Open on 15th July.
James will still be the Seniors Captain until November when Ian Thomas takes over the reins, and if there are any matters which need advice or clarification please go to a member of the committee. The committee will be meeting at regular intervals in the intervening time to ensure the continued smooth running of the Section.
James was Seniors Captain in 2020 at the start of the Covid outbreak, which severely limited his role, and felt that in 2026 he could put in place those tasks missing from his first captaincy.
We all wish James a swift recovery from his current health issues and look forward to seeing him back as a full and active member of the seniors section.

CST Seniors Committee

Friday 3rd July 2026

Wednesday 1st July 2026

Birdies:

Dennis Hussey x2 @ 10 and 17 £3.50

David Asquith x2 @ 5 and 16 £3.50

Martin Bargery x1 @8 £1.75

Roger Stone x1 @ 13 £1.75

Alan's Funeral is on Saturday, 18th July at 11am at S Andrews Church, Puckington. TA19 9JD and afterwards at BARRINGTON Village Hall.

Dress code. Alan's wife Jenny will not be wearing black and Alan hated wearing suits.

The family will arrange the flowers. Donations to Prostrate Cancer via the funeral directors Barry Gibbs

Official Opening Today

Spot Team Alex and quite a few familiar faces

WE ARE OFFICIALLY OPENING ON WEDNESDAY 1ST JULY.

The countdown is on for the opening of The Country Inn — your new go-to spot for great drinks, fantastic food, and even better company! 

And just look at that tap lineup 

 Carlsberg Pilsner

 Angelo Poretti

 Estrella Damm

 Thatchers Juicy Apple

 Thatchers Gold

 Hobgoblin Session IPA

 Guinness

 Tribute

 Guest Ales

And a fantastic range of 0% and low alcohol options!

Whether you're after a crisp lager, a refreshing cider, a real ale, or a hoppy IPA, we've got something waiting with your name on it. 

 Opening on 1st July - Cricket St. Thomas Country Inn

 Cold pints, delicious food, and a warm welcome await.

Captain James presents Memorial Trophy 2026
to John Sweet in Specsavers Sunblockers; Roger Stone in Pilotskymasters and Bob Tuttiett in OakleyProv73's and his sponsored OmegaRanger watch.
Sponsorship deals for John's Trousers are available for £200 per square metre.

All the best Roger - with Sir Clive who was in there himself last week undergoing surgery and has a few weeks at home in recovery - whilst still pulling strings for The Open on July 15th.

Thursday 25th June 2026

In one of those lovely calls get from Start Pope - we are informed that Alan Chance passed away last night.

Pictures below go some way to show how this true golfer gave his heart & souls to this Club we call our home.

He was Club Captain ( of Windwhistle ); Seniors Captain; Somerset Golf Union Captain - and a very handy single-figure handicapper. In recent years he has played with The EGGS, but still made to odd cameo appearance.

Had some great friends amongst the Seniors as pictures will show.

It was fateful timing that just last weekend, Jenny was celebrating her 80th Birthday and most of the Family had travelled to Donyatt to Celebrate with them. Visits from Stuart, John Evans, Steve Southgate and many more over the weekend.

He had fought a long battle with Prostate Cancer, which unfortunately spread to other parts has he gradually lost his mobility and of course his beloved Golf.

Lots of comments in already from WhatsApp:-

[25/06, 12:10] James Siabi: Gentlemen

A very sad news. Without offending anyone, one of the nicest & kindest members, Alan Chance passed away last night.

A truly nice guy who will be missed enormously.

On behalf of our group I offer our condolences to his family and friends

RIP Alan

[25/06, 12:12] Mike HONE: Sad news indeed, such a lovely man...RIP Alan 😥

[25/06, 12:20] Eric Williams: Desperately sad news. Alan was an absolute legend.

[25/06, 12:31] Keith Hunt: He has had a long struggle, now in peace. One of the nicest people you would ever come across, a true Gentleman.

[25/06, 13:07] Gordon Brent: A true gent RIP mate

[25/06, 13:09] Clive Fisk: Always with a smile, always!

Will be sadly missed.

[25/06, 13:11] Paul Bennett One of the best club Captains and a true Gentleman he will be missed

[25/06, 13:13] Peter Spencer-Farr: Really sad, one of the very best to have known. Always jovial and fun to be with. Loved and respected by all! R.I.P.

[25/06, 13:24] Ian Thomas: The first senior I played with in a club friendly, such a lovely person and a privilege to have known. RIP Alan...

[25/06, 13:24] Steve Holt: I can't add anything other than to support all the above comments. RIP Alan.

[25/06, 13:33] Roger STONE: Rest in peace number1, will miss seeing and playing with you.

[25/06, 13:36] Martyn Hartley: What a great loss such a lovely man and great character will be missed

[25/06, 13:48] Barrie Heath: Played with him many times over the years, we always had a good laugh as has already been said, a true gent.

[25/06, 15:15] Norman Markby: What a lovely lovely man who will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to jenny and his family.

RIP Alan

[25/06, 15:51] Roger STONE: In better days ( Thanks for Pic Roger)

[25/06, 18:57] Bob Dennett: I will you mate, RIP

[25/06, 21:13] Terry Rutherford: I have known Alan for almost 30 years he was a true gentleman and I was lucky enough to know him as a friend he will be missed by everyone who knew him R.I.P my friend 😢😢😢

[26/06, 05:43] Bob Barrow: To the Chance family, A real gentleman, now gone to rest, fond memories.

[26/06, 17:12] Andy Rowland : Dear All from afar:

Very sad to hear about the passing of Alan, he was a lovely man whose advice I sought often when captain. Always jovial and greeted me with a firm handshake.

[26/06, 17:12] Clive Fisk: I played with Alan some time ago, sharing medical terms for most of the round.

I remember saying, "remember when all we used to talk about were girls”?- Reply, "long time ago Clive”!

I asked him where he lived. “A house in Donyatt on the river”.

I replied “ I lived there 60 years ago”!

I can say this. I loved him!

27/06, 11:00] Edmondo Paoloni:

Farewell racing partner I will miss you, Edmondo

You can add messages by Emailing JKP - john.pearce.windy@gmail.com

Jubilee Salver Winners

Tuesday 23rd June 2026

Tomorrows roll up has been cancelled due to the heat. Also all the greens have been covered in sand. If you still want to play you will need to book a tee time.