TERRY O'BRIEN DIES

Terry O'Brien, one of the most popular and longstanding members of the club died on 29th January 2004 at the Royal Surrey County Hospital after a short illness. Many members of the club attended his funeral at Guildford Crematorium on Tuesday 10th February.

Terry joined Blackheath when he moved into the area with his wife and family in the 1970s. For more than 20 years he was the backbone of the 2nd XI bowling attack with his unique brand of left-arm around the wicket fast medium, and also the backbone of the club's social life and atmosphere with his repartee in the bar after the game.

One of the highlights of the club calendar, in both cricketing and social terms, was the annual Southern Counties Challenge match, which Terry organised to raise money for his favourite charities. A team from the club would take on his "International XI" which boasted stars drawn from all over the world as far away as Arundel !

Many of us also fondly remember Terry's contribution to the Malta tour in 1993. Although no longer playing at that stage he, along with his wife Moira and the Bakers, held court every evening in their apartment and showed the younger members of the party what cricket touring is really about.

He will be greatly missed by us all.