The latest news affecting
the Club
Saturday 12 April
Three Cups for the Hill
The
Eighth XI avenged their 8-0 defeat to Kew Association in the
semi-final of the AFA Junior Novets Cup by beating the same
opposition 4 - 2 in the final of the SAL Junior Novets cup at
Old Parkonians this afternoon.
The trophy brings the 'Pot Count' to three for the season,
adding to the Vets win in the AFA Close Veterans Cup and the
Sixth XI's victory in the SAL Intermediate Novets Cup.
Monday 10 March
Dave Wynn, Esq.
It
is with much sadness to announce that Dave Wynn has passed away
after suffering a heart attack at his home in Spain. Our
thoughts are with his wife, Linda and children Alison and
Richard.
Dave was buried in Spain. A Memorial Service will
be held at St.
Paul's Church on Wednesday 9 April at 1pm and afterwards at The
Queen's Head public house.
Dave was a long standing member of the Football and Tennis
Sections and served as Ground Secretary in the 1990s. He will be
sadly missed.
Tuesday 29 January
John Grimes, Esq.
It
is with much sadness to announce that John Grimes lost his
four-year battle against cancer yesterday evening. He passed
away peacefully in the presence of his loved ones.
John was a good friend, always cheerful and an industrious
worker for the Club. He will be very much missed at Winchmore
Hill.
A letter from Carole Grimes
Dear Member
and Friend,
Hopefully by now either myself or one of the children; Denise
and John have been in touch, or you have kindly been contacted
by another friend about the sad loss of John.
Over the past four years he has battled courageously to overcome
his cancer; however we knew from the start that it was not a
good prognosis. But if you know John, he was up for the
challenge and would not have it said the he was ill, or poorly
and carried on working when he could, and even when he
couldn’t! The past year though has seen a decline in his
general health and in September 2007 he was diagnosed with a
tumour to the skull, which seriously affected his speech, sight
and walking. This was a huge knock to his confidence. But in
true Grimes style he did his utmost to get back on his feet
again, met this challenge and came home for his 61st
birthday and Christmas.
We had a lovely family Christmas, which John thoroughly enjoyed,
especially Boxing Day with his grandchildren around. This is a
memory we will keep close to our hearts because it was a real
bonus, and has helped us to put aside all the terrible times
which at present still far too painful.
Following a fairly rapid decline, John was seen by our Nurse
Specialist who said he really needed some attention and she
managed to secure him a place at the Isabel Hospice in Welwyn
Garden City, where John was superbly cared for until he passed,
peacefully away from us on Monday evening.
We have made plans for John’s funeral or rather a celebration of
his life and invite anyone, who would like to join us, as
follows:
Tuesday 12th
February
At Enfield Crematorium
Service Commences at 3.30pm
With a reception to follow at Winchmore Hill Cricket Club, from
4.30pm -7pm where John was an active member in more ways than
one!
Winchmore Hill
Cricket Club
The Paulin Ground, Fords Grove
Winchmore Hill, London N21 3ER
As you can
imagine, this has left a huge whole in all our lives, because he
was such a big man, big character, big fun, and big heart.
However, our thoughts keep returning to the fantastic staff at
the Isabel Hospice and also especially to Sharon Watkins our
“Star” Nurse Specialist who was always there for us and John.
With this in mind we would be prefer donations to be made to the
Isabel Hospice, rather than send floral tributes. However, if
you are able to come and would like to bring along a single
stem, I would be able to make an arrangement at home to
appreciate afterwards.
It would be lovely if you could join us to say a fitting goodbye
and remember the good times. If you are able to come please
could you let me know either by phone or email.
With much love Carole, Denise & John Jnr.
A Tribute from Des Mackrill
GRIMES FAIRY TALE
Once upon a time there was a man called John. BIG JOHN, BIG
BRAVE JOHN.
Mr. Smiley, there must have been occasions when he didn't smile.
I can't remember a specific occasion. I've had the occasional
serious chat with him as a wine committee member. Heated the
discussion may have been, but the warm smile and a beer later,
told you the differences related to the job in hand, and that
your friendship was not at risk.
I seem to have known John for a life time, but it has probably
been only about 20 years. In passing it's worth mentioning the
fantastic bonus he had for most of his life, Carole, what a
brick! How could John go wrong? On the one hand he has Carole
whilst, on the other he had that wonderful smile and his
generous personality. John's sweetness was such that he could
get away with drinking somebody else's drink. The offended party
would turn to reprimand him only, to catch the smile and pretend
there was nothing wrong.
I met John via vets football, I think he was one of the younger
ones. A very good player and good fun in the dressing room. Like
any normal player he didn't like losing, but he was a realist
and very quickly got that smile on the go and life returned to
the "Hill" dressing room. The next hour or two in the bar would
fly, as both teams and their supporters were lubricated by good
ale, wine and the spirited smile and laughter of John G. There
must have been the odd time when Carole wanted to get away but
somehow she and John would compromise and go when John had
finished his ale.
John was a real club man. He was generous with both his time and
his skill as a carpenter/handyman on behalf of the club. His
time spent at the Club as a member of the wine committee is
probably known to only a handful of people, most of them also
wine committee members. Throughout and outside the
clubhouse there is evidence of the refurbishment carried out by
John.
Throughout his long battle against his cancer he was always
positive. Although he was obviously in pain he never found
it difficult to smile, it was as though he was always making
sure his illness was never going to impinge on our enjoyment of
any club activity. It goes without saying that in private he
must have had some frightening and painful hours.
All that remains to be said is goodbye John Grimes, it was a
privilege to know you. God bless you and may you rest in
peace. I know Spike Milligan did it first, but I'm sure you
wouldn't mind this inscription after your name, "I told you I
was ill".
To Denise and John, John Senior's children and Carole the love
of his life, on behalf of us all, friends and acquaintances,
please accept our condolences. We all share your grief and by
doing so hope the pain of your grieving is eased. May your God
go with you.
So long John Grimes.
Des Mackrill.
Sunday 30 December
Bob
Burd, Esq.
The
Funeral Service for the late Bob Burd will take place on Monday 7
January 2008 at 11.30 am at Enfield Crematorium, Gt. Cambridge
Road, Enfield,
EN1 4DS (map)
Nearest Station, Turkey Street (BR).
A Service of Thanksgiving will be held at the Moravian Church,
Priory Road, Hornsey, N8 7HR at 2.00 pm. The Church is situated in
Priory Road at the junction with Redston Road (map).
No flowers, donations to the Hornsey Moravian Church building
fund. Refreshments will be available in the Church Hall following
the service.
Friday 7 December
Cyril
Garbett, Esq
The
Club is sad to report that former President and Chairman of the
Club, Mr. Cyril Garbett, passed away this morning. The Funeral
Service will take place at Enfield Crematorium on Tuesday 18
December at 12.00 noon and afterwards at Winchmore Hill C.C.
Flowers to be sent to Blake and Horlock, Silver Street, Enfield by
10 am 18th December. Donations to the RNLI.
Cyril was a lifelong member of the Club, joining the Cricket Colts
in the 1930s, and was a true supporter of all events. Sadly he has
not been around the Club of late due to illness.
Our sympathies go to his family.
Friday 7 December
Jack
Matthews, Esq
The
Club is sad to report that Jack Matthews passed away on 7th
December. The Funeral Service will take place at Enfield
Crematorium on Monday 17 December at 3.45pm and afterwards at The
Royal Chase Hotel, Enfield.
Jack was a member of the Club for many years umpiring for the
Hockey Section for which his daughter, Jill, played. He also
worked behind the scenes, carrying out banking duties for the Wine
Committee.
Our sympathies go to his family.
[page updated 7 December 2007]
