It is with great sadness that we learnt that our stalwart Umpire and one of our “originals” , John Somers, had passed away peacefully. Its not my place to offer an obituary but on behalf of the club I hope I can offer an affectionate reflection on John’s contribution to our little club. As an academic and playwright associated with the University of Exeter, John spent many years enjoying his cricket with their staff “Erratics” team and it was our good fortune that our fledgling club needed an umpire just as his playing career wound down. John was already familiar with Tuck Mill of course, having produced and directed the 2007 production of the play that focussed on the German Junkers 88 that came down in the Tale Valley in 1941, Foresight. The play was cleverly staged in what would become the cricket field just a few years later.
Many years before the Tale Millers had even been dreamt of , in around 1987, John helped to arrange a friendly cricket match in his field between Tale and Clyst Hydon , the victorious visitors returning home to set up what has become one of East Devons most successful village sides, certainly thanks in part to John’s contribution. In 2017 East Devon District Council recognised John’s contribution to sport in the area by nominating him as one of their chosen “Sporting Heroes” and I know he was chuffed to be invited down to Knowle to attend the Tea Party and ceremony.
From when I first spoke to John about setting up The Millers , he never stopped encouraging me and reassuring me that a cricket club in Payhembury would be a great addition to the area. We all need guys like John to give us that bit of belief at times. Only two years ago we thanked him for his service to the club with an award having stood as our “Ump” for 8 years. His umpiring was always good value, he helped us and we helped him, particularly as his eyesight began to deteriorate slightly in his latter years. Occasionally visiting teams couldn’t quite get the idea that our umpire might have slightly diminished eyesight, but they missed the point, he was one of ours and it was our job to keep him involved for as long as we possibly could. I hope we did him well.
He will be greatly missed in many circles and we will be finding an appropriate way to honour his memory. Rest In Peace Ump
Jon Carden, Tale Millers CC
