Tom Hulbert -
Farewell to a Wonderful Cricketing Friend and Supporter - a remarkable man who made his mark (off the field) at the Barbados Vintage Cricket Carnival but sadly will not be with us at Stratford-upon-Avon. Our feature For the Love of the Game award this month is to the late Tom Hulbert who was born in 1926 in Canada but raised in England. He joined the army at 18 years old and served in Germany. He was recalled again in 1956 for the Suez Crisis. He represented the services in cricket but was also an ardent Rugby and Soccer player. Tom worked and lived in Malawi, Central Africa for 20 years where he was also the Director of Cricket. He played well into his 50's and also umpired for a number of years including when he moved to Perth,Western Australia in the mid 1980's. He had the ability to inspire players to greater heights by believing in themselves, their teammates and his success rate in winning matches through tactics and pure passion was phenomenal. He loved mixing with people who loved sport and had the passion of competition but also the social side of Sundowners, BBQ's, music and dancing.

Tom passed away in September 2007, at Perth Airport on his way to attend the Rugby World Cup when he suffered a massive heart attack.

Tom came to the Vintage Cricket Carnival in Barbados as a spectator and supporter and was heard to declare it was the best cricket Carnival he had attended-plenty of sun, relaxing and a few rum punches. Tom made many friends during his all too brief time with Vintage Cricket, was planning to come to Stratford-upon-Avon and will be sorely missed when the Western Australian Masters gather in August.

Thanks to Greg Stephens Western Australian Masters Cricket, Barbados Tour 2006 for the tribute to his mate, Tom-our For the Love of the Game Personality for this issue.