ANTHONY JOHN “AJ” COLBECK: A LIFE IN CRICKET & GOLF.
1941-2021
Tony Colbeck was a prominent figure in club cricket for more than 50 years. ‘AJ’, as he was known, loved cricket. He loved it from club to Test level along with its traditions, history and virtues. He had many friends and many rich experiences through both cricket and golf, often shared with his wife Chrissie, their children and his close brother David.
He was an expansive, big-hearted personality who gave back as much as he could to the games which gave him so much. He was an active Lord’s Taverner and a stalwart Life Member of the Forty Club Golfing Society.
Following early success in schools and junior cricket, his playing career at Pinner as a hard-hitting batsman and leg-break bowler spanned some 35 years. He was Club Captain in 11 different seasons and four times he scored a thousand runs in a season. Tony was always firm about proper conduct in cricket (he once sent off a Pinner player for threatening violence against the opposition) and he also contributed hugely to the Club’s development and its reputation for hospitality.
The Colbeck migration to Shepherds Bush CC began with David’s joining, much to Tony’s then fury, in 1978. Tony became involved after sons Ben and Tom joined the Bush in the mid-90’s. When the Club had to move grounds, Tony was part of the small team which raised the funds and managed the building of a pavilion on the new ground at Bromyard Avenue. By 2006 work was finished on what is believed to have been the first brand new cricket ground in post-war London. Tony was made President of the Club in 2015.
A member for 55 years, ‘AJ’ played 68 times for the MCC. For Tests at Lord’s he would willingly queue from early hours to secure seats among friends in the pavilion upper tier or would watch with family or friends from a stand, He did long service from 1972 to 1992 on the Grounds and Fixtures and then the Players and Fixtures sub-committees.
As his cricket playing days diminished Tony’s love of both cricket and golf came together through his association with the Forty Club Golfing Society. In over 40 years as an XLGS member, he played a canny game of foursomes and served twice as Captain; had one short but memorable stint as our somewhat “IT challenged” Secretary (thanks to Chrissie for her help during that period!) and from 2017 until his passing, as Chairman. In 2019 he was made an Honorary Life Member of the XLGS for his outstanding service to the Society. Tony was also a member of Royal Wimbledon GC and Rye GC.
It may be, however, that Tony took special satisfaction in his share of a possible record for the longest-lasting drinking school in London, based at the Thatched House pub in Hammersmith. From the early 1970’s Tony, brother David and other friends met regularly for an hour or so nearly every Friday evening, right up to the present day. Tony liked it so much that, as the saying goes, “he bought it” – or at least, after 50 years of drinking there, he often said he had a large stake in it!!
‘AJ’ died weeks short of his 80th birthday and he will be missed by all that were lucky enough to know him.
Stuart Bowden.
With thanks to David Perrin (SBCC President 2005-8) for his more detailed obituary which was published on the Pinner and Shepherds Bush cricket clubs’ websites.
