Norman Pickering RIP

[Guernsey Tom]

I attended Norman's funeral at Thanet Crematorium today saw lots of old faces fom the Thanet Works League both cricket and football there, he was 94 bless him and for those who didnt know him a true ambassador for sport in Thanet, spoke to Cookie who was also present, would be a great honour if we had a minutes applause for Norman on Saturday, the wake was at Hartsdown Park, RIP Norman a great bloke

[BlueGate Alan]

I was also there, he umpired for my cricket team (Electric) well into his 80's. Was also on the same Thanet Works Cricket League Committee with him. Visited Flos and him at his flat many times with my wife. A top bloke! RIP with your lovely wife.

[Guernsey Tom]

I saw you BGA but kept my anonymity !!

[BlueGate Alan]

Yea but Cookie knows you now, so I will get him to point you out on Saturday

[Guernsey Tom]

I could be in camoflauge !!

[BlueGate Alan]

Nothing gets past Cookie, as you know

[Guernsey Tom]

I do but I have the type of face that is forgotten easily

[Cookie]

Great great man. I recall in my Bowketts days,both as cricketer & footballer as well as employee there plus my Northdown CC days (when I was young) how Norman helped me along the way. Always there to offer support.A second dad to me in those days.

Extraordinary fella & gave his all to local sport.Both he & his wife departing within weeks of each other is a sad loss to the world but hey,didn't they both have good innings! A legend has departed without doubt.

All the best in your new life Norman..& Floss.

[Cookie]

p.s Nice to meet you Tom,albeit on such such a sad occasion.See you around & be sure I'll point you out to Alan.(Don't want to let him down now do I?)

[Guernsey Tom]

If you do I might even tell you my real name!!!

[AncientBlue]

You explained Guernsey Tom to me when you first returned to Thanet and told me your real name, but sadly senility has crept in and I've forgotten it.

[Cookie]

Is there some significance in the real name then. Am I missing something here?

[BlueGate Alan]

He was called Guernsey Tom because that was his job over there Cookie, (tomatoes). I believe I remember him saying on this very forum. Unlike AB I am not quite going senile

[Gringo]

Norman was a great bloke, RIP

[Guernsey Tom]

Yes back on post Norman was a pioneer for the beginning of organised sunday football in Thanet, would be interestd to hear from Wellsie if we could do something to remember him on Saturday eg invite family members etc and some kind of announcement ?

[seasidesteve]

i bet your real name is jersey tom

[Guernsey Tom]

Thats good but its not right

[Drummer]

I recall Norman, instrumental in starting the Works Sunday League around 1960/61 when he was at Bowketts. Wasn't he also a referee?

 

By the way Cookie, interested to note your Northdown CC bit - you may be surprised or otherwise totally unconcerned to know that it was only a few months ago that I threw away my 1959 Northdown cricket cap - the moths had got at it!

[Cookie]

Never knew that Gary. 1959? Bit before my time(believe it or not).

[Drummer]

I was a child prodigy!