Don Coates

I'm afraid to report that longstanding club member Don Coates lost his battle against ill health last weekend.

Don was a much loved member whose relationship with the club spanned decades, charming a whole generation with his friendly warmth and charming wit.

Don achieved notoriety at the Green as a player, scorer, committee member in various capacities and of course an umpire.

Don became one of the most well respected umpires on the Essex League panel, striking up great friendships across the whole county.

But Don will be best remembered for what he was as a man.

In my younger years at the club Don was an ever present genial figure who was one of the great personalities at the Green.

His generous smile, and unlimited jokes made him a person you would always leave feeling better about yourself and life in general.

His copious voluntary work was a great help to the running of the Green, but his wonderful personality helped to shape the soul of our club.

The arenas of Essex cricket will not be the same without Don's familiar laugh ringing around the outfields and clubhouses of the county.