Announcing the passing of Paul Ryder
Merstham Cricket Club is sad to announce the passing of long serving member Paul Ryder.
Our condolences are with Paul's family at this time.
Several members, past and present, share their memories:
He was a proud Lancastrian and Wigan Rugby League supporter as well as a very accomplished batsman. Prior to joining Merstham in the 1980’s, he had played for, amongst others, Colwyn Bay. That was serious league cricket and he performed with success as a top-order batsman. He once faced Peter Lever the Lancashire and England fast-bowler who, he was rightly proud to say, bruised him a lot but didn’t get him out. That was Paul.
Paul wore his ability lightly and with modesty at Merstham. Whilst undoubtedly still good enough to hold down a first-team berth he preferred pass on that and to instead captain the second XI who benefitted hugely from his considerable cricketing nous, his man-management skills and of course his batting ability. He was the ideal man for the job and as always he had made the right choice.
And indeed, in the 1990’s he led his team to winning the Fullers League 2nd XI division – the same year the 1st X1 also won their division. Both teams clinched their respective titles on the last day of the season - it was quite a night in the club-house (I remember some of it….).
Once he had stepped down from playing he applied his Area Bank Manager skills to the Treasurer’s job which he undertook for many years with his typical efficiency, common sense and unerringly sound judgement.
The club has cause to be most grateful to Paul for his contribution on so many levels. He was always a reliable and rewarding sounding board for me on matters cricket and otherwise and I know the same is true of others.
Paul missed terribly his childhood sweetheart and wife of many years, Barbara who pre-deceased him several years ago. They truly were a devoted and loving couple.
They are now back in partnership.
Our sincere condolences go to his two daughters and their respective families.
We will miss you Paul.
Peter Loosley
Playing member 1968-2000
It is with deep sadness that I learn that Paul Ryder has passed away after a long period of ill-health. Paul was a fellow team-mate of mine and I served with him on the club committee .He was a true team-man both on and off the field and was an integral and much valued member of the club. Hiscontribution was immense. He captained the 2nd XI and served in a key role as Treasurer for many years giving the club thebenefit of his expertise and wise counsel. In addition, he would always assist in working-parties and in cleaning the pavilion whether or not it was his turn on the rota.
On the field, he always played for the team and was very astute and competitive. It was clear that in his younger days he had played to a high standard and he continued to do so at Merstham. I always enjoyed the occasions when we batted together.
I will remember the many happy times we shared chatting over a pint or two. He was a proud Lancastrian and we would often talk about the great Lancashire cricket team of the 1970’s and equally great Wigan Rugby League team of the 198O/9Os.
At this difficult time, the thoughts of Judy and I and ourdeepest sympathy are with his two daughters Heather and Joanne and all his family and friends. He is now at peace with his dear wife Barbara. He and she are greatly missed by very many.
Dick Mantell
My memories of Paul are not from playing but for being the amazing man he was. Although I wish I had of seen him play.
Paul was always very complimentary of how the club was always developing and moving forward. That movement was helped by Paul too as he would always be there to help on a Friday night junior training normally seen washing up glasses and drying before we got the glass washer this was Paul. He would also help at any event the club was running, regularly turning out at the get set weekend. No job was too difficult he would help in anyway possible. But not only that he was always willing to offer his advise, or ear to turn too. Paul will be deeply missed at the club but as Peter says he is now with his Long standing wife Barbara. We send our condolences to his family he leaves behind.
Richard Feist
Chairman