This site is dedicated to Alan Spencer Hill.
Alan Spencer Hill is much loved by all his friends and family.
Contribute
Help grow Alan Spencer's Tribute by adding messages or memories you'd like to share.
Thoughts
“He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task, who has left the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who has never lacked appreciation of earth's beauties, nor failed to express it; who has always looked for the best in others and given the best he had; whose life is an inspiration; whose memory a benediction.” (Robert Louis Stevenson)
With fond memories of happy times spent with Alan and Margie and my love to all the family, Claire White
Claire
6th January 2016
IF
If you go in number one and can be there batting till the end, and, on the way score fours and sixes – despite the loss of every friend.
If you can fend the fiery ball which flies across your chest, then, hook the next for six, and likewise with the rest; and be not-out with one hundred to your name, and equal this with every game – but, bear no grudge should your batting partner run you out...yet still, next game, be prepared to run the ‘seemingly’ chancy run when it’s his shout.
If you take the ball when it becomes your turn, and bowl ‘good line and length’ to cause concern, and then proceed to hit off-stump and then leg, and in between time, knock down middle-peg.
If you can catch all balls which come your way, but, refrain from showing theatrical display, and sprint like Christie* around the boundary edge, and cut-off certain fours before they reach the hedge.
If you can ‘keep’ behind the sticks, and have ‘hands of glue’ with all the batsmen’s snicks, and, fling yourself to off and leg, to stop each ball which passes by each peg; then whip-off bails with the speed of sound, before a batsmen can regain his ground.
If you can give your time when help is asked for, and accept a ‘thank you’ as a fair reward, and pay your sub when subscriptions are requested – yet, not be mopy on the days you are not selected, but smile and give the team your full support.
If you always give your best, whether the cause be lost or won – then, you will have reached the zenith in ‘The Field of Dreams,’ and – which is more – you’ll be a man my son!
*Linford not Agatha
A.S.Hill
Gurdeep
30th December 2015
OUR WONDERFUL GAME
I wandered down to our ‘Field of Dreams’ before 6 o’clock one morn.
Such a tranquil place and full of ‘holy quiet’ at the breaking of the dawn.
No passing train through Hinton, as though respectful that the quiet should remain, and yet the early morning risers were there – Hinton bred rabbits scurried about seemingly without a care.
Later, as the sun came up, hovering buzzing bees, two cawing crows – bible black – and dung flies, all enjoying the field they loved to share.
Suddenly, five gulls went squealing overhead, and then, a distant mooing cow, a crowing cock, as though heralding the beautiful day that lay ahead.
Still later, the muffled sound of a distant Church bell, calling the faithful few to early morning prayer. Nothing abrasive to the ear, just peaceful country sounds wafting in the early morning air.
The warmth of the sun would soon begin to dry the watery dew.
The Oval, nearly cut, lay waiting for the teams that would be competing at, or a little after two.
This then the cricketing tapestry of our wonderful game, replicated in village, town and shire throughout our land, with the same early morning serenity, the same peaceful ‘holy quiet’ and each awaiting the gathering of friends to do battle in glorious settings, and each, a time and a place to be treasured.
Alan S Hill
September 2005
Gurdeep
30th December 2015