Our New President: Alan Budge

Alan took on the role of President in April 2026 following the resignation of Terry Crump in October 2025. The club extends its grateful thanks to Terry for his commitment and contribution during his tenure as President. However, due to the temporary closure of the Bat & Ball for refurbishment in April this year, Alan’s formal installation was postponed and will now take place at our October meeting.

A child of the1950s, raised in Kenley/Purley, South London, my passion for cricket began at a young age. My family's enthusiasm for cricket instilled in me a sense of belonging and pride, and being just across the road from Kenley Cricket Club, I was naturally drawn into the sport. With their encouragement, I started my involvement as Kenley CC’s first team scorer around the age of 12. However, at that time, Kenley did not offer colts cricket teams or matches, which meant early playing opportunities were limited.

It was only upon entering secondary school that my chance to play cricket regularly materialised, as Riddlesdown School fielded teams during the week. We celebrated several Croydon Trophy victories, though Surrey teams often proved a step beyond us. Weekends were spent at Kenley CC, where I played alongside Surrey and Middlesex 2nd XI players, and later, former England player Roland Butcher. Despite fielding a strong side, we fell just short of winning the South Thames league during the late 1960s and 1970s.

During my secondary education at Wallington, the cricket team flourished, producing talents such as Raymond Baker, who would go on to play at county standard throughout the 1970s and 1980s. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, I represented Surrey Schools and played for the Surrey Young Cricketers from 1970 to 1972, primarily as an opening batsman and leg spin bowler. These experiences cemented my love for the game, and certainly the value of teamwork.

After leaving school in 1971, I attended University of Nottingham (UoN) studying Industrial Economics from 1971 to 1974. Cricket remained a central part of my life, and I played for the university team during my first two years. Under the captaincy of West Indies Test wicketkeeper and now long-time friend Deryck Murray (also an Industrial Economics student and now Trinidad High Commissioner in Jamaica), we enjoyed notable successes, reaching the Universities Athletic Union (UAU) tournament final in 1971 and the semi-final in 1972. Although we were ultimately outplayed by a future-star-studded Loughborough side, these years at university were pivotal, broadening perspectives and forging lifelong friendships. Since 2016, I have been a member of the Sports Advisory Board, keeping me involved with the UoN.

Sadly, after graduating in 1974, I never reached county cricket standard but remained a devoted supporter of Surrey. Upon settling in Bracknell, and later in the Reading/Wokingham area, Hampshire became my adopted county. I joined Eversley Cricket Club, which has been my home for over 50 years. My playing days concluded in 1998, but my passion for the game and club never waned. In the late 1980s, my focus shifted to fundraising efforts at Eversley CC. Organising charity events allowed me to witness firsthand the positive impact cricket can have on communities. One memorable fundraising event even led to the construction of our indoor cricket school, which has since produced several talented young players and has become a source of pride for the club. Over the years, I have served as Committee Member, Chairman, and Benefit Committee Organiser, supporting numerous Hampshire beneficiaries, as well as initiatives involving Lashings and the PCA.

Today, as a Life Member and Trustee of Eversley CC, I continue to play an active role in its development. Our fundraising efforts have enabled the creation of a second ground, new outdoor nets, and the aforementioned indoor cricket school—facilities that remain the envy of many clubs in the south of England. Seeing young cricketers flourish in these spaces is a lasting legacy. Eversley CC now fields five or six Saturday men's teams, over 200 colts, two women's teams, and boasts some of the best facilities in the region. Being part of the Eversley Sports Association has also allowed the club to branch out into hockey and football, further strengthening our community ties.

Alongside my club involvement, I have also played for and helped organise the Surrey Optimists CC—a touring side based in Worcestershire. Our team is a unique blend of players from Purley (Surrey), Eversley, Addington Village, Peppard/Stoke Row, Histon, and more, united by a shared love of the game. Over 77 consecutive years of touring and more than 60 years of fixtures with local sides, we have built lasting friendships and kept the touring tradition alive, even as the number of matches has changed with the times. Our current base among University of Worcester supporters, officials, and players has further enriched the experience.

Since the 2012 Olympics, I have found immense fulfilment in volunteering as a team leader at The Oval and Lord's, assisting at Test matches, ODIs, T20s, and The Hundred over the past 14 years; and from 2015 onwards, coordinating ICC events held at Lord's, The Oval, and Southampton, I have worked alongside a dedicated group of colleagues who share my love for the sport.

Finally, throughout my cricketing career, I've had the privilege of meeting and organizing events for legends such as Deryck Murray, Andy Roberts, Colin Croft, Robin Smith, Farokh Engineer, Devon Malcolm, Dermot Reeve, Henry Olonga, Henry Blofeld, and Ali Mitchell. Supporting charities like the Lord's Taverners, Matt Hampson Foundation, and Teenage Cancer Care, and hearing from athletes and personalities from various fields, has strengthened my belief in sport's ability to inspire and unite communities.