AUBREY 'MITCH' MITCHELL
By James Wheeler
Former club member Aubrey ‘Mitch’ Mitchell unfortunately passed away in December. Mitch played for the club from the 1960s to the early 1990s after being introduced to the club by current Life President.
Former team-mate and club legend Norman Whalley has written a fitting tribute on his mate Mitch.
Cricket is a very special game and the only game i've played where in a relatively short period of time one can identify the characters and personality of fellow players. There is very little one can hide from this game no matter how much some players try. As a result it is easy to pick out the players who really love the game.
Aubrey Herbert Mitchell you were such a player who truly loved the game and you put far more into the game than you took out. Known as Mitch to everyone including probably Her majesty Queen Elizabeth II. In your prime Mitch you were a wicket keeper batsman, and later an umpirebut above all a mainline train driver, usually between Paddington and Penzance. First with Stream Locomotives and then with Diesel.What you did not know about railways was not worth knowing and to catch you at the Bessborough bar in "Railway Mode" was something really special.
Mitch you were not an ordinary train driver, and many of the current membership of Bessborough Cricket Club will not know that, you were a Royal Train driver. I can just see the Queen picking up the phone and calling you, then off with the Royal Party to the west country, all in your safe hands.In those days. The Royal Train was a complete train, not just a matter of adding a coach to any train.
I joined Bessborough in 1963 about the same time as you, and for 48 years you never had a bad word for anyone. Playing mainly in the 2nd and 3rd teams you set a shining example to all cricketers.
Mitch you were a real gentleman and at your best on cricket tour. You had that unique ability to 'give and take' so necessary when a group of cricketers go on tour. I fondly remember a game at Ross-on-Wye and will always admire the way you dealt with the situation. It was a beautiful day and the pavillion had two visitor changing rooms, one for the pros and the other for the boys.
Graham Sainsbury was captain and was determined to keep wicket, so off he went to the pros changing room. Mitch, you and I wanting to join the boys and went to the boys room. Some how you were not aware who was going to be the keeper. The boys lost no time in persauding you to pad up. All was fine until Bessborough got to the square, when Sain's suddenly realised that he had two Wicket Keepers and threw a wobblie.
Ever a gentleman you addressed the situation in good heart, took off your pads, calmed Graham down with a pat on his head, and took the pads to the boundary.
Mitch you were a great guy and everyone who knew you will miss you, but always remember you. There is no doubt in my mind that you will go to Heaven probably by steam with angels stoking coal on the foot plate.
Thanks again Mitch for many years of friendship.
Norman Whalley