Brigg Blog was very sad to learn of the death of Bryan 'Sam' Simpson at the weekend.
He made a huge contribution to the success of Broughton Cricket Club over many decades and was an official of many cricket leagues, putting in many, many, hours of unpaid time behind the scenes so others could enjoy their summer sport.
He encouraged young players, undertook fundraising and worked hard tending the Broughton ground, off Scawby Road.
Bryan, 79, was also a highly respected umpire who, over many seasons, officiated at scores of Brigg Town home matches - at the Sugar Factory ground, Sir John Nelthorpe School and the Recreation Ground.
He could also be seen spectating at Brigg Town Football Club's Hawthorns ground.
In administrative roles, Bryan contributed a great deal to the success of the Broughton Evening League, the Humberside Alliance, the Scunthorpe Intermediate League and the Lincolnshire County Cricket League - all involving Brigg teams.
A steelworks accountant prior to retirement, he was a former Town Clerk in Broughton and long-serving treasurer of the Scunthorpe & District Cricket Umpires' Association.
As we passed through Broughton on a Brigg to Scunthope bus earlier this week, we noted that the flag at Broughton Workingmen's Club had been lowered to half-mast, Bryan being a former official.
Lincolnshire County Cricket League chairman Bob Welton, who lives in the Brigg area, has sent us the following tribute, which sums up the huge contributing Bryan made to local sport...BRYAN (SAM) SIMPSON – A TRIBUTE
The word LEGEND is used to describe people far too easily these days but if ever there was a true legend in local circles it would most certainly be Bryan. He was a true servant to the village of Broughton and its’ sporting community particularly its’ cricket club which he served as player, groundsman and treasurer for many years. He fostered a keen interest in the game of cricket amongst many of the youth of Broughton year after year, many of todays players owe a huge debt of gratitude to this quiet unassuming man.
When his playing days were over he took up the white umpires jacket and was undoubtedly one of North Lincolnshires’ top umpires for a great number of years.
His judgment was always balanced and his decision-making spot on, none would question his decision when the “dreaded finger” was raised. However, he was always approachable after a game and was always willing to explain decisions based on a very sound knowledge of the laws of the game.
In 2003 he became Treasurer of the Lincolnshire County Cricket League - a role he held with distinction until his untimely death on the morning of the 3rd of February 2018.
Bryan never missed a League or Committee meeting and his views and opinions were always valued by me and the other members.
Bryan was also Treasurer to other organisations and, no doubt, kept their finances in order, as he did in our League.
Bryan will always be remembered with affection throughout the game of cricket in our part of the County, I’ve not only lost a valued person but a true friend as well.
RIP Bryan (SAM) Simpson !
- Details of Bryan's funeral service have yet to be announced. They will appear on Brigg Blog once known.
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