R I P BRIAN GREAM
OBITUARY written by Kevin Pike of Mid North Coast (Brian is seated second from the right)
It is with much sadness that I advise that another great cricket identity our dear mate, Brian Gream (Greamie) passed away this morning (6th March 2022)
I spoke with Phil, his son this morning, who advised that following the death of his daughter, Kylie 2 weeks ago, Brian felt run down and was shortly after diagnosed with Covid, which lead to
Cardiac issues and eventually kidney failure. He was 85 years old.
Brian was a fixture of Armidale cricket as player and administrator for over 40 years and I had the good fortune to be his fellow club mate at St Peters Cricket Club in Armidale for over 25 years.
As an administrator he was always forthright and devoted much energy in leading the campaign for ground improvements in Armidale involving the improvements to The Armidale Sports Ground,
And the building of practice nets and laying of synthetic turf surfaces on concrete wickets across the town during his presidency.
He felt most strongly about the “proper” naming of the Armidale and District Cricket Association and was instrumental in advocating for the name change from the historical New England Cricket Association.
He was an elegant batsman and always played cricket as it should be played in a competitive but always sporting manner.
After his competitive cricket days , Brian was part of the Armidale Vets ( Golden Oldies) originals and with the likes of Roy Powell, Ian Watts, David Breusch, Nick Stevenson, Graham Johnson , Tony Ryan, Dick Mc Coll, Bob Jex, Mick Muldoon, Garry Griffith, Tony Bennett, Phil Radburn, Geoff Wood, Bob Gaden, Mick Porter, myself and many others forming up the original Golden Oldies cricket competition in Armidale with the first round of matches played in 1998/1999 season with 5 teams competing.
A most successful Golden Oldies competition was held each season from 1998 to 2008, when the Armidale Golden Oldies joined forces with the emerging Veterans Cricket movement throughout New South Wales.
He was a permanent fixture of the Armidale and later New England teams at State carnivals up until recent years, but was always on hand to provide assistance at grounds in Armidale even if he wasn’t playing himself.
Brian loved cricket and cricketers and in 2013, whilst at the Ashes Test at Lords, I accidently ran into him, much to our mutual surprise and enjoyed an ice-cream together!
Brian will be remembered as a most friendly team mate with a wicked sense of humour, which I’m sure endeared him to most of our playing group. He played for NSW Over 70s from 2013 to 2017.
Brief Summary of Brian’s Cricket CV:
Ex Services Cricket Club , Armidale ( Prior 1975)
St Peters Cricket Club, Armidale ( Later becoming Norths Cricket Club) 1975/76 to 2000
President Armidale Cricket Association 1976/77 to 1979/80 ( Previously known as New England)
Vice President Northern Tablelands Cricket Council 1976- 1980
Life Member St Peters Cricket Club and Armidale Cricket Association
Sydney Golden Oldies Carnival 1996- Wheatons (Armidale/ Gloucester) X1
Wheatons Tour Group – Scotland and Cotswolds Vintage Cricket Carnival at Stratford Upon Avon 2008
Nepal Tour with Unex/ Armidale
New England ( Formerly Armidale) Veterans Cricket Teams -2008-2021
8th National Over 60s/ 70s- Sunshine Coast 2013 -NSW Over 70s Wombats ( Graeme England – Captain)
10th National Over 60s/70s- Hobart 2015- NSW Over 70s ( Gordon Ives - Captain)
Cooper Finlay 2016 – NSW Over 70s Waratahs ( Captain, Jeff Perkins; Manager, Brian Gream)
Cooper Finlay 2017 – NSW Blues Over 70s ( Brian Breakspear - Captain)
To Ian, Phil, Heather and their families I pass on our condolences at his passing and the recent passing of his daughter, Kylie.
Brian will be greatly missed by his family and his cricket mates.
Regards, Kevin Pike
VCNSW joins Kevin in his grief and I am sure that the entire network of cricketers in the New England region will feel the loss of Brian dearly and we send our sincerest and heartfelt condolences to his family as well. I recall playing on the same field as Brain and echo Kevin’s fine sentiments in Greamie’s wonderful placid and endearing nature. You will be sorely missed, yet remembered. RIP. Editor