I am thrilled beyond words that two people I consider to be great friends won awards at the Bristol Post Sports Awards evening tonight.
Firstly, step forward John Colley, Bristol’s cricketer of the year. I got to know John when my son Arie played for his beloved YMCA as a youngster. John was the heart and soul of the club – a kind, generous man whose aim is always the team first, John second. YMCA is a wonderful club and although many years have passed since we had a direct association with them, a good number of friendships endure. Congratulations, John. You are definitely one of the good guys. I’ll buy you that beer soon enough.
I am told the roof all but came off when the footballer of the year award was announced. Ben Hiscox, the ultimate Stoke Gifford villager (I mean this as a compliment: honest!), was posthumously named the footballer of the year. How fitting that this great man should be honoured in such a prestigious gathering and I am particularly pleased for his mum and dad, Gloria and Clive, who I now proudly regard as friends and his sister Rachel, as well as his partner Zoe. Everyone in football recognised the talents of Ben Hiscox, everyone in our village treasured this very special one-off, charismatic, life-enhancing, laughter-making lovely man. And his memory and spirit lives on, stronger by the day. Raise a glass, stand up and salute Ben Hiscox AKA Dennis Cox.
And who was on stage with the family after the award was announced? Darrell Clarke, the Bristol Rovers manager, that’s who. The family are Gasheads through and through and the club’s support at what was an impossibly difficult time has been immense and thanks to Darrell the links grow stronger still. Thank you Bristol Rovers. When it mattered for something important, you delivered.
So, to my friends John Colley and Ben Hiscox, I salute your achievements. These are thoroughly deserved awards for two very different but equally wonderful people and in your different ways you have lightened our lives.
