60 second interview: Ian 'Wildy' Turner, Umpire & Vice President
Its always good for cricketers to understand their umpires, so we ask Ian Turner the key questions...
Name: Ian Turner (pictured above with former England batsman Mark Butcher)
Nickname: Wildy / Wildman.
I like to think I got the nickname because of the wild array of shots I had. Others say it is because of my 'slightly' competitive attitude and reactions when I got out!
How would you describe yourself as a player? I was an aggressive wicket-keeper batsman and a very occasional off-spin bowler
Club role: Vice President and Club Umpire
How long have you been at Addiscombe? I joined the club at the age of 13 as a Colt. That was 49 years ago! I played until my late 40's when I became a social member and umpire. The Wildman turned gamekeeper.
Best cricketing memory: Hitting a 50 in 20 minutes against Ardingly in their Cricket Week
Most embarrassing moment on a cricket ground: Being made to apologies to Peter Williams by Brian Carter. I had sworn at Peter on the pitch when he ran me out - I was batting well and not happy. My language got a bit wildy.
It was great playing for Brian when he was captaining the Sunday 2nd XI. I remember him having to buy Bickley Park lots of jugs of beer after our umpire gave their last batsman out with a dodgy lbw decision off the 7th ball of the last over.
What player, past or present, would you like to have been? Alec Stewart, the former Surrey and England player. Alec is Surrey through and through. He was an excellent wicketkeeper-batsman and the whole Stewart family have always encouraged young Surrey players.
Favourite Format to watch? Test Match Cricket
Predictions for Addiscombe CC’s 2020 season? I think we will have a steady, mid-table season
Why is Addiscombe CC a great club to join? It has a great tradition – we were a founding member of the Surrey Championship and we have a number of past players who have played County and Test cricket. It is a friendly club and I have made a lot of great friends here over the years. The support I had when recovering from leukaemia was amazing and helped me into remission.
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Ian ‘Wildy’ Turner was the first Umpire from Addiscombe CC to be selected to the Surrey Championship Umpire’s Panel and for several seasons officiated in the Premier Division.