William (‘Bill’) Ernest Dove (FN 57-60).
The following appreciation has been sent in by Amanda, Bill’s daughter, on behalf of the family, and Don Williams (F 61-64), Chairman of the OSB North East Branch. “We are sorry to report that our long serving Secretary to the OSB North East Branch died on 30 April 2024 in Calderdale Hospital, Halifax at the age of 80 following a short illness. He had a happy and fulfilled life, with a distinguished career in banking and financial services and made a significant contribution to the world of cricket through coaching and umpiring. Bill was born on 17th December 1943 in Hebburn along with his twin brother Godfrey. Following time at Newcastle Preparatory School, he entered St Bees School with his brother in 1957 and left in 1960 to begin a long-serving career in banking at St Martin’s Bank (which became Barclays following a takeover in 1969).
	Bill Dove at OSB Day
	He thoroughly enjoyed his time at St Bees and left behind him a distinguished cricketing record. He played for the 1st XI team from his arrival, which was unheard of at the time, and was the regular wicket keeper for the 1st XI throughout his years at St Bees. It was a team which took many notable scalps. Bill maintained a great fondness for St Bees throughout his life. The N.E. Branch reunion meeting of the St Beghian Society in November 2024 would have seen him celebrating 50 Years Service as Secretary. In the Society this record is unique and quite special. He has looked after reunions in many different venues and with guests from St Bees School going back to Bill Fox’s time as OSB Secretary. In addition, whilst he was President of the Society, he supported meetings and annual events. Bill also assisted with the organisation of special North East Sporting Club Events, including ones at Durham County Cricket Club. All of his secretarial work contributed to the North East Branch being recognised as the most successful Members’ Branch in the Society.
Bill Dove
In 1968 he married Marjorie and not long after he settled in Morpeth, Northumberland where he raised his son and daughter. Having climbed the career ladder at the bank he made a change and became a financial advisor for General Accident. Bill excelled at his new career and because of his friendly and helpful personality he was consistently named by General Accident as their number one mortgage advisor in the country. A major road accident in 1997 led to his having to take early retirement. His injury did not however hold him back and he discovered a newfound gift for painting, a talent which had lain undetected before the accident.
	Bill's Celebration Cricket Gift
	Bill’s most impressive achievement lay in the world of cricket. Up until his accident he had continued to play cricket. On leaving school he played for Sunderland County Cricket Club, which won the Durham Senior League four years’ running. He then moved to Gateshead Fell. Following his move to Northumberland, he joined Blagdon Cricket Club where he served as player, captain, coach, committee member and chairman. But Bill wasn’t just passionate about playing cricket he also wanted to instil that passion in others, and so he became a coach with the Northumberland Schools Cricket Association. Whilst he predominantly worked with young wicket keepers, he also spent time helping youngsters on the county squads. Several England internationals were beneficiaries of such help. When Bill had to give up playing following his accident such was his love for the game he qualified as an umpire so that he could still be involved. He soon progressed to umpiring for the North East Premier League, and following his move to Yorkshire, he umpired in the Bradford Premier League; only ‘hanging his white coat up’ for the last time just seven months before his death. He was recognised by the Northumberland Cricket Board for his services receiving an ‘Outstanding Services to Cricket Award’.
Bill Umpiring
As befitted his experience Bill also became an umpire trainer; actively mentoring and tutoring young umpires, some of whom went on to umpire international games. He was also involved in assessing up and coming umpires in the region and was the County Development Officer for officials for Yorkshire. Each of these roles he was still performing up until the day he died. Bill Dove is survived by his wife, son and daughter.”
St Bees School Cricket Team - Cup Winners
St Bees School Cricket Team - June 1960

 

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The St Beghian Society    
St Bees School,    St Bees,    Cumbria,    CA27 0DS.

         Tel: (01946) 828093      Email: osb@stbeesschool.co.uk      Web: www.st-beghian-society.co.uk