Cheltenham Cricket Society (CCS) concluded its 2025/26 season in style with the return of Geoff Miller OBE, a hugely popular speaker whose fourth visit proved every bit as engaging as members had hoped. On a warm, balmy April evening at the Victory Club, a capacity audience gathered in anticipation, and Geoff did not disappoint—delivering an evening full of humour, insight, and genuine warmth.
Proceedings began with a short but important update from CCS member Chris Coley on the plans for the 2026 Towergate Cheltenham Cricket Festival. He emphasised the need for continued member support to ensure the future of this much-loved event, staged in the beautiful and picturesque grounds of Cheltenham College. Chairman Ken Burney’s clear message of “use it or lose it” resonated strongly with all members.
Geoff then took to the floor with minimal introduction, choosing to focus initially on delightful storytelling rather than the heavier questions that would inevitably be centred on his informed views on the modern game.
Beginning with his early days in Chesterfield and his selection for England Schools Cricket team, Geoff charted a journey that brought him into contact with some of cricket’s greatest names. His anecdotes featured a remarkable cast of the greats of World cricket, Ian Botham, Viv Richards, Sunil Gavaskar, Dennis Lillee to name a few. These stories—often centred on dressing room exchanges and off-field moments as much the actual action on the pitch. With an impeccable delivery style and perfect comedic timing Geoff had the CCS members in bouts of spontaneous laughter and appreciative applause.
Alongside the humour, Geoff offered thoughtful reflections on the highlights of his playing career, including Ashes success and his Nat West trophy triumphs with Derbyshire, as well as in his later role as an England selector. Geoff spoke candidly about the importance of honesty, integrity, and face-to-face communication when managing players, particularly when delivering difficult decisions. His insights into the evolution of cricket were equally compelling, highlighting the shift from a game driven by passion and honour to one increasingly influenced by financial incentives in the short format version of the game.
Geoff also addressed the challenges facing county cricket, stressing its vital role as the “conveyor belt” to feed the talent and skills required for the Test match format. Pragmatically he also acknowledged the practical and financial realities shaping the sport’s future and the attraction that it has for upcoming and talented players.
A particularly touching moment for our society president Cally Barlow came when Geoff paid tribute to his mentor, Eddie Barlow and how his influence on Geoff’s approach to leadership, management and fitness remained profound throughout his career as a first class player and then England selector.
Having successfully undergone treatment for prostate cancer, Geoff spoke openly and appreciatively about the care he had received, before conducting a charity auction that raised significant funds for Prostate Cancer UK. A highlight of this was CCS member Gavin Davies’ successful and generous bid for a full-sized bat signed by leading players, Ian Botham, Joe Root, James Anderson and Alastair Cook.
This was a fitting and successful end to the CCS 2025/26 season—an evening that combined laughter, reflection, warmth and as ever our members generosity to a very worthy cause. Geoff Miller once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of cricket’s most genuine, captivating and informed speakers. CCS members look forward to welcoming him back hopefully for a fifth visit in the not too distant future.
Sushil Sidhu April 2026