Category: Speaker Review

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Geoff Miller OBE 01 Apr 2026

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

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GCCC Panel 04 Mar 2026, David Graveney OBE, Peter Matthews and Craig Miles

CCS welcomed a distinguished panel from Gloucestershire County Cricket Club for our penultimate speaker meeting of March, providing members with an engaging and informative evening.

The panel featured Gloucestershire legend, CCS Vice President and favourite, David Graveney OBE, who stepped in at short notice for Jon Lewis, alongside Peter Matthews (GCCC Executive Chair) and re-signed accomplished seam bowler Craig Miles.

David, as always proved to be a hugely experienced, articulate and measured speaker. Drawing on his time as chairman of the England Test selectors, he spoke with authority about leadership, decision-making and the importance of clear processes which he has put to good effect at GCCC. He explained how structured systems guide everything at Gloucestershire, from the appointment of a groundsman to the role and responsibilities of a Director of Cricket. His experience as a selector also allowed him to reflect thoughtfully on evaluating players across counties and understanding the wider domestic game.

Peter spoke with confidence and optimism about the future of the club. While cricketing questions were largely directed towards David, Peter provided valuable insight into the commercial realities of running a county cricket club. He discussed the impact of The Hundred, the importance of the Cheltenham Cricket Festival, and the role of domestic and international fixtures in the club’s financial stability. He noted that as few as ten good uninterrupted days of cricket in Cheltenham or Bristol can make a significant difference financially to the club’s season and profitability.

The lively Q&A session provided members with fascinating updates, including how investment from The Hundred has helped GCCC become debt-free and contributed to the funding of approximately £3m of infrastructure improvements at the County Ground, Bristol. These infrastructure projects will provide upgrades and the modernisation of player and officials’ facilities. This will help ensuring Nevil Road remains compliant for major international events and safeguarding its status as an international ground beyond 2031.

Craig added an insightful player’s perspective, speaking candidly about the physical demands, scrutiny and career challenges of professional cricket especially moving between several counties.

Thanks are due as usual to Ian Randall for guiding the discussion with thoughtful questions, helping to create a thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening evening for all CCS members.

Paddy Murphy / Sushil Sidhu – Mar 2026

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Gloucestershire Cricket Panel Wed 04 Mar 2026

Cheltenham Cricket Society looks forward to welcoming Peter, Jon and Craig from Gloucestershire County Cricket Club.

Peter Matthews – GCCC Executive Chair

Following a rigorous and robust recruitment process, Life Member and Gloucestershire fan of more than 50 years, Peter Matthews, was appointed Chair in August 2024.

Gloucestershire born and bred, Peter joins the Club’s Board having enjoyed a successful career in business and has a track record of running businesses with turnovers of hundreds of millions of pounds.

A Gloucestershire Cricket fan since 1972, Peter is also experienced in working with senior clients and CEOs to deliver strategy and personal coaching.

In addition to his achievements in business, Peter is a qualified CEO coach with Meyletr Campbell and having held senior managing partner positions, has significant experience in providing strong commercial input into organisational strategy.

In accepting the position, Peter became the first Chair in the Club’s history to be appointed from outside the Clubs existing committee structure.

Jon Lewis – GCCC Director of Cricket

Thirty years after making his first-class debut for the Club, Gloucestershire Cricket is delighted to announce the appointment of former bowler Jon Lewis as its new Director of Cricket.

In this important role, Jon will be responsible for shaping and delivering a unified cricketing vision that supports the Club’s long-term strategic goals.

He will oversee the performance structure across the Men’s and Women’s teams as well as the pathway programmes, ensuring alignment in playing philosophy, coaching approach, and player development throughout Gloucestershire Cricket.

Jon will lead and integrate all performance programmes to create a cohesive and collaborative environment, ensuring consistency in playing style, coaching methodology and performance standards across every level of Gloucestershire Cricket. He will also work closely with the Executive team to embed cricketing excellence at the heart of the Club’s overall vision and direction.

On his return to the Club, Lewis said:

“I’m really excited. It’s a big job and there’s lots to do. We’ve got some things that are really pressing and some that are exciting in the long term too.

“It’s a place that has a really special meaning for me. It created a lot of opportunities for me to become a better player, and hopefully I can give people the same opportunities that I had here.

“I need to get to know how everything works properly, get behind the scenes and make sure everyone’s working together.

“That unity has always been part of the Gloucestershire DNA – the teamwork and people working together. I think that’s really important, as is setting high standards and making sure the standards of play, training, and the way we do things every day are really set in stone.”

Craig Miles – GCCC Seam Bowler

Seven years after signing off his first stint at the Club with eight wickets and the winning runs against Derbyshire in the final match of the 2018 season, homegrown seamer Craig Miles has re-signed for Gloucestershire on a three-year deal starting 1 November 2025.

The 30-year-old returns following seven successful seasons at Warwickshire and will have the opportunity to add to his 116 appearances across all formats for the Shire, during which he claimed 313 wickets over eight seasons.

Miles made his debut as a 16-year-old against Northamptonshire at Bristol on 11 May 2011 and quickly established himself in red-ball cricket, taking 255 wickets in 68 first-class matches for Gloucestershire at an average of 26.68.

Across his first-class career, the Swindon-born former England Lion has 360 wickets at 28.36.

Reflecting on a return to his boyhood Club, Miles said:

“I’m absolutely buzzing to be coming back to Gloucestershire! The chance to wear the shirt again and represent the Club that played such a massive part in my journey was something I simply couldn’t turn down.

“From making my debut as a 16-year-old, to unforgettable wins at the Cheltenham Festival, and that incredible day at Lord’s in 2015 – some of the fondest memories of my career happened whilst playing for Gloucestershire.

“Every time I’ve returned to Nevil Road, it’s felt like home, and I can’t wait to be back out there.

“I’m hugely excited to work with Mark Alleyne and the coaching team, link up with some familiar faces and old friends, and give everything I’ve got, on and off the field, for the Glorious once again.”

Miles’ standout season at Warwickshire came in 2021, when he took 37 wickets at 21.81 to help the Bears win the Division One title. He then starred in the Bob Willis Trophy final, taking 5-28 in the first innings and contributing with both ball and in the field in the second, as Warwickshire beat Lancashire by an innings and 199 runs.

In the shortest format of the game, Miles has 68 wickets in 65 matches at 24.82 and also featured six times for Northern Superchargers during the 2022 edition of The Hundred.

He made his List A debut for Gloucestershire shortly after his red-ball bow, taking 2-32 against Essex in the Clydesdale Bank 40. In total, he has 60 wickets in 50 List A matches, including 12 during Gloucestershire’s victorious 2015 Royal London Cup campaign, where he featured in the final win over Surrey.

On welcoming Miles back to the Club, Head Coach Mark Alleyne said:

“I very much look forward to welcoming Craig back to Bristol.

“He left as a precocious talent and returns with a strong body of work on the first-class stage. His experience will be invaluable as we rebuild a formidable attack to compete in Division One. If we’re unsuccessful this year, his presence for that push in 2026 will be savoured.

“As an all-format player, he will add great quality across the seasons to come.”

Gloucestershire fans can look forward to the return of one of the Club’s most prolific bowlers of the 21st century ahead of the 2026 season.

Information /extracts provided courtesy of and thanks to Gloucestershire Cricket

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Tim Curtis 07 Jan 2026

We were delighted to welcome Tim Curtis, former Worcestershire and England batter, as our first speaker of 2026 on Wednesday 7 January. Tim delivered a thoroughly engaging evening, combining warmth, humour and thoughtful insight drawn from a distinguished playing career.

Tim reflected on his early cricketing influences, particularly his father and his admiration for Tom Graveney, before discussing how player development has changed since his own pathway through school, college and university cricket. Tim shared memorable stories from his sporting life, having uniquely played in both a Twickenham rugby final and a Lord’s one-day cricket final.

Much of the evening focused on his successful years with Worcestershire, including opening the batting with Ian Botham and being part of the club’s golden era in the late 1980s. He spoke highly of teammates such as Graham Hick and recalled playing alongside and against many of the game’s greats, including Mike Procter, Courtney Walsh, Graham Dilley and Malcolm Marshall.

Tim also offered balanced views on the modern game, discussing the current performance and style of play of England in the Ashes, importance of central contracts, the impact of The Hundred, and the future of county cricket. He expressed strong belief that Test cricket remains the pinnacle of the sport, despite evolving formats and challenges.

Entertaining, intelligent, articulate and modest throughout, Tim Curtis provided members with a memorable and insightful evening, blending rich cricketing history with informed perspectives on the game today. Hard to believe that it was more than 30 years since Tim’s last appearance at our society and hoping he doesn’t leave it that long till his next visit.

Sushil Sidhu – Jan 2026

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Tim Curtis – Pen Portrait

Timothy Stephen Curtis (born 15 January 1960 in Chislehurst, Kent) is a former English professional cricketer best known for his prolific county career with Worcestershire and a brief stint with the England Test team. A right-handed opening batsman and occasional leg-break bowler, Curtis combined solid technique with dogged concentration to become one of Worcestershire’s most dependable run-scorers.

Tim made his first-class debut in 1979 and went on to play 339 first-class matches, scoring 20,832 runs at an average of 40.68, including 43 centuries and 103 fifties, with a career best of 248. In first class cricket, he amassed 10,280 runs at an average of 39.69, making him, alongside Graeme Hick, one of only two players to surpass 10,000 one-day runs for Worcestershire.

Tim earned a Test call-up in 1988–89, playing five matches for England, scoring 140 runs at 15.55 with a highest score of 41, though he did not reach a fifty at international level.

He captained Worcestershire from 1992 to 1995, leading them to successes including the 1994 NatWest Trophy and retired from first-class cricket in 1997.

After retirement, Tim became an English teacher and Director of Sport at the Royal Grammar School Worcester, influencing young cricketers and pupils until his retirement from teaching in 2016. He has also contributed to coaching, writing about cricket, and served in roles such as chairman of the Professional Cricketers’ Association and as an honorary life vice-president at Worcestershire CCC.

Sushil Sidhu – Dec 2025

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Peter Willey 03 Dec 2025

Peter Willey, the distinguished former England all-rounder and internationally respected umpire, returned to the Cheltenham Cricket Society for the final Victory Club event of 2025. It has been almost 33 years since his last appearance at the Society’s original venue, when he was interviewed by CCS founder and former President Peter West—yet his presence remains as compelling as ever.

A hard, straight-talking and fearless character from the north-east, Willey delivered an evening of uncompromising honesty, dry humour and deep cricketing insight. With decades of experience at the highest levels of the game—both as a player and as a world-class official—he spoke with the authority of someone who truly has “seen it all” from “both sides” of the fence

As a right-hand batsman and off-break bowler, Willey represented England, Northamptonshire and Leicestershire with distinction. His famous “chest-on” batting stance defied convention, yet proved remarkably effective—especially considering the era he played in. Most of his 26 Tests (1976–1988) were contested against the fiercest (and maybe the finest) West Indian pace attack in cricket history, and then without the protective helmets or bouncer restrictions that today’s players take for granted.
Indeed, 15 of those Tests and 13 of his 26 ODIs were against the West Indies, with most of the remainder against Australia. Opportunities to improve his batting average were regrettably few; instead, Willey built a reputation for courage, resilience and sheer bloody-minded determination.

Peter spoke modestly about his role in the famous 1981 Leeds, Headingley Test—”Botham’s Ashes” as they were known—before being typically dropped after the following match at Edgbaston, a reminder of the fickleness of England team selection in that era. His memorable partnerships, including those forged against the likes of Marshall, Holding and Garner, were relayed with an understated humour that belied the extraordinary difficulty of the task.

Willey also reflected on his accomplished second career as one of the finest domestic and international umpires, often mentioned in the same breath as Dickie Bird, David Shepherd and Steve Bucknor. He recalled the privilege of officiating many great contests, including the iconic India v Australia Test in which India followed on and still emerged victorious. His candid views on modern umpiring—and the impact of DRS, which he feels removes too much from the on-field officials—were delivered with the same directness that characterised his playing days.

The membership particularly enjoyed his reflections on English cricket today, shaped in part by the experiences of his son, David Willey. With characteristic dry wit, he joked about discouraging his six-year-old grandson from playing IPL-style shots, urging instead more classical batting techniques that served him so well.

Throughout the evening, Peter remained down-to-earth, dry and witty, while also being reverential toward the game’s traditions. His “to the point” answers to audience questions came in “rapid-fire” fashion—quick, forthright, informed and always honest.

A thoroughly enjoyable evening, Peter Willey was a fitting bookend to the Cheltenham Cricket Society’s 2025 programme.

Sushil Sidhu – December 2025

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Graham Gooch OBE, DL 05 Nov 2025

Graham Gooch, the most prolific run-scorer top-class cricket has ever seen, graced the Victory Club stage for our second and much-anticipated guest event of the season.

Speaking to a packed-to-the-limit Cheltenham Cricket Society audience, Graham needed no reminder of his extraordinary achievements — they speak for themselves. Instead, he delighted members with a wealth of captivating stories from his time in the game, recalling the greats he has played with and against at both county and international level. Whether discussing encounters with legends from Australia, India, the West Indies, South Africa, or Pakistan, Graham’s anecdotes and sharp recollections had the room enthralled.

With an incredible memory and a natural gift for storytelling, he transported listeners to cricketing moments that remain etched in the sport’s history. His tales of batting in the West Indies and Australia against the world’s finest pace attacks drew laughter, admiration, and spontaneous applause from the audience.

Ever the consummate professional, Graham fielded a wide range of audience questions with passion, clarity, and insight. His informed views on topical issues — from “Bazball” and England’s team selection to prospects for the forthcoming Ashes tour — held everyone’s attention. He also discussed modern aspects of the game such as stroke play, bat technology, and coaching philosophies, while touchingly reflecting on the lives and friendships of his much-missed colleagues, David “Syd” Lawrence and Shane Warne.

Members were treated to the company of a true professional — a wonderfully entertaining, articulate, and insightful speaker whose passion for the game continues to inspire.

Sushil Sidhu – November 2025

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Phil Neale OBE 02 Apr 2025

The final event of the Cheltenham Cricket Society 2024/25 season at the Victory Club concluded on a beautiful spring evening with the return of our esteemed guest Phil Neale. Phil had last appeared at CCS in February 1987 and as he had done then enthralled the membership with insight and inspiration but now nearly 40 years on captivated a packed audience with his remarkable life story and extensive sporting career.

Phil Neale’s journey began in Lincolnshire, and his engaging storytelling took the audience through his formative years, including his unexpected academic path—studying Russian at Leeds University. His versatility and passion for sport were evident as he shared stories from his distinguished dual career as a first-class cricketer and as a professional footballer .

One of the evening’s highlights was Phil’s vivid recollections of his dual sporting career, especially his time as a footballer with Lincoln City, Scunthorpe United, Worcester City, and Gloucester City. A particularly memorable anecdote involved playing at Scunthorpe United alongside Ian Botham—a friendship that would later influence Botham’s move to Worcestershire after parting ways with Somerset. Phil also spoke about his role in attracting talents like Graham Dilley and Graeme Hick to the club, emphasizing his skill in being able to manage a team with diverse personalities—a quality that earned him the prestigious Wisden Cricketer of the Year award in 1989.

His leadership not only secured triumphs on the pitch but also attracted iconic cricketers and famous personalities like Eric Clapton and George Harrison to Worcestershire.

Phil also offered valuable insights from his two-decade tenure as Operations Manager for the England cricket team (2000–2020), a period marked by significant success for English cricket. His reflections on his management career were enlightening, including his thoughts on the upcoming summer visit by the India team and the winter Ashes tour in Australia.

Phil Neale’s charisma, depth of knowledge, and infectious passion for the game made for a thoroughly enjoyable and thought-provoking evening. His ability to seamlessly blend personal stories with professional insights left a lasting impression on all in attendance. It was truly a fitting and memorable way to close the Cheltenham Cricket Society 2024/25 season—leaving appetites suitably whetted for an exciting summer of cricket and a packed 2025/26 CCS Programme.

Sushil Sidhu – April 2025

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Gloucestershire County Cricket Club (GCCC) Panel 05 Mar 2025

GCCC Panel 05 Mar 2025 – L-R Jack Taylor, Mark Alleyne, Peter Matthews

Cheltenham Cricket Society enjoyed yet another memorable evening at the Victory Club, where Gloucestershire Cricket Club’s coach Mark Alleyne, chairman Peter Matthews, and T20 Vitality Blast-winning captain Jack Taylor took centre stage. Interviewed by our own Ian Randall, the panel delivered an insightful and engaging discussion, offering members a fascinating look into the club’s present and future plans.

With the T20 Vitality Blast trophy proudly on display, members were treated to first-hand accounts of Gloucestershire’s thrilling triumph, with Taylor sharing key moments from the campaign and Alleyne offering his expert perspective on the squad’s success. The panel also took a range of questions from an attentive audience, covering the club’s future plans.

As expected, questions relating to GCCC finances and plans especially post “The Hundred” allocations were prominent. At the moment GCCC is not wholly clear regarding the exact amount of revenue it will receive from The Hundred allocation, when it will arrive, and if there will be restrictions on how it can be used. It is however a great opportunity for GCCC moving forward and one that the club will take full advantage off.

In addition, the much-discussed relocation of GCCC is now unlikely to happen within the next five years, with focus shifting to improvements at the Seat Unique Stadium, Nevil Road to enhance facilities and thus increase the chances of hosting more International matches in the future.

It was really pleasing to hear that following the lobbying by GCCC Cheltenham would host two four-day Championship Games in 2025 a move the club sees as both financially beneficial and an opportunity to host big-name counties.

Current and future plans and challenges for GCCC aside, Mark Alleyne was very eloquent in rightly requesting that we do not lose site of the joy of participating and watching Cricket at all levels.

This was another classic evening for the Society, full of insight, entertainment, and optimism for the future of Gloucestershire cricket. A big thank you to Mark, Peter, Jack, and Ian for making the night such a success!

Sushil Sidhu/ Robin Barnes / Roy Taylor – March 2025

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Joe Leach 05 February 2025

Cheltenham Cricket Society welcomed former Worcestershire cricketer Joe Leach as our guest speaker. Joe, an accomplished and respected bowler, batter and former county captain, provided entertaining insights into his cricketing journey, leadership experiences, and thoughts on the future of the game.

Early Life and Cricketing Inspirations

Joe spoke warmly of his upbringing in Staffordshire, where his grandfather was a significant influence, instilling in him a passion for cricket from a young age. His education at Shrewsbury School provided him with outstanding cricketing facilities, which he rated as being on par with Loughborough. During his early career, he played alongside James Taylor, who went on to represent England, and forged a strong friendship with him.

University and Early Cricket Career

Joe pursued a degree in French & Philosophy at Leeds University, balancing his studies with playing cricket. 

He initially joined the Worcestershire Academy in 2009, making his first-class debut in 2012 as a batsman coming in at No. 6. However, his bowling skills soon developed, and the county eventually saw him as more of a frontline bowler and, later, an all-rounder.

County Career and Captaincy

Joe’s breakthrough season in 2015 firmly established him as a key player for Worcestershire. That same year, he was appointed vice-captain, later assuming the role of club captain for five seasons—a rare feat for a fast bowler. He recalled with pleasure scoring 114 against Gloucestershire at the 2013 Cheltenham Cricket Festival – one of his favourite cricketing venues.

Challenges and Transitions

His tenure as captain coincided with both success and challenges. He managed a youthful squad while leading from the front, recording back-to-back 60-wicket seasons. However, a stress fracture in 2018 made leadership more demanding, especially with a young and inexperienced squad.

In 2023, he was joint top wicket-taker for Worcestershire, helping them remain in Division One—an achievement he was particularly proud of. However, a knee injury forced him to reconsider his future, ultimately leading to his retirement at the end of the season. He shared that he had one year left on his contract but chose to step away at the top of his game rather than play a reduced role.

Views on the Modern Game

Joe shared insightful views on the future of county cricket, noting that while the Hundred competition has brought in significant investment, mismanagement could still threaten some smaller counties. He acknowledged the financial pull of franchise cricket, noting that players will naturally be drawn to lucrative leagues like the IPL at the expense of county commitments.

Women’s Cricket and Post-Retirement Ambitions

Joe was highly optimistic about the future of the women’s game, citing increased participation at the grassroots level and greater financial backing.

Post-retirement, he has remained active in cricket, pursuing coaching qualifications and setting up a female cricket equipment business. He humorously mentioned that babysitting duties have also been keeping him busy!

Final Thoughts

In the Q&A session, Joe answered questions on topics ranging from his calm and measured temperament and coaching style to England’s prospects in the forthcoming Ashes series. His  views on the latter were that England’s bowling attack will be key and the “Baz ball” style of play will really be in the spotlight. 

The question on concussion substitutes was particularly topical. This was referencing the controversial decision in the recent  India vs. England T20 series, where Rana (a bowler) replaced Dube a batter who had suffered a concussion blow. Joe questioned the substitution in terms of fairness and the strict adherence to the rules as on paper it was not a like for like substitution. In addition the fact that Dube returned to play in the 5th T20 after 48 hours rather than wait 7 days as recommended did attract further criticism.

However, Dube did bowl in the final T20 game with figures of 2-11 so proved that he is an effective all rounder. England Captain Jos Buttler did admit that the substitution was not a reason for England losing the 4th T20 game so the criticisms might have been overblown. 

The evening ended with a warm vote of thanks together with a presentation of a CCS Umbrella and 2025 Calendar by Mike Hitchings. Joe was thanked for his exemplary service for Worcestershire and for thoroughly entertaining the CCS members. 

Sushil Sidhu – February 2025