The photo shows Devon with Committee member, Bob Sargeant

The Society was pleased to welcome the popular Devon Malcolm to the November meeting. He talked about the humble early stages in his cricketing career, based in Sheffield when he played for Sheffield Caribbean and Sheffield United cricket clubs. His major break came when he was spotted by Phil Russell from Derbyshire CC when he was playing for a Yorkshire League XI against a Yorkshire CCC XI. He made his debut at Queen’s Park, Chesterfield in 1984 and since that time Queen’s Park has been his favourite ground. He talked about his international career when he played in 40 Test matches and 30 One-Day Internationals. He gave an insight into the England dressing room and the characters within it. He was typically self-deprecating about his batting saying, ‘it was comical’.

This under-average ability as a batsman seemed to add to his public popularity, and he was often given a big cheer when he went out to bat, more often than not at number eleven. He was a particular favourite of commentator Brian Johnston.

Devon talked with great fondness of his time at Derbyshire CCC, stating that he would always be grateful to the club for giving him his chance to prove himself as a cricketer. He talked about his life after retiring from playing – he is now a Match Referee for County Championship matches.

This was a typical Devon Malcolm evening – full of good humour and with a good relationship created with his audience. A very enjoyable evening.