In Loving Memory of Bev Russell
Despite the wet weather conditions on Saturday 24th October, the 1st X1 cricketers and guests gathered at lunchtime for a new Westlake Boys Cricket tradition with the unveiling of the Bev Russell Westlake Cricket Bell. The Cricket Bell, positioned on the deck of the Old Boys Sports Pavilion, will be rung for the players to start each innings of their game but, more importantly, it will ring in memory of the many people within the Westlake community who have served to develop this wonderful game at the grounds of Westlake Boys High School since its establishment in 1962.
Once such special person who was a truly passionate supporter of Westlake Cricket sadly passed away this year. Bev Russell was a dedicated Mathematics teacher, devoted wife to Kevin and mother of Westlake hockey players and cricketers Keegan and Jarryd. Bev was an ardent fan of the game and an excellent scorer. If Bev was not watching cricket on TV, she would be listening to it on the radio or looking at the live scores on her computer; such was her keen interest, especially when her own sons were playing, as testified by her family and friends who were present at the unveiling ceremony.
Mr Cachopa, who led the ceremony, cited a piece of the poem by John Donne ‘No Man is an Island’ before Kevin Russell unveiled the Bev Russell Westlake Cricket Bell. In loving memory of their mother and on behalf of all who hold Westlake Boys Cricket close to their hearts, Bev’s sons rang the Cricket Bell for the very first time in the history of our school.
‘No Man is an Island’
A poem by John Donne
“………….any man’s death diminishes me,
because I am involved in mankind.
And therefore never send to know for whom
the bell tolls; it tolls for thee”.