PRESIDENTIAL duties dominated the week as the final ball of the season was bowled at Bristol.

At a convivial gathering in the exciting new pavilion I said a temporary farewell to captain Michael Klinger.

Speaking on behalf of the club about ‘Max’ was a privilege. Some overseas players are delightful personalities, some are fine cricketers - Michael is both. For all the right reasons he is properly respected and not just for his Gloucestershire achievements. All are delighted he will be back next year.

There was plenty of opportunity to talk to John Bracewell and look forward to the game at Glamorgan, which started on Tuesday. He chuckled at the prospect of the two left handed bowlers (Taylor and Payne) causing some rough for our spinners to exploit. There may be a surprise selection said John – there is a very promising 16-year-old pace bowler who may be in the squad. Watch this space!

At the end of play on Friday, Lancashire were presented with the Division Two County Championship trophy. Unbeaten all season they were deserved winners. It was a desire to protect the record that caused them to decline a Gloucestershire offer to set up a last-day challenge. Captain Michael was all for it, but understood Lancashire’s reluctance.

David Collier, the chief executive of the ECB, was at Bristol. He is thrilled at the progress Gloucestershire are making, both in developing the ground and in producing quality young players who are committing their future to the county club. This must be the way forward, he said.

Resident in Chalford when he worked for us in the 1980s, David was interested in the progress of local teams. David’s biggest success has been in the allocation of Sky TV cash. It has been used to help all levels of the game. What a contrast with soccer where the profligate Premier League sides have too large a share.

There was news this week of the death of a personal cricketing hero – Doug Dickenson of Sheepscombe, who shared the opening attack with the more fiery Frank Mansell. Doug took 1,077 wickets for the club at an average of 9-11. Always wearing a cap, he bowled quick and straight.

They say distance lends enchantment. It may do but not in the case of Doug Dickenson. The achievements of this gracious man speak for themselves.