More Woody Tributes

TONY 'WOODY' WOOD

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If You Would Like To Pay Tribute To Tony 

e.mail me chiv.com@virgin.net and I will put it on for you.

I will make sure Tony's family see all your tributes.

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Steve Chiv - 17 years ago a lean, well groomed, well dressed (with iron clean whites) gent turned up for his first game for the Green Caps. - Yes it was Woody. Little did we know then that this guy would have such a great impact on our lives and our cricket club . More than anyone could have imagined.

His fantastic smile - his friendship to young and old - his practical jokes and the endless stories - it was just a privilage to be in his presence. At Thornberry Avenue the other week with his 3rd XI - I watched from square leg to see Woody scoring and surronded by the younger players who were captivated by one amusing conversation after another.

What a shame the doctors never sorted out Woodys legs and the youngsters could have seen what a fine cricketer Tony was. Smashing Zimbabwe test star Gary Brent for 3 consecutive fours when he we were playing for Burridge was proof enough for me.

I will never forget one midweek game. Woody had been on two dates with two different ladies earlier in the week. We were fielding and Woody turned to me and Northy and said ' Look whose turned up I could be in trouble in a minute'. (Date 1 had turned up to watch). 'Why' I said - because date number 2's coming to watch in a minute.

At 4.45 date 2 turned up so Woody had 2 ladies either end of the clubhouse watching him play. ' What am I going to do he kept saying' as the sweat was running down his face. As the clock turned 5pm - tea time - Woody shouted to the umpire ' one more over please' because he didn't want to go off the field. By this time the oppositon had caught wind of whats happening and were in fits of laughter. 5.10 and with no batsman left we had no choice but to walk off the field but the oppo decided to help out by forming two lines of players to clap us off and Woody did a 50 metre dash into the changing room and safety. Always a laugh a minute with the great man.

Last Saturday Woodys mum Christine emotionally said ' please don't forget my Anthony' How could we - he has given us all such a great deal of pleasure over the past 17 years and his memories will always be with us forever.

Our Chairman and friend Tony Wood - an inspiration to us all.

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Joe, Pauline and Ali Bryers. - Dear Tony, Why did you have to go?

We really only had the pleasure of your company this season, Saturday afternoons will not be the same again.

Ali has enjoyed every moment playing for your 3^rd’s and loved being in your company. I can’t tell you how supportive you have been, to you it came naturally. Thank you.

You were a man that Ali totally respected and wanted to play well for, he knew how important the club was to you. We hope in some small way he may carry that commitment and belief on.

To Tony’s Parents and family – like everyone else we thought Tony was a brilliant bloke and are so very sorry for your loss. We can’t begin to imagine how difficult this must be for you but hope that you take comfort in these messages – they are heartfelt and meant sincerely.

Hythe & Dibden Cricket Club will always have a future, but that future will not be quite the same now that you are no longer sharing it with us Woody. We will all miss you.

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Pete Stannett - It's difficult to add any more superlatives to those that have already mentioned about Tony. He was a genuinely nice guy who seemed to bridge the different generations. His humour was appreciated by all. He will be missed, but always remembered as a terrific person. Hythe & Dibden Cricket Club will never be the same without him.

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Andrew & Greg Woods - Firstly, Me and Greg would like to pass our condolences onto woody's family and friends. His larger than life character will be sorely missed at the club and I imagine with all that knew him.

I personally only met Woody for the first time 3 years ago but he was very welcoming. I got to know Woody well last year with being involved with the third team and also helping him with preparing the pitch on a Sunday morning. I along with many others in the club share fond memories of Woody, whether it be at the Hampshire presentation evening or at the club on a Saturday night he was always the heart and sole of the club. I have to also thank him for his interest in the colt's side of cricket at the club, this year he has been incredible supportive of the work that was done by all the colts sides and was proud of their achievements.

Tony I will miss the long chats we have about virtually anything whilst the lads are in the field on a Saturday afternoon and picking at the left over sandwiches with you. Thank you Woody R.I P.'

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From Gary, Ann, Becky and Matt Howe - Woody, it was a pleasure and a privilege to have known you, you were larger than life and to have been taken away from us so soon will leave a big gap.

You were a genuinely funny, warm, kind man, one of the best. You always made us smile and laugh and have given us so many moments to remember. You made everyone feel welcome and will be sorely missed.

We would like to send our condolences to Woody’s family, our thoughts are with you.

Woody, you were a great man and we will miss you – it’s time for us to brush up on our Jam – B- sides for the quiz.

RIP Woody.

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Stuart Price - Australia - I hope everyone is ok at Hythe in what has been a very difficult year.  If you could post the following on the website then that would be much appreciated. My sincerest condolences to Tony's family and to all the Hythe club for whom this must be such a shock. 

Tony was a terrific guy; not only funny but also an honest and genuine bloke.  Even though I left the club 8 years ago he still always asked after me when he saw my Dad and even sent a card when I got married two years ago.  It was an honour for me to play in the 'show' with such a legend.  RIP Tony.

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Dave & Janelle Ryan - Australia - Still a bit shocked at the news really. 

I was at Hythe for only one season, but it holds special memories thanks to the likes of Woody.  Warm, genuine, friendly, funny.  He was such a big part of the club: preparing the wicket, doing the teas, having a laugh after the game, knocking off the leftovers, giving me a lift home. I was always expecting him to come out to Oz for the Ashes.  He would have given me a fair ribbing during the last one.

I didn't get in touch often, but I'm glad that I had the chance - and the priviliege - to meet him.  He was a great bloke.

 Condolences to family and friends from myself and Janelle.

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Tom Richards - It was a pleasure to have known such a lovely man, who will be sorely missed by everyone. Thanks to this leader the likes of myself and other youngsters got given the chance to ensure our skills were shown at senior level last year and because we got given that chance, we are all much better players in result of that. He was a man that everyone got on with and put a smile on everyones face. R.I.P Chairman. X

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Simon, Sally, Charlie and Ellie Wright - Woody you were the best. Thank you so much for helping me grow up threw my younger days.

I had the best ever times with you at Hythe and Dibden Cricket Club ( Ok except with Sally and the family)

I will never forget our times together, spending many hours during the week or on a Sunday morning making sure our cricket pitch was ready for the game ahead.

Thank you for being our cricket chairman and our General. I will miss our hugs and high fives, I will miss you.

Miss you loads, love and big hugs from me, Sally and the children.

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Derek & Jean Wright -It was a very sad day to learn of Woody’s untimely passing. To us both he was a truly charismatic character and friend.

He would always go out of his way to greet you with a warm welcome and cheery smile.

His friendship with our Simon was so very special and it helped him so much to deal with life and for this we will both be so very grateful.

As it has been said before, there are countless memorable tales involving Woody and they will live with us all and bring a smile when we are not feeling so bright.

Woody thank you for all these wonderful memories RIP x

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Dom O'Brien - I am stunned to hear the news- Woody was a much loved character who I played football and cricket and drunk beer with on many occasions, and it was always with a joke and a smile when Woody was about, he will be greatly missed, my sincere condolences to his family.

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Ian Kenworthy - My thoughts & condolences go to Woody's family and to all who knew him. When I think of Woody all I see is a smiling face; all I hear is him laughing. When I now see a parka on a scooter (and especially if it's broken down at the side of the road) I'll be thinking of him. He was a special guy to have as a team mate and as a friend. Things were never dull when Woody was around !! He could have everyone; our team, spectators & opposition alike in stiches.

Although I haven't been around the club that much in recent years I knew that with Woody involved things would be better than OK. Teams & Clubs need people like Woody, we get involved in sport to enjoy ourselves and to spend time with people we want to be with and Woody certainly did that. He was one of the good guys.

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Ewan Bell - Woody was the man who gave me the chance to play senior league cricket for the first time whilst he was captain of the 2nd XI in the late nineties.  Back then I was a colt trying to find my way in adult cricket and he had enough faith in me to bring me on to bowl 6 overs on my debut (back when I was a leg-spinner) and I was glad I was able to repay him with a few wickets in that game.  He was always the biggest character at the club and his numerous anecdotes kept everyone entertained for hours.   

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Kev McCarthy - Like many others I was extremely saddened to hear of Tony's sudden and unexpected passing from this world.

I had only known Tony these past few years since becoming more actively involved with Hythe & Dibden CC, and was immediately taken by his natural enthusiasm, friendliness and constant sense of humour! Without question, Tony would always give 100% for his beloved Club, and this was demonstrated in recent years to the limit by playing on the odd occasion (when short of players) for the 3rd Team on a Saturday despite his painful leg injury.

It's often been said that "many are called but few are chosen". In my view, Woody was very much chosen/selected (ahead of everyone else) to do what he was particularly good at achieving, and that was touching the hearts/souls of those around him. His life/innings may have been cut short early, but there can be little doubt that his personal legacy/love will live on for ever in the hearts and minds of his many friends at the Club and beyond the square at Jones Lane. Rest assured, his lasting spirit will live on for ever, and it would be Tony's wish that his friends continue to smile and see the funny side of life. His friends will not allow his memory to be forgotten.  

My deepest condolences go out to his devoted family and friends at this sad time.  

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Chris & Sue Weall ( Managing Director SMS Supplies) - Though  only met him a couple of times it was obvious that he loved the game and Hythe & Dibden CC.

His influence was massive and permeated through the club. Sue who is not a cricket lover, commented more than once that when we came down to Jones Lane and recently with the 2nds at Cadnam she felt included. Many clubs we have played for, saw family and spectators as a hindrance rather than part of the club’s family. An welcoming atmosphere starts at the “top” and in itself is a tribute.

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Richard Last - It was with extraordinary shock and upset that I received an email telling of Woody's passing. There are really no words to describe Woody - his generosity and spirit were part of Hythe's makeup as a club. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have spent many a sunny afternoon (and perhaps more frequently!) evenings in the bar talking with Woody. I don't think I've met anyone with as many brilliant stories and anecdotes as Woody - all told in his trademark style with an incredible wit.

It would be impossible to overstate Woody's importance not just to the club, but the impact he had on everyone involved - old or young - and the universal respect he received. As Mike said, Legend is an entirely appropriate term. My deepest condolences to all family and friends, Raising a Leffe to the General from across the pond. 

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Southampton Travellers Cricket Club - Sending our deepest concolences to Tony's family and friends at Hythe & Dibden Cricket Club

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Dave Guymer - Woody, I cant describe how much joy you have bought to my life. This wasn't just the hours of hilarious stories, the mocking of Froggett's hair or the general banter that would get thrown around but also the times when you would listen to a problem I was having and give advice I knew could trust. Just seeing how the guys that have just come through the colts set up look up to you shows that once someone met you they undoubtedly wanted more time in your company.

To come back to the club and see you there after a game win or lose, always bought a sense of excitement and anticipation with it that it was just going to be a great night and Im missing you so much already. You made the club what it is today and its such a huge loss to anyone who has had the privilege of knowing you. My sincerest condolences go your family who must be so proud about the truly wonderful person you turned out to be.

Where ever you are buddy I know your still smiling, enjoying a leffe and that Richie's haircut isn't cool there.

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Ben Smith - I am shocked and devastated with the news about Woody. Please really do send my thoughts to everyone at the club dixie bowman robbie etc etc very very sad news very gentle and down to earth man.

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Luke Mills - I was very shocked to hear that woody had passed away,

Woody was a great man, friend and a true gentleman, and It was a pleasure to have known woody and an honour to have called him my friend.

I shall miss the many stories he told of scooter rally’s and trips to Europe, and his presence on a Saturday night drinking down the club (the atmosphere will never be the same) .

Although woody is no longer with us, he has left us some awesome memories which we will shall reminisce over frequently.

My condolences to woody’s family and friends

Goodbye the General.

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Paul Whitlock - There are some people in life who leave an indelible impression with everyone they meet, Tony Wood was such a man, a rare breed who you warm to from the first moment you meet. I first met the great man many years back now and was immediately won over by his enjoyment of the game and life.  

An underrated cricketer, who when the chips were down for our club stepped in to the 'Show XI' and kept wicket admirably for a whole season and was one of the players responsible for the clubs revival. On his day a more than useful bat and had the best leg glance in the business. I did not get to play as much cricket as I would have liked with Tony, but whenever I did it was always a treat, and great fun on and off the field. 

Many of the tributes already posted talk about the memories of Woody and that's what was so amazing about the man we all have them and the stories about Tony will be told over and over as they like him were so special. 

My sincerest condolences to his Mum, Dad, family and his many friends.      

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Pete Stevens Snr - Having spent many years playing cricket with Woody, I still can’t believe that I won’t be seeing him again.  Woody and I spent many a Saturday afternoon playing the Yes/No game in mid wicket because we were both indecisive when it came to running! I’ll miss his help putting autumn dressing on the wicket, which we did together for many years. I’ll remember Woody as being kind, helpful, enthusiastic and, above all, good fun.  He’ll be missed so much by everyone who knew him and my heart goes out to his family.

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Pauline, Nick, Archie Gilbert - We only really met Woody this year when he asked Archie to play in his 3rd XI. Definitely a man who made a lasting impression. I am so pleased that I said thank you to him when he asked Archie to play but very sad that I will not get the opportunity to thank him for his lasting legacy that will live on through the youngsters he encouraged. Thank you to a lovely man - You will be missed.

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AndyArmstrong - I worked with Woody at the Esso Fawley Refinery from 2005 to mid July 2011 in the Inspection Group.  I have only just heard of Woody’s tragic death as I no longer work in Fawley.  I wish to pass on my condolences to his family and friends.  I benefited from Woody’s humour as well as passion for sport.  In the ‘oldies vs youngies’ battle within the Inspection group (football matches and cricket) – Woody gave it everything to keep the oldies ahead and defend their pride.  To this day the exact result of the battle is subjective but we all enjoyed the banter Woody provided afterwards.

I am just one of the many who will miss Woody.  RIP.

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Martin Anderson - I was lucky enough to be enjoying my 'golden era' when Woody arrived at the club. We played many seasons together for the 2nds and 3rds during this time, sometimes with me as captain, sometimes with him, but he always referred to me as 'Captain, my Captain'.

Woody was one of those unique characters that always made you feel special and never took himself or anything too seriously. He was a reliable and significant member of any team he played in and he played hard both on and off the pitch. While I retain fantastic memories of Woody during our matches, I have equally great memories of him after the stumps had been drawn and those nights in the clubhouse and out and about in the Waterside area will always be part of the Hythe and Dibden CC that I will remember.

A special guy who will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. I shall never be able to look at the Adidas motif again without thinking of Woody! Cheers Tone!

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Adrian de Jager -  April 2010 was the day I first arrived inEngland, the day I met Woody.

I lived with him for four months whilst playing cricked for the Hythe & Dibden (water buffaloes) cc. After many trips with Woody to Lyndhurst, spending time at the club and many days’ and nights watching Come dine with me I must say wad a blast. It was a big shock when I heard the devastating news and I still can’t believe it. I am very privileged to have known such an honest, cheerful and kind man; he was just a great person.

I just want to send my heartfelt condolences to Woody’s family and friends I hope that you can find a way to numb the pain that you have suffered.