CRICKET: The Shed to be renamed Ricer’s Shed in memory of Tony Rice

ILMINSTER Cricket Club has announced that its ever-popular bar, The Shed, is to be renamed in memory of one of the club’s greatest servants.

Club chairman Paul Knight revealed on Friday (October 28, 2016) that The Shed will be known from now on as Ricer’s Shed in memory of Tony Rice who died earlier this month.

The bar facilities on Ilminster Recreation Ground are currently undergoing a much-needed transformation.

Already the exterior of the building has been given a makeover and now there are plans to renovate inside.

Mr Knight thanked everyone for their support of the refurbishment project during the club’s annual dinner and presentation night at the Shrubbery Hotel.

He said it would be fitting to name The Shed after Mr Rice as it overlooked the pitch where he had enjoyed so many great afternoons while playing for Ilminster CC.

Mr Rice, 74, died on Wednesday, October 19, 2016, following a long and brave battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

He is arguably Ilminster’s greatest all-round sportsmen having had great links with both the town’s football and cricket clubs.

PHOTO - RIGHT: Tony Rice.

Mr Rice, who was a Life Member of Ilminster CC, was involved with the club for around 60 years including 17 successive seasons as captain.

He was also groundsman for more years than can be remembered and was supporter to many on the pitch and in the bar where he loved to talk long into the night about all things sporting.

Mr Rice ended up scoring 11,000 runs and taking countless wickets and catches for Ilminster.

The funeral service for Tony Rice will be held on Thursday (November 3, 2016) at 11.30am at the Minster in Ilminster. There will be a wake afterwards at Ilminster Bowling Club.

Mr Rice has been left by his wife of 50-years Ann and his children Claire and Craig and they were at Ilminster CC’s dinner on Friday along with Craig’s wife Jane. Craig is the club’s current vice-chairman.

The family have taken great comfort from all the cards and messages of support they have received following on from Mr Rice’s death.  

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