Tribute to a legend
There are ordinary people, good people, and great people in this life. Peter Burns, of Lancefield, was among the great.
A very large assemblage gathered to celebrate Peter’s life, fittingly in the Peter Burns Pavilion at Lancefield oval.
He fought bravely a tough health battle to the very end supported by his loving family.
He and his wife of 33 years, Jackie, lived on a lovely hill property in the Mt William area and raised two fine children there – Justin and Melanie, both of whom attended Assumption College Kilmore with distinction.
Melanie was a fine college captain in 2012. They dearly loved their dad as he loved them.
The family enjoyed rural life, the rolling hills, superb views, and their dogs and animals. Jackie gave a moving and eloquent summary of her and Peter’s life and times, and in part she said:
‘Peter was big into everything within the community. He has been in the CFA for the past 30 years. He loved football umpiring, something that he fell into by mistake when they were short one day.
‘He also enjoyed his cricket umpiring. When he could no longer play cricket, he would mow the Lancefield oval and help out at any functions that needed extra hands.
‘Peter loved anything to do with sports, cricket, football, water skiing, snow skiing, horse racing, umpiring, motorbike riding, even horse riding – his horse Strike is still at home. It did not matter what it was, he loved it all.
‘Peter’s big love was his children, his family and the dogs. If the kids ever needed him, he would always be there. He will miss them and they will miss him so much. I now have big shoes to fill.’
Peter had countless friends who testified to his kindness, generosity of spirit and a willingness to help people in need.
Officials of the Lancefield Cricket Club paid wonderful tribute to Peter who they claimed resurrected the club from a period of five years in the early 2000s when the club virtually didn’t exist.
Peter, aided by a couple of great mates Denis Graham and Russell Patterson, worked relentlessly to revive the historic club and oversaw its rebirth until today, which sees it as a fine family club with senior, junior XIs and women’s sections.
Peter was a player, president, secretary, treasurer, groundsman, and mentor to juniors – he did it all.
Beyond his playing days he umpired cricket and football and did any job required to ensure the sports prospered.
For a number of years, he umpired junior footy at ACK, always voluntary.
It is true to say Peter impacted on countless lives and he will truly be long remembered.
From somewhere in Valhalla he will be smiling down upon family and friends, not only Jackie, Justin and Melanie but also to Matthew and Rachel from his earlier marriage.
From the jungle
Playing in his debut Test in Adelaide, West Indies youngster Shamar Joseph showed brilliant promise.
He claimed Steve Smith’s wicket with his first ball in Test cricket and finished with a five-wicket haul. He also showed some exciting batting talent.
Joseph hails from a tiny village in the jungles of Guyana on the South American mainland.
He was reminiscent of the truly great Caribbean express bowlers of the past.
He thrilled the large Adelaide crowds despite his team being heavily beaten.
But sadly, this is West indies Second XI – it’s top players can’t afford to feed their families on the very small wages the West Indies board can pay them so they opt for the big money on offer from the other franchises around the world.
Indian, English, and Australian Test stars are multi-millionaires, players from the nations like West Indies, South Africa, New Zealand and South Africa, etc, can only dream of this.
The gutless International Cricket Council, awash with billions, should step in and aid those nations so they can field their best XI’s in the Test arena in by far the finest form of cricket.
The Big Bash
The Big Bash League, BBL, in its 13th season, has bounced back after a slump during the COVID years.
Big crowds in the capital cities and 10,000 plus turn up in regional cities such as Albury, Coffs Harbour and Launceston. They have seen the season’s average top to 20,000.
It’s a pity the two Melbourne sides, Renegades and Stars, can’t get off the bottom of the ladder and give their fans something to get excited about again.
Varia
New Year
Another year is over,
A new one soon to come;
It often feels like life’s fast tracked
As days to years soon run.
For New Year brings reflection,
And celebration, too,
For all the blessings life has brought,
And good times we’ve been through.
So we face firmly forward now,
Most thankful for the past.
May all enjoy a happy year,
As special as the last!
