On Saturday 25th March, at the OCA Sports Reunion, Philip Thompson umpired his final match for Cranbrook School after 30 years. This is a truly significant achievement and represents more than 1,000 hours of commitment by one of Cranbrook’s most supportive and generous OCs.

Friends including Jeremy Barham (Crowden 1960), Richard Hillier (Rammell 1963), Robin Holliday (Horsley 1966), Anna Kish nee Hillier (Allan Girls1989), Peter Ludgate (Crowden 1970), Patrick Moore (Crowden 1963), Stuart Pearce (Horsley 1968), John Posgate (Crowden 1964), John Taylor (Allan 1967) and many others, watched as Philip was invited onto the astro by OCA Chairman, Rich Scully, to join Cranbrook’s Head, Will Chuter, and Nick Pink, OC and CEO of England Hockey.

Nick Pink presented Philip with a silver umpires whistle engraved with the current and recent past Cranbrook logos, as well as a letter from England Hockey recognising his incredible commitment to the sport. After the presentation, Philip took charge of his final match with his son James Thompson umpiring along side him. Two mixed teams made up of Cranbrook’s current firsts were managed on the field by Nick Pink and Tim Barlow, OC and ex international hockey coach.