News
BM vs Stragglers of Asia 6 August 2026
BM vs Emeriti 5 August 2026
BM vs Old Amplefordians 4 August 2026
BM vs Band of Brothers 3 August 2026
BM Vs Patron’s XI 20 May 2026
GLORIOUS GOODWOOD
Records of cricket being played at Goodwood stretch back to 1702. The oldest set of rules (laws) of cricket still in existence are kept in the magnificent House that overlooks the picturesque ground that entertained The Patron’s XI v The Bluemantle’s XI on Wednesday 20th May 2026.
James Peill, our present Bluemantle, secured this fixture for us with the Goodwood Cricket Club, the Estate, the Duke, the Earl and the ‘chief’ of cricket Richard Geffen. A 40-over match was played and a high degree of competence was displayed by both sides.
Josh Montford Bebb captained the club and scored a fearsome 102 with towering shots threatening the picnickers positioned by the attractive thatched pavilion. He was ably assisted by Alex McDonald (58), Ben Porter (36) and Tom Birkberk (34*) in securing the formidable total of 293 for 5.
A spirited reply by the Patron’s XI was led by Sean Cannon (42) and Alex Bryant (23) and with some hearty blows from fellow players this was not enough to set the scoreboard alight. Teddy Birkbeck (3-18) and Will Zlattinger (3-30) spearheaded the Club’s bowling and a victory was soon out of reach for The Patron’s XI.
Bluemantle’s 293/5. Patron’s XI. 164/9
With thanks to umpires Bryan Tomalin from Goodwood CC and Ian Edmed and our ever dependable scorer Rosalie Reeder.
And to our Chairman Nick Ogden and our Goodwood hosts.
We salute and thank in particular our Patron, James Peill.
The result of the match was secondary to the sheer delight and pleasure of the occasion. An historic site, a famous ground …and a magnificent, noble Laburnum Cedar tree planted in 1761 to watch over us. A splendid, special day.
Nigel Wheeler
President
Spring Foursomes Hosford Tankards Winners
On 19th April, in perfect spring sunshine, Ted Rose and Nigel Herbert eased to victory in the Bluemantle’s spring foursomes held at Piltdown Golf Club.
Despite a talented field of quality and experience, plus the formidable pairing of Peter Marno and Tor Bebb chasing hard to reclaim the title as last year’s winners, Ted and Nigel led a calm and skillful campaign to secure the Hosford Tankards in the 2026 spring foursomes.
Nigel Herbert and Ted Rose, winners of the 2026 Bluemantle’s GC Spring Foursomes with their Hosford Tankards.
62nd Year of Bluemantle’s GC at Piltdown
On June 19th we played our traditional match against Piltdown Golf Club and the photo of both teams appears above. We have been playing a match against Piltdown since 1974 and before that we used to hold our Spring Meeting at Piltdown. The association between the clubs therefore extends to 60 years. Ted Rose, this year’s Captain, and Gerald Woods, our Chairman, actually predate the association with Piltdown having first played for Bluemantles Cricket Club in the mid-1950s. It was good to see them at Piltdown with the Club’s President Nigel Wheeler and hopefully they can all be spotted in the photo.(Nigel is the winner for hair retention!)
This year we lost 4-1 but as ever the match was played in an excellent spirit and Piltdown proved to be excellent hosts. As was fitting, cricket seemed to be the dominant topic at lunch! The golf course has undergone a number of changes over the last few years and the heather-lined fairways make it a severe test but still a joy to play. We are very much looking forward to our 51st encounter in 2025.
Richard Musson
Upcoming Golf – (all welcome)
Wednesday 10th July 2024 – vs XL Club at Royal Ashdown (old course) – am foursomes followed by lunch for the Herbert Hunter Cup.
Thursday 5th September – Match vs Royal Ashdown – am foursomes followed by lunch.
Tuesday 8th October – Autumn Meeting at Hever GC – singles stableford 11am start – late lunch to follow.
To join any of these days, please contact Richard Musson: 07798 526033
Welcome to our new Patron
This year, the King has appointed a new Bluemantle, James Peill, following the promotion of Mark Scott to Somerset Herald of Arms.
James’ previous roles include a Director at Christie’s and Curator of the Goodwood Collection. He has also co-authored numerous highly-regarded books about stately homes and furniture.
We are delighted to welcome James as the Bluemantle’s CC new Patron in time for the Patron’s match on July 11th.
Drinks Reception at The College of Arms
The Bluemantle Pursuivant, Mark Scott, hosted members of the Bluemantle’s CC at the College of Arms on the evening of 11th April for the last time.
He now becomes Somerset Herald and, on 16th April, James Peill takes over as Bluemantle Pursuivant.
Rupert Bairamian
Rupert Bairamian: A Sad Loss for The Bluemantle’s
It is with a sense of deep sadness that we say goodbye to one of the club’s most loyal and popular stalwarts, Rupert Bairamian, who died after a short illness in Sydney on Saturday 28th November 2020. read on ...
