Eric Carter certainly qualifies as a subject for our series This Sporting Life – after 56 years as a Cumbrian umpire.
Because he considered himself not good enough to pursue a playing career with HDA in the Cumberland Senior League Second Division he decided to have a go at umpiring.
That was back in 1970 and he’s still standing now in the Cumbria League’s Premier Division.
Back then the fee was ten shillings, and now it’s £48 plus 40p a mile – but he’s never done it for the cash.
He’s also been closely involved with the Workington club as treasurer and accepted an invitation later to join the committee of Cumberland County.
Eric later served as treasurer for a number of years and more recently was elected President, a position he still proudly holds.
He was also the very first recipient of the Minor Counties Unsung Hero award.
You can hear below Eric talking about his career in umpiring, his involvement with Workington and the county, and discusses the top professionals he has seen playing during his time in the middle.
Eric will be umpiring tomorrow at Wigton where the home side entertain a Carlisle seconds team still looking for their first victory following their promotion.
There are some key games, as always, with League leaders Keswick making the long trip to Millom while champions Furness are in west Cumbria at Cleator.
Dalton v Whitehaven sees a side who have earned their first two wins recently entertaining the early League leaders who have lost their last four.
Lastly, but certainly not least is the game at the Valentine Ground where Workington will be desperate to get back on track after a nail-biting one-wicket defeat against Furness last week against a Cockermouth side who have won several matches without particularly playing well – which isn’t a bad trait to have.
