Update: 17 August 2024
If you’ve popped along to Steephill recently, you may have the spotted the newly-restored commemorative seat for David Musgrave but if, like many a local, the name didn’t ring a bell for you, we investigated.
According to his son, Christian, who sponsored the restoration, up until the year of his death (2006), David (61) and his wife had spent 20 years holidaying each summer in the Island. And every year, this proud Yorkshireman (favourite cricketer, G Boycott!), made the pilgrimage to Steephill on match day.
It was, said Christian “quite simply his Dad’s favourite cricket ground”. That’s quite the accolade from the one-time treasurer of the 600-strong Wombwell Cricket Society who was highly regarded enough in his native county to merit both Yorkshire CCC and Yorkshire Post obituaries.
Sadly David’s early decease scuppered his plans to retire to the Island. But his family still tries to visit every year. They will always be most welcome at Steephill.
Special thanks are due to the wonderful team at the Ventnor Community Shed who are responsible for many a seat restoration and other work around the town. And if the Musgrave restoration prompts thoughts about your own family’s commemorative seat at Steephill (18 at last count), you can find out more by contacting VCC facilities manager, Bill Nichols (vcccourses@gmail.com).