Anyone who knew Johnny would also know that the Hornsey Club history and club averages/records were part of his extensive set of obsessions. He had every intention of updating his Hornsey Almanack 2015 (volumes 1 and 2) to include the years to 2020, the club’s 150 year anniversary. The Covid pandemic prevented the club from celebrating that year and, as a result, Johnny drifted away from completing the Almanack into a new passion - he took an interest in learning Latin and sat a GCSE in it a few months later! Top grade achieved, obviously!

After his death, I found that he had completed the club averages (volume 2 of the Almanack) to 2020 but had not done sufficient work on his Volume 1 masterpiece (of every conceivable club record and more) for anyone to pick it up and run with it.

After contact with various people in the know, I have come to the conclusion that Volume 1 cannot be updated, although there may, at some point, be an enthusiast who would like to update and continue keeping some of the key records, maybe with the help of technology. We will see.

In the meantime, with help from Paul Smith, a Middlesex league official with an interest in Johnny’s work, Volume 2 to is ready to be printed. This book will be The Hornsey Club Averages 1870-2020 and is likely to be the last time any of Johnny’s work goes to print.

So, whilst it won’t be a scintillating read, I would like to think that some of you may be interested in owning this volume, if only to remind yourselves of Johnny and his love of cricket and of The Hornsey Club.

As Johnny did previously, I would also like to ensure that the Hornsey Club funds benefit from publication of this book.
Depending on demand and on printing costs, I would think the cost of buying one would be a donation to the club of between £50-£60.

Please reply to me, as soon as possible, (janebruce@blueyonder.co.uk) if I have twisted your arm enough for you to order a copy.

Many thanks

Jane Bruce