Norman de Mesquita RIP
By Kev
July 29 2013
Today we learned of the passing away of Norman de Mesquita someone we can certainly call a Middlesex CCC legend
During my childhood days when I was first got into cricket, if Middlesex were playing at home on a Sunday and I coudln't attend, listening to BBC Radio London from 3pm was a must. He and the Surrey based commentator Ralph Deller bought the live game to life. If Middlesex were on the tele at the same I would have volume down and the radio on full blast. Ralph Deller career subsequently moved on and sometimes presented football focus amongst other high profile BBC events. Norman remained steadfast in his commentatating duties for Middlesex games. There was one Sunday I recall a game where Brian Johnston partnered him in commentary box and the two worked well together on an equal level. Norman would describe situations with humour and not afraid to admit a mistake, which would not detract from the quality of his broadcasting.
I would often see him in outgrounds up until recent times and he was always up for a chat about the good old days, despite the obvious decline in his health. He was passionate about Middlesex and good values that sometimes the modern game lacks.
At last years end of season awards my wife had the privilege of sitting next to Norman. Despite being a complete stranger and my wife having little interest in cricket they were able to engage in a pleasant lasting conversation. Co-incidently, they were both bought up in the Cricklewood area and Norman recalled his friendship from there with famous actress Jean Simmons. He discussed his health and care needs very candidly. One principle he commented on was with food was he would eat until he was satisfied and would never finish food off for the sake of it. When I was able to get a word in we discussed same vintage moments from Middlesex past. It was lucky that by chance I was honoured he was next to us at this event.
Norman you were Middlesex till you died and you will always be a legend to Middlesex CCC. Rest in Peace.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2013:08:06:05:25:33 by The Diamond ruled ok.
I can't say I know a great deal about him, although I imagine many people who have supported, played for or worked for the club over the years have memories of him.
I believe he was a journalist and used to write about the club each year in Wisden, while he used to be an ice hockey referee too.
Some Tweets on this news can be viewed here.
Dear Norman used to make a helluvalot of mistakes (and I mean that with love and affection as he has passed away) He made Henry Blofeld look competent- but at least we had commentary on Sunday League matches for many years.
I am very sorry to hear of his passing; another link with a glorious past gone, but definitely not forgotten
Always a man of Middlesex it was his reportage of our games that I read first when I got the bug for cricket.
As stated above his JPL commentaries were a thing of legend.
We pass by this life once but if any of us can leave a mark like "the mosquito" did we can feel proud.
RIP Norman,gone but never forgotten.
Condolences to his family at this sad time.
Adelaide
A proud Old Finchleian he was a shoe in every year for the main club and the cricket club dinners at Southover.
A lovely man who was always great company.
RIP Norm we'll miss you.
My family knew him and he was a lovely man
Rest in peace.
He always was very fair about our performances, especially when not very good, whilst anyone who knew of him knew he was very, very MTWD.
His funeral will take place at Edgwarebury Lane Cemetery, Edgware, Middlesex, HA8 8QP on Thursday 1st August at 12.00 noon
I do recall one game v Surrey where a Surrey batsman edged one through the slip area for 4 and it was described as such. When a Middlesex batsman did likewise he described it as "guided" and Ralph Dellor did pick him up on it, leading to some good banter.
Will be missed. RIP
I have enjoyed reading the various tributes on here and pleased the Independent recognised his achievements, thanks Jonathan for the link.
I hope at the Durham game some kind of mark of respect happens.
Barmy Kev
I'm only here for the tele