ALFRED M.B. Simmons, it can be truly said, was flamboyant to the last. He passed away a week ago in his 85th year. And hundreds were on hand at St. James Church, Somerset to pay their last respects at his funeral.

Among them were luminaries from the Bermuda Cricket Board, the Bermuda Footfall Association, West End Sail Boat Club and, of course, the Somerset Cricket Club. His name was synonymous with SCC, and many were prone to argue that blood in his veins ran red and blue, the colours of the Cup Match club.

For decades Alfred was a member of the SCC management team. He served for many years as vice-president under his mentor, the legendary Warren Simmons. Upon the latter's passing he became president, holding that office for 15 years.

Later he was given the title honorary president. During much of the time Alfred represented the club in the BFA and likewise in the Cricket Board. He had the distinction of being honorary vice-president of the BCB.

BCB president Reggie Pearman and former SCC president, speaking at the request of the family on behalf of the three bodies, summed up his eloquent tribute by saying Somerset and Bermuda had "lost another Trojan in his passing".

He spoke of the many hours of tough sessions presided over by Alfred in smoke-filled club and board rooms, some lasting past midnight through to 4 a.m.

Interestingly enough, Alfred's association with SCC began in his pre-teens, when the club awarded him a scholarship to attend Sandys Secondary School. While there, he passed the Dockyard Apprenticeship Entrance Examination that enabled him to be apprenticed in the Royal Naval Dockyard, where he qualified as an electrical engineer. When the Dockyard closed he undertook further studies at the Canadian School of Electricity.

Mr. Simmons made a radical career change in 1950, when he was selected by the Government to take part in a youth leadership training workshop in Britain. In 1952 he joined the Bermuda Reserve Constabulary, retiring after 35 years' service with the rank of Deputy Commandant.

He also began a career as a probation officer, when the service was set up by Government in 1960. For 18 years he was a member of Sandys Rotary Club. Former club president David Sullivan spoke of his dedicated service, which merited him the highest award of Rotary International of being a Paul Harris Fellow.

Much of Alfred's public service flowed from his 80 years as a member of the Grand United Order of Oddfellows friendly society. In keeping with a family tradition, at age five he was registered as a juvenile member of Albert and Victoria Lodge, and was a long-serving trustee.

He was president of the management committee of the Packwood Old Folks Home from 1968 until it was redeveloped and modernised as an expanded seniors living facility. Through Alfred's instigation the home is the major beneficiary of funds donated by Victoria and Albert Lodge.

Alfred's distinguished career of service to the community culminated in 1972 when he was named in the Queen's Honours List for the MBE. He went to Buckingham Palace in style, for the investiture, accompanied by his son Ashley and close friend Wil Minors. Later he was awarded the Colonial Police Medal.

Aside from his passion for sports, Alfred had many other pastimes, including cultivation of carnations and roses, which he always wanted to have on hand in order to sport one in the button-hole of his jacket, something that became a signature item for him.

He also became a familiar figure driving around the West End with his pony and trap, sporting a huge cigar in the corner of his mouth. His ponies became as well-known, almost as he, being named Captain Dynamite, Rocket, Cathy and Caisey.

Alfred was born February 6, 1921, the first child of the late Lawrence and Catherine Simmons. He was predeceased by brother Elliott; and is survived by sister Mrs. Islowe Wade and brother Valen. In 1944 he was married to Sylvia Grinnel Simons. Their marriage thrived thirty-five years, until her passing. The two children of the marriage survive, being Norbert and Ashley Simmons, along with their wives, children and grandchildren.

Herbie has his friends on edge

HERBIE Bascome is one of the best-known chefs at the Fairmont Southampton Resort. He is also chief shop steward for the two Fairmont hotels, as well as the long-serving president of the Hotel Division of the Bermuda Industrial Union.

When he turned 65 in January of last year, his friends and admirers never forgave him for the nonchalant manner in which he let that significant milestone into senior citizenship pass. So they determined they would have a belated celebration.

In fact, they spent months planning a surprise party, tactfully set for a fortnight past the January birthday in a move to counteract any suspicions he might have had. It was at the Leopards Club International in Hamilton for Thursday last.

For a long while it seemed as if the surprise was going to backfire on the planners.

There was no sign of Herbie, or any indication he would come to his club around the anticipated time. Herbie had an impish grin on his face when he eventually stepped into the club to be greeted with chants of 'Happy Birthday Chief!'

Not surprisingly, there was a ton of good refreshments, liquid and solid, at hand to be consumed whether the guest of honour showed up or not.