We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Robin Hobbs, one of Chingford CC's greatest ever players.
We understand it was Robin's wish not to have a funeral, however should any memorial events be arranged we will of course post details here.
Our thoughts are with the Hobbs family at this sad time.
Robin was one of just three Chingford CC players to have represented England in Test Cricket, and he earned 7 England Caps over the period 1967-1971. Whilst over the years it has always been unusual for England to select leg spinners, Robin had an outstanding record in County Cricket bagging 1099 first class wickets in an outstanding career for Essex and latterly at Glamorgan spanning 440 First Class games.
Robin was also a hard-hitting late order batsman and was fondly remembered for an amazing century v the touring Australian side in record time.
Robin was a loyal Chingford member and at the time of his passing was the second oldest Chingford player by date of debut. Over 142 games for Chingford, Robin scored 2273 runs and took 367 wickets at just 11.37 apiece. Despite having an Essex contract, Robin would always turn out for his Club whenever he could, including famously once on a Sunday when it was a rest day for a County Championship match he was playing in ! On a number of occasions Robin helped organise “All Star” sides packed with pros to come and provide the excitement of playing Chingford at Forest Side. Robin was also an active Chinghopper (no 429) elected in 1964.
In his latter years Robin lived in Ingatestone and was a regular visitor to his local Essex League Club, Hutton which is where his son Nick played and he was always a regular in the crowd at The County Ground, Chelmsford.
A book has been written about Robin’s life which is “Hobbsy A Life in Cricket “ by Rob Kelly and for the Chingford CC Centenary Book in 1984 Robin kindly contributed a cassette tape (which I think still exists) which was transcribed into this article about his career which is proudly posted on our website and goes into much further detail than I can post here. The link is below and you can read the document by right clicking on the link.
https://chingford.cricketclubwebsite.co.uk/pages/page_980/ROBINHOBBSWRITES.aspx