The Old Guildford resident said the honour came as a big surprise but it belongs to his wife Ann and two children as much as it does to him.
“The support you get from your family is vital in everything you do,” he said.
With cricket playing a major part in his life, Arthur has spent over 50 years as an officiating umpire at more than 800 games in Sydney Premier Cricket as well as matches as a Sheffield Shield and international umpire.
He is particularly proud of his contribution to Blind Cricket NSW and over the years, has been awarded a range of honours for his efforts even having The Umpires Room at Rosedale Oval named after him.
Apart from his immense contribution to cricket, the Justice of the Peace for over 50 years has also volunteered his accountancy and auditing skills to many charities including City of Sydney RSL sub-branch, Bear Cottage, Combined Pensioners and Superannuation Association of NSW, Guildford Girl Guides Association, Guildford Boy Scouts Association, opportunity shops, St Mary’s Anglican Church and more.
Though his four grandchildren and two great grand children are keeping him busy now, he is still involved in Probus and cricket.
“We enjoyed a big family party on Australia Day to celebrate the honour,” he said.
