Submitted by Clayton Goodwin
Roland Butcher’s book Breaking Barriers – Barbados to England … and Back is really two books in one. It’s the story of a talented and celebrated cricketer, and more than just a cricketer: it contains also a series of semi-academic dissertations about breaking ethnic and social barriers. Here I am at the disadvantage of having read several of the more prominent reviews and of finding myself in the minority. Whereas some of the reviewers have damned the biographical aspects with faint praise and lamented that Roland hasn’t gone full tilt at the racial aspect – as if by now the public were unaware that there has been, and still is, a considerable amount of racism in cricket (as there is in society). It is revealing that it is an acceptance which much of the media are only just coming round to recognise. The story of the man should be sufficient in itself.
The story of Roland Butcher is well-known. What may not be appreciated so readily, is how Butcher, himself, felt at the landmarks in his life. What kind of man is he? The biographical chapters explain that very well. People identify more readily with other people than with social philosophies and attitudes. The more we learn about Roland, the man, and how he faced life’s challenges, the more we’re able to appreciate the extent of what he has achieved. I remember very well the “Our boy, their bat” slogans which greeted his Test match debut for England in Barbados – the country in which he had been born and grew up. It is interesting, indeed, and an inspiration to know how he got there and how he felt about doing so. It is similarly gut-wrenching to share his feelings when he played a ball from George Ferris into his face in a county match which terminated his chances of a long international career.
Because Butcher’s life after his first-class cricket career are less well-known, these chapters are a real revelation. Roland is more than being just a cricketer, even a ground-breaking cricketer: he has broken even more barriers in cricket coaching, male and female, has been a footballer (and coach) above normal competence, and has stood out in so many different ways. If he were to be made Barbados High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, or the British High Commissioner to Barbados, it would not be out of place. Fortunate to have been given chances comparatively early in life, he has made the most of those chances, and has created his own further fortune – that is the lesson that his life can teach us. Thrpough it all Roland Butcher had remained a thoroughly decent man, of whom I have not heard any adverse comment made, still set in his own environment of family, locations and status. Such cannot be said of everybody who has trod along a similar path.
That’s why I am very concerned by attempts within the book and the urgings of reviewers to make Butcher a cause celebre. The list of his achievements and the Question & Answer sections say all there is to be said. Let the man’s actions speak for themselves. While the list of testimonials is worthy and impressive, as are the six forewords (all by distinguished people – and their qualifications and honours to prove it), this “over-playing” detracts somehow by assuming the port of an academic thesis. I wanted to read more BY Roland Butcher than so much interpretation, and re-interpretation ABOUT Roland Butcher. Yes, as one prominent reviewer avers, there may be another even greater book that could be written on this subject but, not as has been suggested, more re-writing of the social and philosophical aspects – and the legacy. As architect Sir Christopher Wren said of his work on St Paul’s Cathedral, words to the effect – if you want a memorial, look around you.
Roland Orlando Butcher was a member of the strong Middlesex county side which dominated English cricket of that time; he was the first black cricketer to represent England at international level and in Test match competition; his stroke-play and fielding were outstanding; he earned awards at every level of competition in which he played; he became a UEFA licensed football coach, and Director of Sports at the University of the West Indies; he was director of both the cricket and football associations; and was a selector of the West Indies Senior Men’s team and youth selector. He is also a respected radio commentator. Roland is respected by his family, his community – each community to which he belongs, by his colleagues, and the great “names” of the game. That’s a record which does not need boosting by up-holstery. Let readers buy the book to read about, and understand, Roland Butcher – the man – and the rest will follow.
Roland Butcher’s life is its own legacy.