Many of you will have already heard the sad news of the passing of Huddersfield Cricket League President Roger France earlier this week, following an illness. He was 79 years old.
Roger was a very well known and respected figure across the cricket community of Huddersfield, having served our League as Chairman for 22 years and then becoming its President in 2018.
Roger’s involvement in cricket spanned some 60 years, starting his adult playing career at Lockwood in 1964 and then at Elland. He made one Sykes Cup Final appearance for Elland in 1973 and achieved success when he captained Elland’s 2nd XI to a memorable Paddock Shield and Johnson Cup double in 1979. He has then been heavily involved in cricket administration since retiring.
His chairmanship and Presidency were characterised as being a strong and steady hand at the top, where he always respected the history and traditions of the game of cricket and our League.
Prior to a minutes silence in his honour at last night’s Executive Meeting current League Chairman and close colleague Trevor Atkinson described Roger “as a clear sighted, decisive and articulate, but no-nonsense Yorkshireman who was totally committed to cricket and to the Huddersfield Cricket League.”
I am sure that you will join your League Executive in passing on our respects, thoughts and condolences to all his family and friends at this sad time.
As a mark of respect the League Executive are asking that our President’s passing is acknowledged with a minutes silence held, in his honour, just prior to every 1st XI and 2nd XI game taking place this coming Saturday 5th.
Further details of Roger’s life can be found on the League website, and will be the subject of this week’s Castle Hill Cricket Chat Podcast.
