Stuart Whitehead, who passed away on December 18th, aged 81, was a Hayes Cricket Club legend in the true sense of the word.
His email address of “stuart.cricket” signified his devotion to not only cricket at Hayes but the wider cricket community and his passing will be mourned by the many organisations he served with great distinction.
In 1957 Charlie Whitehead, a popular Umpire at the club, took his 14-year-old son along to Barnet Wood Road and Stuart’s last visit was to be to watch Hayes in the Kent T20 Final’s Day in August this year – resplendent in his club blazer.
Stuart was a prolific opening batsman, and for nigh-on 20 years he and Mike Askew terrorised bowling attacks.
When his playing days came to an end, Stuart became President of the club he so loved – his drive and determination helped establish Hayes as one of the pre-eminent clubs in Kent and no-one was prouder than he when we were presented with the Kent Premier league trophy in 2023. A culmination of Stuart’s desire for the club to join the Kent League during the 1980’s.
Cricket administration proved another forte for Stuart and he had a 21-year spell as Secretary of the Kent League, ensuring the club had a voice at the top table.
Stuart continued to be involved in the organisation of the Kent League Dinner, and we were privileged to be in his company at the latest dinner, in early November.
The Club Cricket Conference (CCC) also played a large part in Stuart’s life and the club were delighted to join him in 2002, when Stuart was President.
What was to be Stuart’s last CCC lunch was held only a few weeks ago, at his beloved Lords, where he was also a member of the MCC.
Stuart was also a member, and former Deacon, of the Seed Pods – a cricketing fraternity recognising those that have played cricket and then given back once their playing days were over.
Outside cricket, Stuart was a keen golfer and former Veteran’s Captain at Nizels Golf Club. In his earlier days he was a prolific centre-forward, playing for both Coney Hall FC and West Wickham FC.
Aside from sport, Stuart found time to be active in his local lodge and was also a former Secretary of the Royal British Legion in Hayes.
Stuart is survived by his beloved Wife, Jan, who supported him throughout the last 45 years with remarkable resilience and fortitude.
Further details will be posted on hayescricket.com.
