The club committee would like to take the opportunity to thank all our staff, particularly Steve Cromarty, for the way in which they have professionally handled an unprecedented few months and allowed us all to enjoy cricket and social activity in a safe environment.

We also thank you as members and supporters for your patience, understanding and support which has allowed us to safely keep the club open up to this point.

We know as much as you do about the coming weeks and months but we look forward to being allowed to re-open when it is safe to do so and we offer our continued best wishes and support to all of you as we face a difficult time ahead.

The last few months have brought home to a lot of people that the club is a fantastic venue that we perhaps have taken for granted at times, but the community spirit and friendship, fun and laughter won’t be gone for too long and we look forward to seeing you all again to continue using one of the town’s greatest assets.

Until then please follow the guidance and stay safe, and as always if you need anything please reach out and we will ensure someone is there to try and help you.

Heywood CC

Reid played for the club for 3 seasons from 1952-54 and famously did the double in his final season with an incredible 1,373 runs and 113 wickets, a truly astonishing feat. He passed away in New Zealand at the age of 92. He had been the first New Zealand captain to win a Test Match.

David Shepherd had a much longer involvement with the club having been involved since being a pupil at Heywood Grammar School.

His career as a player was spent mostly in the second eleven where he saw success as captain in 1967 leading the side to the league title. Coupled with the 1st XI also winning their title this saw the club take the Aggregate Cup.

A committee member and one time vice-chairman of the club David went on to represent the club as a league representative and eventually would serve the Central Lancashire League as a committee member, auditor and Chairman. He was awarded life membership of the league.

David passed away aged 82 after a short illness, his funeral is on Monday 26th October at 10.30am at Rochdale Crematorium.