Shaw CC hero Harry passes away

Harry Andrew

Harry Andrew, who has died on Monday at the age of 78, always had time for people.

From preparing the wicket for play and grabbing the remnants of the players’ tea, he was here, there and everywhere at Shaw Cricket Club.

He didn’t yearn for a title,;he just got on with what needed doing. Six decades of unstinting service at Holebottom Clough, beginning as a 16-year-old batsman for Lancashire schoolboys, to becoming groundsman, a role he cherished, he was the face associated with the club.

Harry was part of the fixtures and fittings - in fact he probably carved some of the fittings himself: “Dad was a great one for make-do and mend,” said his son Dave. “He was very much into recycling - especially nails!”

Away from ‘the Clough’, Harry was recognised in Shaw from his days as a butcher at Haworth’s on Milnrow Road, at John Davies and latterly with Jack Wood.

Cricket was his love, though. As a player, he lined up with the likes of Roger Billington, John Dawson, Dennis Walters and Mel Whittle.

Son Dave, a former Shaw player and now a figure behind the scenes, added: “He loved the game and wanted the club to improve. That drove him on. In the summer months after work, he was down there doing one thing or another. After he finished playing cricket, he wanted to stay involved. He helped to rebuild the pavilion and tackle shed and dug out the net positions. He always found something to do.”

Harry was dealt a cruel blow in June 2013 when he was left paralyzed, after falling from a ladder at the ground. With his wife Sheila at his side, he later returned to the club to watch his beloved Shaw and offer advice.

Dave added: “Dad was a great ambassador for Shaw. He’d go to players and encourage them to come along to the club. At times he held the club together.”

Shaw president Mark Stafford offered a personal tribute: “Harry was passionate about three things – his family, cricket and the church. People such as Harry are the lifeblood of local clubs.”

Funeral details are still to be arranged.