Sad News – David Bleazard

Dave was an enormously popular player in both the Ribblesdale League and latterly for Lowerhouse in the Lancashire League. He was a bowler of prodigious swing and a capable batsman. David captained the 2XI over some years in the 1980s and many junior players would pay tribute the help that David gave them. They would also add that David imbued in them all the right principles not only as a cricketer but as a young man. My own abiding memory of David’s captaincy is that he played the right way, played to win and made it fun. As a young first team captain I had the privilege of working alongside David and he was of enormous help to me with advice and guidance.

Similarly he was of enormous help when I became groundsman and was still helping me this year. When he walked Suzanne’s dog, Florence, Dave would pitch in and help me with a task. We talked club and cricket nearly every day and always had a laugh. Along with all other club people, I will miss Dave very much.

As well as remembering Dave as a splendid bloke and club man, David leaves a lasting club legacy. Daughters Stephanie and Suzanne are club people and son Chris and grandson Ben Heap are both testament to David’s nurturing and guiding of cricketing talent.

We extend our deepest sympathy to wife Gloria, children Chris, Suzanne and Stephanie, the grandchildren and extended family.

Stan Heaton (Chairman)