Sad News – Peter Wade Obituary

Lowerhouse CC are saddened to report the death of long time servant of the club, Peter Wade.

Peter played for the club in several spells from 1958 to 1977 as an all rounder and first team captain with a top score of 54 and a best bowling figures of 6-19.

From 2002 Peter coached the juniors at the club until failing eyesight caused his retirement.

Peter was an outstanding fielder at a time when fielding wasn’t held as important at is it is now. He was agile and had a good pair of hands. His specialty was to field in the covers and had a neat trick of aiming at one end whilst throwing the ball to the other end to catch the batsman unaware.

Peter formed a close and long standing relationship with the legendary England cricketer Colin Milburn, who was the professional at the club in 1976, and stayed with Peter and wife Beryl whist with the club. Peter was also well known as a local plumber and newsagent.

Peter had a lively sense of humour and was a very kind person. I made my first team debut in 1975 as did Roger Bromley. As 16 year olds we were awestruck. Cricket in those days was much tougher than it is now in the sense that older players were often 10 -15 years older and were harsh on younger players. Not so Peter Wade who, for 2 petrified 16 year olds, made playing cricket with him, sheer joy. His gentle manner and personality along with his sense of humour certainly brought the best out of you. I remember that when Peter left the club in 1977, Roger and I were so upset that we wrote a letter to the Burnley Express, thanking Peter for his help.

When I began my spell with the juniors, Peter contacted me and asked if he could come and coach with club. I think that it is fair to say that his contribution in 2000s was of the utmost importance.  As it was when he played, it was a delight to be in his company as a coach.

Rest in peace Peter, and on behalf of the club, thank you.

Peter is survived by wife Beryl and son and chip off the old block, Mark. Peter’s funeral is at Burnley Crematorium at 10.40 on Thursday 15th March followed by a reception at the cricket club. All welcome.

Stan

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