Allen Hampshire – 12th September 1939 – 30th June 2026
Every cricket club has its characters, its stalwarts, its quiet heroes. But once in a generation, a club is blessed with someone whose commitment is so enduring, whose influence is so profound, and whose presence is so constant that they become part of the club’s very identity. For our cricket club, Allen was one of those rare figures. His life in cricket was not simply long; it was rich, devoted, and is woven into every chapter of the club’s history.
Tuesday 30 June 2026 marked a profoundly sad day for SBCI Cricket Club, as we learned of the passing of our leading wicket‑taker, long‑serving Treasurer, and club legend Allen Hampshire, following a period of illness. Though many of us knew he had been unwell, the news still came as a shock. Allen was such a constant presence, that it is hard to imagine SBCI without him. The outpouring of sadness, warm wishes and heartfelt tributes from across the Halifax Cricket League and beyond has been extraordinary, a reflection of just how widely respected and dearly loved he was.
Allen’s story is woven into the very fabric of SBCI Cricket Club. Joining as a 13‑year‑old in 1953, he began a journey that would span more than seven decades and leave an indelible mark on everyone who passed through the club gates. His playing career alone covered 53 seasons across six decades and two centuries, finally concluding in 2005 with a spell so characteristic of his craft: 5 overs, 5 maidens, 5 wickets for no runs. At the time of writing, this leaves Allen some 573 wickets in front at the top of the all time SBCI CC wicket taking list and has bowled 984 maidens more than anyone else.
For most of those years Allen toiled up the hill and into the wind—conditions visiting bowlers would grumble about once a season, but Allen embraced for a lifetime. A mainstay of the 1st XI, he served 15 years as vice‑captain alongside his great friend Albert Gawn. Renowned for his accuracy, his nous, and the occasional well‑judged leg‑side plan, he is the club’s all‑time leading wicket‑taker. He helped guide SBCI to three Parish Cup finals, and in 1964 he famously hit the winning runs in the club’s first ever triumph. Allen always claimed it was a glorious cover drive; teammates fondly recall a thick edge over the head of first slip. When the time did come for his bowling boots to be hung up, he finished his career with 1,894 maidens, 55 five wicket hauls and 1,368 wickets at an average of just over 15.
Unbelivelably, there is the argument to say that his influence off the field was even greater than his on-field achievements. Allen served as club treasurer for an extraordinary 58 years, beginning in the era of pounds, shillings and pence. A dedicated former maths teacher, he brought diligence and unwavering dedication to the role. His stewardship helped transform SBCI from a wooden hut with no electricity or running water into the thriving, modern club it is today. He chased the best deals, raised vital funds, ran the 50‑club, and ensured every subscription was paid—never forgetting a debtor (as some of us found out to our cost!) but always acting with good humour and, as always, having the club’s best interests at heart.
Cricket was always a family affair for Allen. His wife, Sue, contributed to teas for nearly six decades, and his children and grandchildren proudly represented and continue to represent the club on the field. Even after his official duties with the club had finished, he could be found at the ground most Saturdays, watching the next generation carry forward the legacy he helped build, with his last trip to his beloved Astleys being in the middle of June this year.
Across the Halifax League, Allen was respected by all—players, officials, supporters, and even former pupils who remembered him fondly as a fierce competitor on the field, but a gentleman off it. His service to SBCI is unmatched: three half‑centuries of commitment as player, treasurer, and supporter. His contribution will never be repeated, and his memory will forever be cherished.
As we remember Allen, we celebrate a man whose contribution will forever stand as a benchmark of loyalty, service and love for the game.
Mr Hampshire was, and will remain, a true SBCI legend. Rest in peace, sir.
Tribute from Tim Helliwell- Sowerby Bridge CC and Secretary of the ENCO Halifax Cricket League
To all at SBCI CC
From me personally, from all at Sowerby Bridge CC and on behalf of the Halifax Cricket League executive and I'm sure all clubs please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Allen. Not only had he been a top Halifax League cricketer in his day and a league legend, but he was also a gentleman of the highest order and will be greatly missed.
