One of Cumbrian cricket’s great unsung heroes has died at the age of 92.
Ken Reed, a cricket lover all his life, had been involved for many years at the Workington club.
He had first gone down to watch as a schoolboy when his father was playing for the second team. Then when his own boy started to play the game at the Valentine Ground he became seriously involved – particularly in ground maintenance.
Stan Millership used to do the wicket in those days and when he saw Ken hanging around he asked him to give a hand and until the Covid pandemic restricted his involvement, he had done it ever since.
He used to assist Barry Parker and Ray Laws before taking on responsibilities himself. The Workington club posted on Facebook: “It is with the deepest regret that we have to announce the passing of one of the true legends of our club Ken Reed.
“Ken’s association with the club goes back over 40 years. Initially heading down to watch his son Graeme before serving on the committee and then on to the ground.
“It was a job he committed to tirelessly for decades with many great friends such as Barry Parker, Ray Laws, Keith Miller and others. He was even working on the ground well into his 80s.
“Ken had a great sense of humour and was known and loved not only at our club but up and down the county. Men like him are a godsend to sports clubs. He was one of the best.
“The club send their deepest sympathies to his family at this sad time. Rest in peace Ken.”
“It was really the arrival of COVID which made-up my mind to retire, but I’ve enjoyed my time at the club.”
Ken’s contribution to Workington cricket club – despite really only playing knock-out cricket himself – has been phenomenal.
A Workington supporter said: “Sitting with him over time I realised how much ground care entailed and how much time he committed.
“After his friends Barry and Raymond had passed away Ken carried on at the ground most mornings during the week and often weekend mornings. He was more than often working away unaccompanied.
“It was a sad day for Workington Cricket Club when Ken he decided to call it a day. He was of the old school and certainly didn’t want any fuss on his retirement. That’s the type of bloke he was.
“He was also one of the hardest working men I have ever come across in sport. He addressed the problems of preparing and repairing the wickets with the knowledge of a full time paid groundsman.
“He was responsible for the playing area and did numerous other tasks which are far too many to mention.
“He kept the machinery going on a very tight budget and often did the machinery repairs himself to save the club money. Ken was very aware of the clubs financial commitments and did everything he could to keep costs to a minimum.
“The valuable work and support Ken gave the club and all the players that have played should never be forgotten.”
