Following the death of Ike Park just before Christmas, Whitehaven Cricket Club have announced that John Winter has accepted the invitation to become his successor president of the club.
John’s association with Whitehaven dates back to 1961, when he made his Second Team debut against Irthing Vale under the captaincy of Walter Sempill.
After obtaining a Chemistry degree from Sheffield University, he became a regular in the Second XI before progressing to the First Team under the leadership of Ike Park — a captain he greatly admired for both his ability and personality.
During his playing career, John featured alongside many outstanding amateur cricketers at the Playground, including Geoff Marsden, Jeff Pickup, Alan Booth, Roger Wrightson and Jim Denver.
He regards Australian Test star Greg Matthews as the finest professional to represent the club during his time.
John also relished competing against top opposition, notably Millom’s George McMeekin and David Lupton.
An accomplished all-rounder, John’s standout First Team performances both came against Penrith, where he scored 76 and recorded bowling figures of 7-48. He also scored a century for the Second Team against Baggrow and 96 against Workington.
During his career he was part of teams that won the North Lancashire League, four Higson Cups, the Burton Cup and two Roy Cups — one of the latter victories against British Steel seeing him play alongside his son Michael.
Beyond his playing days, John has served the club in numerous roles, including Chairman, Secretary, Committee Member and First Team Captain.
John is looking forward to taking on the role of President and during his tenure, hopes the club will continue the strong progress it has made both on and off the field.
