In memory of Roy Paul some of the current Hadleigh & Thundersley playing membership would like to honour his life by undertaking a walking challenge that will tour the local cricket clubs at which Roy would have been well known throughout from his playing days and providing support to many HTCC youth and senior teams through scoring and umpiring. 

The walk will take place on the 3rd April and will be in aid of the Essex Cricket Foundation and will start at Hadleigh & Thundersley Cricket club and take the 26.5 mile route (in their whites) via the following clubs before ending back at HTCC: Benfleet CC, King John, Leigh CC, Westcliff CC, Southend CC, Old Southendians CC, Eastwood CC

Roy sadly passed away on 21st January aged 85 at his care home in Norfolk. He was a longstanding member of HTCC and during his playing career was also a stalwart for King John Old Boys, playing regularly for them on Sundays.

People who know Roy will fondly recall his signature batting stroke the well timed ‘dab’ down to the third man boundary. He is remembered by players of his day as a prolific run scorer whose technique meant he didn’t have to hit the ball hard to score well, and he never gave his wicket easily.

While many local cricketers will remember Roy for his playing days, arguably many more will remember him for his truly outstanding contributions to youth cricket off the field. Roy was the regular scorer for various HTCC Saturday teams over the years, and a youth cricket sides over a prolonged period. As anyone who has been a team captain or manager will tell you, this kind of support is invaluable and Roy’s dedication extended to home or away games, come rain, wind or shine.

Roy played a large role in supporting the HTCC U16s in 2008 to become Essex Matchplay champions. But more generally, he was a huge supporter of youth cricket whether he was the Youth Manager of the team or supporting as the scorer. Roy was ever present at indoor nets diligently ensuring that training monies were collected. 

No words can fully capture the impact of someone like Roy Paul. He was a true HTCC club man who contributed so much to developing youth cricketers.  Unfortunately in the final years of Roy’s life he wasn’t able to visit HTCC, but he continued to receive newsletters and team sheets while in his care home, and the club remained in his thoughts. He remained in ours too.

We really hope you can help us raise some money in the name of a great man however big or small which will fund cricket initiatives across Essex!