North Wales Cricket Mourns Haynes Formstone

 

Cricketers in North Wales are mourning the death on December 30th of Haynes Formstone, aged 81, following a long illness. 

There is scarcely anyone connected with the game of cricket in North Wales who did not know Haynes Formstone: he had been secretary of the Denbighshire County Cricket Club since he turned up to a meeting at the age of 24.  He left that meeting having been appointed Secretary and remained in that post for about 54 years.  In later years he combined this role with that of Treasurer and only relinquished the Secretary post a couple of years ago.

Haynes was heavily involved in the activities of the North Wales Cricket Association and also, in the early 1970s, in the formation of the North Wales Cricket League.  At any county match, Haynes could be seen patrolling the boundary edge, willing on his beloved Denbighshire side (not that they needed it in the 1970s!). 

His early cricket experiences were at Gwersyllt Cricket Club (his original home area) but later he became more associated with Marchwiel and then Brymbo CC.  Professionally, Haynes worked for some time as personal assistant to the owner of Aston Furnishers, William Aston.

Tributes have been paid to him in the short time since his passing: many have contributed to a posting on Facebook, the social network, and Johnny Bell, formerly President of Denbighshire CCC said of Haynes: "Haynes was an instrumental mentor in my playing career and I, along with many others, respected this pillar of cricketing society. A dedicated administrator who devoted 60 years of his life to North Wales cricket. His beloved Denbighshire was virtually unbeatable and Haynes would attend every match with his continual wanderings around the boundary. He was a damn decent fellow. The likes of Haynes will not be seen again. God Bless, old friend - my privilege to be associated with such a superstar. There is no doubt that my playing days were totally founded on Haynes' desire for the best his players could achieve. Thank you for everything."

In 2006 The Denbighshire Club paid tribute to Haynes' longstanding contributions as their senior administrator.  A special cricket match was held in his honour at Brymbo to mark his 50th year in office.