Posted: July 21, 2007

by Glynn Pearson (Chairman, JCT 600 Bradford League Umpires Association)

The JCT 600 Bradford Cricket League Umpires’ Association today lost one of its most popular umpires with the death of Henry Daff. 

After a playing career of some 30 years with Daisy Hill, Henry took up umpiring, first in the Bradford Sunday School League and then with the Bradford Central League. He transferred to the Bradford League in 2002 and was umpiring until only four weeks ago when his health finally forced him to give up.

Although with the Bradford League for only five years his positive outlook and cheerful nature made him a popular umpire with players, spectators and fellow umpires. He assisted with the presentation of training courses during the winter where his experiences as both player and official helped to encourage other umpires.

Henry never let the seriousness of his illness interfere with his enjoyment of the game and only last winter joined the Executive Committee of the Umpires’ Association where he worked enthusiastically to further the cause of umpiring and the League.

Even during his last illness he claimed that putting on his white shirt on a Saturday afternoon was a tonic and perked him up better than any medicine or drugs could.

As a mark of respect there will be a minute’s silence before all League matches next Saturday, July 28. He will be sadly missed and the thoughts of all of his colleagues are with his widow and family.

The funeral service will be held at St Oswald's Church, Little Horton Lane, Bradford at noon on Thursday, July 26. It will be followed by a cremation at Scholemoor Crematorium at 1pm.