Paddock are holding a festival of cricket on Monday, August 26, to commemorate one of Huddersfield’s well-loved cricketers.

A fine bowler in his playing days, Stanley Inniss MBE passed away earlier this year.

A man of the community, Stanley was part of a group of local champions who, in the 1970s and 80s, dedicated their lives to eradicating racism and discrimination from sport, the workplace and society in general.

Supported by Cancer Research UK, Ashbrow Garage, Riasca Paper&Print and a cluster of local schools and community groups. Paddock’s week of community cricket will kick of with a 15-over game between a Huddersfield Schools’ side and a Paddock Under 15s (they won their Sellers League section by 10 points).

The junior match will be followed by a T20 match between a Drakes League representative team and a West Indies All Star XI.

The week of community cricket will draw to a close with a six-a-side adult tournament on Sunday September 8 (1pm to 7pm).

Kevin Hudson – husband of Mary, Paddock’s cricket membership secretary – came up with the idea of the festival when he saw the reaction of his son, Matty, to news of Stanley’s passing.

“When the juniors found out about Stanley, they immediately wanted to do something to mark his life,” he said. “People like him deserve to be remembered, they do so much for the people who need the help the most.”

Co-event organiser, Hugh Goulbourne, was a close friend of Stanley and is looking forward to the chance to celebrate his life.

“Stanley has been for me, as he was for many other people, a mentor and a true friend,” said Goulbourne.

“I know that he is sorely missed around Huddersfield and at Paddock CB&AC, where he helped us to set up our Carpark Cricket initiative and inspired a generation of junior cricketers to step up and help Paddock to re-emerge as a community cricket club.”

Refreshments, including a halal barbeque, ice cream van and bar will be available throughout the festival. Supporters are welcome to attend. Full details of the event  at www.paddockcb&ac or mail hugh@paddockcc.org.uk