Senior Cricket League stalwart stepping aside (From York Press)

Senior Cricket League stalwart Albert Pattison stepping aside

9:45am Wednesday 12th September 2012 in Sport

STALWART Albert Pattison is standing down as secretary of the Hunters York & District Senior Cricket League after 27 years in the post.

The 72-year-old will remain on the league management committee, but is keen to cut back on his involvement and “hand the reins” on to the next generation.

Pattison has served on the league committee since 1965 and played a major role in this year’s centenary celebrations.

League chairman Paul Harrand paid tribute to his work as secretary.

“Let us not underestimate his contribution in laying the foundations of our great league,” he said. “We can rightly be proud of the efficient fashion in which our league has been run over the years.

“This is down to the dedication and generosity of one man – Mr A V Pattison. Every club in our league owes a great debt of gratitude to Albert. He is a man who conducted himself honestly and with integrity and a great deal of common sense.

“His work in taking results on Saturday nights and publishing them, often with a report before midnight, is remarkable.

“Also his work on the league handbook is simply astonishing, particularly the centenary edition for this year.

“Thankfully Albert has agreed to continue as handbook editor. I am pleased that he has also agreed to continue on the management committee to pass on his wealth of knowledge and experience.”

Pattison has been results secretary since 1965 and took on the role of fixture secretary 13 years later. In 1986, he assumed the role of secretary on a temporary basis.

He said: “I took it over in June that year and said I would do it up to the AGM and then they could get somebody else. I am still doing it 27 years later!

“It is a big decision to make and I am sure it is the right time. Next season the cricket will revolve around me, rather than the other way round. I want to be able to hand over to someone else, but be around to help whoever takes it on.”

He added: “It has been a hard year with the bad weather and the centenary celebrations and it’s time to hand the reins over and spend more time with my family.”