Community mourns a good sport

Anorth-east town has been left saddened by the death of a sporting and community stalwart. Hayden Barrett MBE gave 40 years of service to Ellon Gordon Cricket Club, and was president when he died after a short illness. Originally from Norwich, Mr Barrett came to the north-east in 1973 and went on to hold various positions at the club. After joining the club, he played mostly for the 2nd XI, with the occasional 1st XI appearance, until 1980 when work commitments brought him to Shetland, where he was to spend the next three years. Having returned to the northeast, in the 1984 season Mr Barrett took over wicket-keeping duties for the 1st XI, a position he was to hold down until his retirement from playing in 2004. On the playing front, one of his happiest memories was captaining the 2nd XI to the Reserve Grade Championship in 1980, followed by being part of the 1986 team who won the Small Clubs Cup for the first time in the club’s history. During his earlier years with the club he won the 2nd XI batting trophy in 1978 and 1979. He was also the first winner of the Barrett Jug in 1980. Off the field, Hayden was club secretary from 1987 to 2000 and 2003 to 2007. He also coached the club’s juniors from 2001 to 2009. From 1987 until his death at the age of 79, Mr Barrett was a member of the club’s management committee and was twice named Clubman of the Year. A much-respected character, he brought not only his love of the game to the club, but also a sense of purpose, organisational skill, and a determination to give youngsters their place at Gordon Park. His unflinching support for the juniors led to him having this year’s Jack Nixon Junior of the Year cup named after him, an arrangement he was happy to accept only two days before he died. In 2000, Mr Barrett was made an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List for services to the Prince’s Trust, underlining his dedication to the promotion and development of young people. Mr Barrett will be sadly missed by wife Susan, children Julie and Jonathan, and the north-east cricket fraternity.

HAT’S OFF: Hayden Barrett with his MBE