One of our oldest members, former player and captain, Eric Abbott, passed away yesterday at the age of 95. His family have been and continue to play, an active role with Baildon C.C.  Eric's father Jack, was a Committee member and gateman for many years.  His sons Steven and David both played for Baildon with David an active player, Committee member, Chairman and Trustee.  His daughters, Dot and Kath, both scored and son-in-laws Nev and Graham also played for the Club.  Grandsons, Robin and Michael are both former players too with Jamie combining his long career with being Secretary.  The next generation is playing too with Sam Holmes starting his career.

Eric, after serving in the war for 5 years,  came back to play for Baildon. He was part of the second team that won the championship in 1948 and also a squad member of the successful Baildon side that won the Division 1 title from 1950 to 1952 under Ronnie Burnet, who went on to captain Yorkshire. During this period Eric was invited annually to attend Yorkshire nets as a slow left arm and right hand batter and a top class fielder. He used to receive letters inviting him each year from Yorkshire C.C.C, which were addressed to Mr Abbott & signed by the Secretary! As a result of limited first team opportunities and because at the time Eric worked at Lister's he moved in 1955 to join Manningham Mills in the Bradford Central League.  They won the League in 1956 and then Eric was persuaded to move closer to home where he played for CF Taylor's on Baildon Bridge until 1970.

Eric went on to be their captain for several years and was well respected by the team and other clubs in the league. Eric played for the League side and was also on the Bradford Central League Executive Committee for several years. At the end of the 1970 season and because it was threatened to put a road through the CF Taylor's ground (which still has not happened) it was opportune when Baildon invited Eric back to captain the 2nd team and harness the ability of some very good players. The second team went on to win the League and cemented the title in the final game when Eric played a vital innings after the side had lost 5 early wickets to snatch the title from Salts who were ahead before the final game. The team also went on to again win the title in 1972 before Eric hung up his boots at 48 to concentrate on golf. The funeral is at 1pm on Mon, 25th at Baildon Methodist Church with the wake next door at Wesley's