Worldwide tributes to Shropshire cricketing stalwart Peter Byram

Peter Byram, who also served as the sports editor of the Shropshire Star as part of a 42-year career in journalism, was a life member of Wellington Cricket Club and served as its general secretary between 1973 and 2018.

Peter Byram, flanked by sons Gavin, on the left, and Adam

He died at his Wellington home on November 15, aged 75.

After hearing of his illness, Yorkshire legend Sir Geoffrey Boycott sent him a personal message - Peter was a big Yorkshire cricket fan and had met Sir Geoffrey several times - and about 10 days ago England and Yorkshire batsman Jonny Bairstow took time during the England tour of New Zealand to send him a video message.

Peter's son, Gavin, said: "Dad loved it. Dad had cricketing friends all over the world, and we have had messages from all over the world."

"Cricket was his life. He said what cricket had given him was irreplaceable."

Posting on Twitter, Wellington Cricket Club said "We are devastated to report that Peter Byram, our Groundsman, former General Secretary and a lifelong servant of Wellington Cricket Club, has passed away at the age of 75. Our thoughts are with his family at this terribly sad time."

An online tribute on the club's Facebook site says: "He was a pivotal figure in the day-to-day running of the club and a key architect behind its development."

"Younger members may know Pete best for his tireless work behind the mower - he became ground chairman in the early 2000s - but, in truth, this represented only a fraction of his vast contribution over six decades."

"Pete's passing will leave a massive hole in the fabric of Wellington Cricket Club."

You can read the original article from the Shropshire Star HERE