Peter Babbage to step down as Cheshire CCC Head of Cricket at the end of the season...

By Jim Law

‘Pete’ Babbage will put away his notebook, rein in his telephone bills and stop trying to avoid late Saturday cry-offs when he steps down at the end of this season as Cheshire CCC Head of Cricket.

And while the title 'Head of Cricket’ suggests a focus on just the playing side of the game, there is, as is so often the case with volunteers, so much more to what Pete’s done for us.

A mainstay on the Cheshire CCC Committee for many years, his warmth, humour, unselfishness and dedication has been outstanding. I certainly couldn’t (wouldn’t) have been so involved or as enthused with all things Cheshire without Pete’s support, constant drive and belief in getting our county on the map. I’ve been so fortunate to have been alongside him during my time with Cheshire. And I know that’s reiterated by my colleagues.

Originally helping ‘when he could,’ Pete finally brought the skills that had inspired his beloved Bramhall for so many years, to the County table. He was Chair at Bramhall (and just about everything else) after an illustrious playing career with them.

The demands of getting our best XI out on what is now pretty much a weekly basis, have got a lot harder. Availability, personal demands and the constant club v county challenges have never been tougher to overcome.

Yet Pete has managed this (and sometimes with a smile!).

It’s an all year-round role. Liaising with players, setting up nets, checking fixtures, talking with clubs, arranging player travel, managing kit, and on it goes…

For the record, Pete joined the committee in 2005, then Chair Gerry Hardstaff inviting him to take on membership secretary duties. He later became Cheshire CCC Cricket Committee Chair and Team Secretary and latterly, Head of Cricket. All aided and abetted by his lovely wife Di who he rightly acknowledges as his biggest supporter.

We’ve all benefitted from Pete’s positivity, his full support and his ability to cajole, amuse and pick up the pieces when things weren’t quite right. I know too how much Pete’s enjoyed his Cheshire cricket life.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it,” he said.

“Fortunately, more highs than lows. I’ve loved the involvement with the County Club and won’t forget the kindness and support shown by those associated. It especially helped me through my battle with leukaemia, keeping me busy and enthused.”

The constraints of this media restrict stories about late night Drambuie escapades, secretive pipe smoking at various hotels (not a euphonism!) and just the odd expletive (“what the bloody hell did he play that shot for?".

Suffice to say that Pete has earned a rest. We know he’ll still be involved when he can so if you see him on your travels, stop and ask him how it was. You won’t be disappointed.

And then buy him a Drambuie. He deserves it!

Jim Law, Chair Cheshire CCC