It is with great sadness I advise the passing of Club Life Vice President and Legend Joe Luckett.
Joe joined the club in the Mid 70's and served the club greatly as a prolific batsman and bowler, A true all rounder in every sense, he was a great fielder also, fearless indeed given his placing himself about a yard from the bat. Silly Mid Off ? a better description would be suicidal standing there when I turned my arm over..
In his time Joe was 1st XI Captain and was very supportive of the younger players. Picking them to play in place of what was an aging side to reasonable success.
This paid dividends when Hayes won their first league title. The players within that side were all products of our Colts side, the only exception being Joe who had been with the club for nearly a decade.
Joe also served as Club Captain for many years, most of which were with what was in my opinion the best 1st XI we have ever been able to field. Joe being a part of these sides as opening batsman against the best the TVL could offer up.
Aside from the Cricket Joe was also a tradesman.
The extension to the club frontage which became the "Vic Roberts lounge" was built by Joe together with other additions to the clubhouse. What is now the members bar incorporated a Score box which Joe built by the Main entrance to the clubhouse.
Off the field Joe was what could be best described as the "life and soul" of our social gatherings.
Hugely competitive on the field his "bottle walking" and "Penny crapping" contests were just as much so.
Always happy to meet and greet people he had a great sense of humour, I smile now at just how many laughs I had in his company.
Joe lived next door to the club for many years, no problems with getting a cab home for Joe after a long session.
Married to Gerry Joe was very much a family man I well remember young Joseph and Elizabeth being taken to games, each of them growing up at the club and having no doubt fond memories of their childhood.
There will be amongst those that knew Joe so many stories to be shared, all of them with fondness and laughter.
I will miss him greatly, a genuine man I was honoured and privileged to know
We mourn his passing and pass our sincere condolences to his wife Gerry, his children Joseph and Elizabeth, his grandchildren and all the family.
Rest in Peace Joe, you will be missed but never forgotten