FOND FAREWELL TO WARDY [07/07/07 07:53:19]

Colchester Borough Council bade a fond farewell to a loyal servant yesterday when friends and colleagues of the club's former Head Groundsman John Ward packed the clubhouse to commemorate the occasion of his retirement after an incredible 40 years and eight months with the company.

There were tears of sadness and hilarity as stories of his escapades were recounted throughout the evening and one of his work colleagues even entered into the spirit of the occasion by appearing as Adolf Hitler.

Wife Marian, who is looking forward to her husband tackling a long list of household decorative and refurbishment tasks, was less than impressed to hear that the club has recently purchased a new roller and was quick to point out, "he won't be spending any time up here, I have got loads for him to do".

The popular all-rounder who, in a highly distinguished career with Abberton, hit 21,860 runs, took 1233 wickets, sniffed out 388 catches and sunk 46,218 club doubles before injuries forced his retirement from the game, was a 'father' figure to many of the youngsters who benefitted from his willing advice and went on to become decent performers in their own right.

The current Chairman Simon Swinn always regarded him as role model and held him out to be the "greatest batsman in local cricket"; a fitting accolade to a man who always performed courageously with a great degree of competitiveness, but never forgot to do so with dignity.

Since he left the game, he has tried to valiantly to pursue a career in the film industry and can be seen (right) 'on location' during a recent production being shot around his 60th birthday celebrations.

Sadly, Head of Secret Police John Stockbridge was unable to attend the function after being struck down by a mystery virus and confined to bed following his failure to secure the manager's role at Manchester City.