Remembering Keith Hayhurst
Lancashire Cricket is sad to hear the recent passing of one of its long-standing supporters, Keith Hayhurst.
Keith was an institution at Emirates Old Trafford and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He began the Museum at the ground in 1983 collecting the cricket items himself including the most famous Lancashire icon, The Hornby and Barlow window in the Pavilion.
He served on the Lancashire committee for over 20 years until the new Board took over. He was then made a Vice-President.
Keith was crucial in forming the Former Players' Association and the yearly gatherings were appreciated by the players who came.
When he retired, he decided to follow Lancashire in every game both home and away and this was accomplished up to a few years ago. It was said that ‘Keith knew everyone.’ Around the county circuit he was very much appreciated and he started the ‘little green book’ which lists all the committees and boards of all the counties. The book is still going strong.
For many years he was asked to serve on benefit committees by the Lancashire players and he wrote two books about Lancashire, one on 100 great Lancashire Players and also A Pictorial History which lists his magnificent collection of photos and other cricket memorabilia.
As a founder member in 1987 and Chairman of The Cricket Memorabilia Society which grew to over 700 members he shared his enthusiasm with others for collecting cricket memorabilia with meetings all over the country.
Members will remember Keith’s smile as he greeted people and they will always remember his motto when he left you. “Keep smiling” he would say and he will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts are with his wife Ann and his family and friends at this sad time.
Rev Malcolm Lorimer.