We have received the very sad news of the passing of Peter Hall, who was one of Chingford CC's longest members and a Life Vice-President
A tribute to Peter is below:
Peter Hall lived in Beech Tree Glade, Chingford therefore it was only natural that he should join the Cricket Club just around the corner from his house in 1951.Peter played regularly for the Club until 1977. A hard hitting batsman, in his career he scored 8167 runs for the Club , which puts him 33rd in Chingford’s All Time Highest run scorers. Peter’s tally included 2 centuries and 43 half-centuries, and a career best of 108 v Chelmsford in 1972. A useful occasional seamer, Peter also contributed 19 wickets. Peter was affectionately known as “Potato Pete”, a nickname given to him by the legendary Reg Bancroft.
A very generous and welcoming man, Peter was awarded a Life Vice-Presidency of Chingford CC in 1999.
Peter was a successful businessman holding senior positions in both Shell and Abbey Life and the move of Abbey Life out of London to Bournemouth resulted in him relocating to Canford Cliffs, Dorset. Despite the travelling distance, Peter still got to Chingford CC and Chinghoppers CC events and games whenever he possibly could and this continued despite his advancing years.
Jeff Runciman persuaded Peter to come out of retirement to play one final match for the Wormcasts in Cricket Week in 1986 and Peter promptly responded by hitting a half century. He enjoyed himself so much that day that Peter was tempted back into the whites and incredibly way beyond the call of duty he travelled up from Bournemouth to play several games that year for the 3rd xi at the London Transport Ground in Walthamstow (and this was in the days before there was an M25). I also remember another story which showed Peter’s dedication to the Chingford cause. He was on holiday in the West Indies and sent the Club a telegram along the lines of “Back Friday – available Saturday and Sunday”
Peter always enjoyed quality cricket played properly with a good contest between bat and ball, so it was fitting that Peter was elected as Chinghopper number 386 in 1958. He went on to be the Club Secretary/Manager for over 20 years and under his direction the Club went from strength to strength and he also introduced many good Chingford players into the Hopper ranks. Peter’s friendship and warmth and fellowship were legendary and his influence saw many quality players from numerous Clubs turning out for the Hoppers.
Following his move to Bournemouth, Peter got to know the players at Dorset Club, Parley CC. A feature of the Chingford Cricket Week for many years was always the Wednesday game against Peter Hall’s XI and the side would often contain a mixture of Chinghoppers and Parley CC players. Peter realised an ambition in 2006 when a Chingford side travelled to The County Ground at Dean Park, Bournemouth to play Parley and the most wonderful day was had by all.
Our sincerest condolences go out to Peter’s wife Lyn and all his family.
RIP Peter you were one of the nicest guys anyone could possibly have ever met and thank you for everything.