Match over for cricket stalwart

A WELL-KNOWN sportsman and teacher has died at the age of 86.

Jim Barrett, of Chestnut Crescent, Fitton Hill, passed away peacefully in Tameside Hospital on Christmas Day.

The father-of-five taught maths in local schools for more than 40 years, the majority as deputy headmaster at St Anselm’s in Werneth, now St Augustine School.

For a long period he was involved in the Oldham Schools Football Association and ran the Oldham Schools’ town team.

Mr Barrett, an avid Latics fan, was well known as Radio Cavell’s commentator on Latics home matches for more 30 years.

He was also a talented cricketer, playing for Moorside CC from 1946 until 1972. He clocked-up at least one half century on every ground in the Saddleworth league and was a member of Moorside’s 1950s Tanner Cup winning side.

After retiring from playing he continued his involvement with the sport as a league umpire.

In his younger days, Mr Barrett turned out for Accrington Stanley FC as a member of their youth team.

The grandfather-of-nine was a stalwart of the Holy Rosary Church, Fitton Hill and was a former president of the parish’s St Vincent de Paul Society.

Mr Barrett married his wife Mary in 1950 and was widowed last year.

His daughter, Ruth Postle, described him as a quiet, modest and shy man, adding: “He had a dry sense of humour and had a lot of friends. We will miss him greatly.”

Mr Barrett will be buried in Greenacres Cemetery after a Requiem Mass at Holy Rosary Church, Fitton Hill, at 11.30 on Friday, January 2.