R.I.P Audrey Collins - It is with very great regret that we have to let you know that Audrey passed away in her sleep on Sunday 14th February.
It is with very great regret that we have to let you know that Audrey passed away in her sleep last night. She had been unwell and in hospital for some time. It is likely thought that there will be a private service in Shropshire, followed in July by a memorial service or something similar in in St. Albans. More information to follow.
Audrey Collins was one of the legends of Cricket Week, and women's cricket in general. She was a founder member of Radlett Vagabonds Women's Cricket Club who are based in Hertfordshire.
In 1934, Audrey went to Cricket Week for the first time, and at Cricket Week 2005, she was presented with a medal for her 90th birthday (90 not out) as recognition of her long-standing attendance at the annual festival.
Audrey was born in 1915, and had two older cousins who played for New Zealand. Audrey played for East Anglia until the remarkable age of 70. She also played for Middlesex and Wouth women, and played her only Test match for England at the Oval in 1937, a draw with Australia.
Audrey served as President of the Women's Cricket Association from 1981 until 1993, the year in which England hosted and won the Women's World Cup. Her fundraising efforts selling chocolate to spectators were legendary in the pre-ECB days when women cricketers had to pay their own way to play for their country. She was one of the first 10 females to be admitted to the Long Room at Lords when women could become members of the MCC in March 1999.
Women's cricket has lost one of it's greatest supporters, and Cricket Week won't be the same without her. R.I.P Audrey. |
