A DEDICATED supporter of Bletchington Cricket Club for more than 60 years has died.

During the past six decades Willie Kirtland, 90, had done every job at Bletchington Sports and Social Club, from cleaner to linesman, scorer, secretary, treasurer and barman.

Born in Bletchington, Mr Kirtland went to the local school until he was 14, when he left with an “excellent” reference from the head teacher.

In 1937 he started work at Shipton Cement Works, then in 1942 was called up and served with the Royal Army Service Corps.

Mr Kirtland was posted to India, where he worked in the cookhouse, and later returned to Europe, where he was sent to France and Germany post D-Day.

After the war he returned to Bletchington and from 1946 worked at Osberton Radiators, in North Oxford, for 38 years until he retired.

In 1946 he also became involved with the cricket club.

In tribute his friend John Smith, president of Bletchington Sports and Social Club, said: “He saw Bletchington Cricket Club grow from one team that often travelled to games by horse and cart into a club that provided cricket for as many as eight senior and junior teams in any one week.

“He saw facilities improved beyond measure as the club house at Bletchington was first rebuilt in 1979 and then further extended only two years ago.

“He experienced and enjoyed the increasing success that the club enjoyed on the field, sitting at the score table for most of them.

“The true measure of Willie’s contribution to the club cannot be measured, the like of his dedication will rarely, if at all, be seen again.”

Mr Smith recalled a surprise celebration to mark Mr Kirtland’s 50 years as club scorer. Mr Kirtland “despised” being the centre of attention, and when he got wind of the event locked himself in his home and refused to come out until Mr Smith managed to persuade him to attend his party.

Mr Kirtland was also recognised by the England Cricket Board for his service to the sport.

Mr Kirtland, who never married, was found dead at the hotel he was staying at while on holiday in Malta in June. An inquest is due to be held in due course in Oxford.

His funeral was held last month.