PICKERING Cricket Club has launched a fundraising campaign to buy and install a memorial clock tower in honour of a ‘remarkable cricketer'.

Dave Cowton, a popular character in the community, died on May 6 at the age of 84. His passion for cricket started in the 1950s before becoming the first team captain of Pickering Cricket Club for more than 22 years.

In this time, the team won seven East Yorkshire Cups and the Yorkshire Championship Trophy in 1981.

He contributed his knowledge and skills to many other clubs including Middleton, Stape, Bedale and Thornton le Dale before officially retiring at the age of 75.

In his memory, the club is hoping to raise £2,000 towards the cost of a clock tower, which will be placed on the roof of the pavilion.

Phil Fisher, chairman of Pickering Cricket Club, said the memorial is a ‘fitting tribute to a remarkable cricketer who inspired so many.’

He said: “Pickering Cricket Club has opened a fundraising page to accept donations – that people feel they can afford – to help towards raising funds for a permanent memorial to someone who has contributed so much.

“Dave Cowton has not only contributed to Pickering Cricket Club but to other local cricket clubs in Ryedale and North Yorkshire – Thornton le Dale in particular – and the wider community.”

Born in Bridlington, Dave and his family moved to Low Marishes before the Second World War in 1939. He joined the National Service in the 1950s before pursuing a career as an HGV driver.

He drove an HGV wagon for more than 60 years, predominantly for G E Smith Ltd in Malton, and eventually retired in October 2019 at the age of 82.

Dave was involved with a wide variety of sports including football, dominoes, point-to-point, and The Saltersgate Farmers Hunt.

“As chairman of the club and one of the many who were inspired in their younger days by this remarkable cricketer; can I ask for donations to this very worthwhile memorial,” added Phil.

“Donations can, if necessary, be anonymous on the page or can be made directly to Pickering Cricket Club.”

More information on the campaign can be found on the club’s fundraising page via www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/pickeringcricketclubmemorialtodavecowton