TRIBUTES have been paid to the ‘irreplaceable’ chairman of Swindon Conservatives and Highworth Cricket Club who died last week.

Community stalwart Geoff Halls passed away suddenly last Tuesday aged 68.

He had been chairman of Swindon Conservatives for around six years and had also served as association president.

Kind-hearted Geoff was also chairman of his beloved Highworth Cricket Club and had been a key member of the club for more than 50 years.

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland said Geoff would be sorely missed by all in the association.

He said: “I was proud to have known Geoff. He was election agent for both Swindon seats in the last two General Elections and willingly volunteered his time and energy for Swindon Conservatives over many years

“He was a wise chairman and most importantly a very good friend. We will all miss him very much indeed.”

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson added:

“Having known Geoff for over 10 years he is a huge loss both personally and for the whole of the community for which he served as a tireless and dedicated volunteer.

“He was a truly selfless gentleman and all of those who knew him were very fond of his kind and good humoured nature. He will be so sorely missed.”

Highworth Cricket Club vice-chairman Tony Horn, who first met Geoff in 1983 said he was dedicated to teaching the next generation of cricket players.

“He was extremely caring, he was honest, respectful and he couldn’t do enough for the players that came through. He was so experienced that they all really looked up to him. All of the team are devastated by his death.

“He was a great all-rounder, he was very good at tying up an end.”

Geoff became a popular and respected member of the Wiltshire cricket community with his expert knowledge called on by many aspiring cricketers.

Tony said he would forever treasure the memory of the club’s triumphant return to the league in 2006 after their relegation the previous season

He said: “It was Geoff’s leadership that got us back up. He would get people to do the things they were best suited to do and play to their strengths. That was why he was such a great leader and player."

Tony said he would always remember Geoff’s phrase ‘wait on’ which he would use as opposed to yes or no before making a definitive decision as to whether to run or not.

Geoff, who lived in Okebourne Park, worked in marketing for Burmah Castrol. In later years he also acted as chairman of the Wiltshire over 50s and over 60s cricket clubs, and enjoyed travelling, eating out and playing golf at Wrag Barn Golf Club.

Highworth Cricket Club plan to hold a memorial match in his honour and will wear black armbands for the first match of the season.

  • Due to a technical error a picture of Geoff did not appear in today's Advertiser - we apologise and will publish one tomorrow.