Tribute by Phillip Radcliffe
It is truly sad to report that Graham Griffiths, a former member of the Bradford League Umpires Association, passed away today following a long battle with cancer, aged 78 years.
Graham, a lifelong member at Pudsey St Lawrence, started his umpiring career in the Dales Council League before joining the Bradford League Umpires Association.
Graham umpired in the league for several years and officiated at the 2006 Priestley Cup final between Woodlands and Bowling Old Lane which was the first to be played in coloured clothing and with a white ball.
When he moved away to Hunmanby on the East Coast.he continued his umpiring in the York Senior League and Scarborough Beckett League.
If he had a free date he would always ring to see if there was a chance he could come across and help out in Bradford.
Graham also enjoyed umpiring junior cricket and regularly umpired for the Bradford Junior League in Joe Lumb and YJCF fixtures.
He carried this on and umpired for the Scarborough junior representative sides after his move to Hunmanby as well as still helping out the Bradford Junior sides. He also umpired at the Ampleforth Festivals in addition to games involving the County Age Group sides.
Whilst on the East Coast, he represented the Scarborough branch as their representative on the YCB ACO Committee.
He leaves his wife, Shirley, who we think about in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time, along with other members of his family.
RIP Graham.. A good friend and colleague, and respected by all who knew him.