It was a terribly sad ending to 2024 for Windhill & Daisy Hill Cricket Club, who regretfully announced the passing of their much-loved president Ferando (Frank) Barnett. He died at the age of 86 earlier this month following a short illness. Frank was a Daisy Hill legend, who came and settled in Bradford after moving over from Jamaica.
He initially played cricket for Allerton in the Bradford Central League before joining Daisy Hill Meths over 55 years ago. Frank was a prolific opening bowler and big-hitting batsman who amassed his runs quickly and could turn the course of a match in a very short space of time. He filled many on and off field roles for the club, from captain to groundsman to umpire, but it was his commitment and dedication to junior cricket that was arguably his legacy at Daisy Hill, as well as the wider Bradford Mutual Sunday School League, where he helped so many youngsters develop and become better players.
He shared his knowledge and love of cricket willingly and he was awarded a Yorkshire Cricket Board OSCA (Outstanding Service to Cricket Award) for his contribution to black minority ethnic cricket. Frank always had cricket and the best interests of his beloved club at heart. As president and a trustee, he ensured that the newly merged club of Windhill & Daisy Hill would be successful and sustain cricket for future generations.
It was therefore fitting that he was able to witness the first X1 secure promotion to Division Two at the end of last season. Wind.
