By Dianne Craven
As another International Test Match draws to a close at Headingley, Pudsey councillor Simon Seary has been working with cricket fans on options for a mural to celebrate Pudsey’s rich cricketing heritage.
Pudsey has two cricket clubs, Pudsey St Lawrence and Pudsey Congs. The town also
has a long list of famous players who have gone on to represent Yorkshire and
England. These include:
Herbert Sutcliffe
- Born in Pudsey in November 1894 and started playing at Pudsey St Lawrence CC as a youngster.
- Became one of England’s greatest opening batsmen, scoring 16 Test centuries in the inter-war period.
Sir Len Hutton
- Born in Fulneck in June 1916; coached on local grounds by Herbert Sutcliffe.
- England’s outstanding opening batsman (79 Tests, 6,971 runs with an average of 56.67) world-record 364 in 1938 Test, and first professional Test captain for England.
Ray Illingworth
- Born 1932 in Pudsey; played 61 Tests, captained England’s Ashes-winning tour 1970–71, and later national selector and coach.
Matthew Hoggard
- Born in Pudsey in 1976; right-arm swing bowler, 2005 Ashes hero, played 93 internationals for England.
John Tunnicliffe
- Born in Pudsey in 1866; long-serving Yorkshire first-class player (472 matches, 20,310 runs).
Richard Hutton
- Son of Len Hutton; born 1942 in Pudsey, played five Test matches in 1971, and had a lengthy county career.
Roland Parker
- Born 1925 in Pudsey; coached by Sutcliffe and Hutton during his youth; played firstclass cricket and was recognised with an MBE for services to cricket.
Billy (William Herbert Hobbs) Sutcliffe
- Born in Pudsey 1926, son of Herbert Sutcliffe; played for Yorkshire as a solid batsman through the 1950s.
While still in the early stages, the group has created an AI design to demonstrate what a potential mural may look like.
However, a suitable location is required before a final design can be decided on. Cllr Seary (Cons) said B&M has confirmed that it will not give permission for the mural to be placed on their gable-end wall overlooking Pudsey Park.
Cllr Seary added: “We are still keen to make this happen. So, if you know of any other suitable locations in Pudsey, please let us know.”
E-mail Simon.Seary@Leeds.gov.uk.
An ‘LUFC Legends’ mural was painted in Pudsey Market by Farsley artist Nicholas Dixon in 2021, and features a tribute to Leeds United starts Jack Charlton, Norman Hunter, Trevor Cherry and Peter Lorimer.
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That would fit nicely on the viaduct at Stanningley bottom on one of the arch walls
Has either of the Cricket grounds or buildings in close proximity to either of them
got a suitable wall?
OR
UTILISE a space in Pudsey Park eg the Aviary ???
It would be fitting to paint the mural on a large sidescreen. This could be displayed at both clubs and events such as Pudsey carnival,fetes etc.