W. Bro. Joe Mence

21st April 1921  to 12th May 2014

Member of Ryde Lodge 698

 Cricket History

End of the 1953 Era

Berkshire Cricket is sad to report the death of Joseph Alan Mence on the 12 May 2014 aged 93, the last surviving member of the 1953 Berkshire Championship winning side, and also his son Michael, aged 70 who died on 15 May 2014.

A thanksgiving service for Joseph will take place on Friday 23 May at St James church, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight at 12 noon. Family flowers only but donations may be made to the St James Church Tower Appeal. Cheques to be made payable to PCC of Yarmouth and sent to the funeral directors: R & P Everson, The Broadway, Totland Bay, Isle of Wight. PO39 0AS.

Joseph was born on 21 April 1921 at Hampstead London and was educated at Aldenham. He represented Berkshire CCC 1946 - 1965, was capped in 1947 and captained the county side 1954 - 1955. He made 134 appearances for Berkshire, 219 innings, 25 not out, highest score 182*, scoring 6496 runs at an average of 33.48 and took 57 catches. His bowling statistics were 21.5 overs, 4 maidens, 101 runs, 4 wickets, at an average 25.25. He also played hockey for Berkshire.

Sadly the family has suffered a further loss as Joseph's son Michael passed away on the 15 May 2014 aged 70.  A thanksgiving service will take place at St James Church, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight on Wed 28 May at 1 pm.  Family flowers only but donations may be made to Earl Mountbatten Hospice and sent to the funeral directors: R & P Everson, The Broadway, Totland Bay, Isle of Wight. PO39 0AS.

Michael was born on 13 April 1944 at Newbury and educated at Bradfield College. He represented Berkshire CCC 1961 - 1982, was capped in 1961 and was captain 1976 - 1978. He made 59 appearances played 100 innings, 18 not out, a highest score of 72, scored 2062 runs at an average of 25.15 taking 26 catches. His bowling statistics were 1012 overs, 306 maidens, 2476 runs, 137 wickets, average 18.07. He also played first class cricket for Warwickshire CCC and Gloucestershire CCC.

- See more at: http://www.berkshirecricket.org/representative-cricket/senior-county-men/news/end-of-the-1953-era/#sthash.MwDrN4fk.dpuf