Charles Noakes 1949-2009


Charles Noakes a long standing Captain and player of the Cricket Society XI passed away suddenly on 17th November 2009. He was the much loved father of Victoria Webb.

The funeral was held at Slough Crematorium followed by a gathering at The Henry VI pub in Eton.

Charles' Obituary written by John Symons can be found here.

Please contact us with any reminiscences or photos you may have of Charles and we will endeavor to put them up on this page.



 

 

Charles captained the Society on our last tour to Corfu in 1989
Charles in the slip cordon at Blackheath 2007 to his left Andrew Moss and Tony Warrington to his right ("There's some experience and a few years on the clock there, I think" A.Moss)
Arundel All Stars Cricket Society XI v CMJ's XI Arundel 2005
Arundel supersub Charles waits to bat as the first ever "supersub" (batting but not fielding) at Arundel
Arundel coverdrive The flashing cover-drive for four at Arundel
Arundel notout Charles returns undefeated at Arundel to the applause of his team
Hambledon teamshot A Cricket Society XI team photo with Charles skippering at Hambledon 2005
Hambledon roof Adrian Gale, Tom Carmichael and Charles Noakes on the Hambledon roof
Charles' Celebration Dinner Charles' Celebration Dinner upon retiring as Captain of the Cricket Society at the City Inn, Westminster on 28 April 2006. John Williams making the toast.
Things getting blurry in the Spyglass on the Isle of Wight tour


Charles' Playing Statistics for the Society XI
Played 324 matches between 1984 and 2009. Only three men have played more.
Captain for 15 seasons 1991-2005. Easily the longest-serving captain.
Took 407 wickets av 21.87. Only John Kershaw has taken more.
Ten five-wicket hauls.
Best bowling was 8-66 v The Lee on 1 June 1997 out of an opposition total of 200 all out.
Batting: 196 innings, 57 not outs, 1903 runs, average 13.69.
Highest score 72* v Best of The Rest in Malaga on 24 November 1988.
Batting number four, Charles added 98 with Bob Lanchbury of Gloucestershire and Worcestershire. 65 catches.

Tributes From Members

Charles' passing is very sad. The Obituary in the Bulletin describes very well his inspirational and considerate captaincy of the Society XI. It was a pleasure to play with and know such a nice man.
Robin Gordon-Walker

I was very shocked and saddened to read of the death of Charles.
I thought the tribute in the Society magazine was very well done.

I first played against Charles for the Old Paulines 2nd XI, Datchet twice a season in the l970's and l980's. He had a great reputation as a bowler and I felt very proud to survive one of his marathon bowling stints in batting for a draw. I really am not sure how I survived; every ball seemed to be straight as an arrow and well pitched. I cannot recall ever scoring against his bowling.

It was a relief to have Charles on my side in his role as Captain, when I made my debut for the Society in approx 2003! I found a fellow bowler who was very understanding and generally a really amiable good decent man. It was a pleasure to play with Charles a few times last season and to watch him give the ball a good thump now and again. Charles contributed magnificently in so many ways and was able to see the funny side of life. I will miss him.

My thoughts and best wishes now go to to his family and especially Victoria, his daughter. I remember Charles was so proud of Victoria and her career and recent marriage. I hope the Society can try to organise a match or a memorial cup in honour of Charles. It was a privilege to play both with him and against him.
Richard Buxton

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