It is with great sadness that we advise of the passing of John Cawston on Monday 11 March. John was diagnosed as having Motor Neurone Disease some six months ago and his condition had worsened considerably in recent weeks.
John joined Exiles in 1986, having previously played for Acton CC. An off spinner and lower order batter, he played most of his cricket in our 3RD XI. He became the Club’s Secretary in 1996, holding the position until 2010 when his romance and subsequent marriage to Helen took them to the Cotswolds, in fairly close proximity to his beloved Cheltenham. Trying to master the bookies was one of John’s great pastimes and John and Helen were regular attendees at the annual Festival of racing.
In addition to all his work as Exiles Secretary, as the former Head of Legal Services for the London Borough of Enfield John became an invaluable (and free!) legal advisor for the Club.
John was also a regular Exiles tourist, going on the last 4 Barbados tours in 1988, 1997, 2000 and 2004 as well as annual Kent tours. He and Helen also joined the Club’s 125th anniversary tour to Spain in 2022. In recent years, John and Helen had joined Steve Plum and Peter Gilbert on annual tours to Spain with mid-week club Montenotte.
Symbolising John’s devotion to cricket, a passion he shared with Helen, their wedding reception was held in the Long Room at Lord’s with guests transported there from Southgate on an old red London double-decker bus.
More than anything, though, John was just a great guy and friend to everyone at the Club. He will be badly missed by us all. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Helen and their families at this very sad time.
We will provide details of the funeral arrangements once known.