Former Wiltshire CCC President, Joe Hardstaff MBE, passes away aged 87

All at Wiltshire Cricket send their condolences and sympathies to the family of Joe Hardstaff MBE who passed away on 22nd November 2022, aged 87.

Joseph Hardstaff MBE (28 February 1935-22 November 2022) was a retired Air Commodore and English first class cricketer. 

Joe Hardstaff was born in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire. He was commissioned into the Royal Air Force and rose to the rank of Air Commodore. He played cricket for the Free Foresters in two first-class matches (1961–1962). He also captained the R.A.F. and played for the Combined Services, as well as representing the MCC. He served as President of the RAF and Combined Services cricket clubs.

He succeeded Lieutenant-Colonel Peter Packham as Secretary of Middlesex County Cricket Club in 1989 and he retired in 1997.

At Wiltshire Cricket, Joe was President of Wiltshire County Cricket Club from 1998 and remained in this role until very recently. He was an avid supporter of the Club, and a great source of counsel to all involved with Wiltshire Cricket. As a friend to many across Wiltshire Cricket, he will be greatly missed and we send our condolences and sympathies to all of Joe's family and friends.