It is with great sadness that we report the death of former club member Charles Frederick Collins. Charlie died last Monday (July 26) in Christchurch after a short illness. At the age of 96 he was the oldest living club member and was last seen around the club when he had the honour of opening the season at the club's opening day four years ago.
Charlie was the secretary of the club between 1946 and 1953 and served as president between 1961 and 1963. He was made a life member of the St Albans Cricket Club in 1973.
Charlie held a number of administrative posts at higher levels, including acting as chairman of the Canterbury Cricket Association between 1955 and 1959 and as the CCA's president between 1971 and 1973. He was also honoured with life membership of the CCA and New Zealand Cricket. Such was his excellence in the administrative field Charlie was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1983 for services to cricket.
A private family service was held in accordance with Charlie's wishes. The club's deepest sympathies go to his family, including current club member and grandson Jonathan Collins.
