Allan Edgar

TRIBUTES have been paid to a policeman turned publican who was a force to be reckoned with on the cricket pitch and the life and soul of every party.

Surprisingly agile given his large 6ft 2ins frame, Allan Edgar was nicknamed “the cat” by his colleague and teammate on Durham Police’s cricket team Alan Courtney.

In his prime, in the 1970s, the popular PC also played for Bishop Auckland Cricket Club and was described by fellow cricketer Keith Hopper as "the best wicket keeper who didn’t play for Durham County."

But if there was one thing that overshadowed his cricket ability, it was his colourful personality.

Mr Edgar was a good friend to many and when he swapped catching criminals for pulling pints there was never a dull moment in the pubs he managed, which included the North Briton in Aycliffe Village.

On cricket tours, he would entertain everyone with impromptu stand-up comedy performances, the most famous involving taking apart and reassembling a pub piano.

His recent death at the age of 70 has prompted an outpouring of tributes from his many friends.

Born in Ferryhill Station in 1944, Mr Edgar attended Broom Cottages School and played for Mainsforth Cricket Club in his youth.

On leaving school he worked at Patons and Baldwins Wool Factory in Darlington, before joining Durham Police in 1964.

He stayed in the force until 1977 when he left to manage the bar at Bishop Auckland Cricket Club.

Five years later he became the landlord of the North Briton where for a decade he worked happily alongside his good friend Phyllis Blenkinsopp.

Many well known cricketers stayed at the pub during this time and it became a Mecca for those who enjoyed good banter and sport chat.

Alongside cricket, Mr Edgar, who never married, enjoyed horseracing, an interest which culminated in him and his friends at the North Briton buying a racehorse.

In the early 1990s, Mr Edgar moved to Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, where he managed a French cafe bar before taking over the Honest Lawyer.

Last week, his brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Carol Edgar, from Bishop Middleham, visited the real ale pub to chat to the regulars.

Mrs Edgar said: “People came up to us and said they wanted us to know how well liked he was. They couldn’t speak highly enough of him. He really was wonderful, the ultimate host.”

Bob Edgar added: “He was just Allan. He was daft as a brush and lived life to the full. He never complained about anything.”

Mr Edgar’s funeral takes place at Woodlands Crematorium, Brumby Wood Lane, Scunthorpe, on Wednesday, August 26 at 2pm.

In response to this article further tributes have been made by former BPCC players who played alongside Allan:-

Dear All

As his Captain in the inaugural British Police team he was all you could have dreamed of. As cricketers know, every team needs a live wire keeper and Alan was all of that and more. Everything said of him in the Durham Narpo magazine is totally true and many of us have dined out on his stories.

It was a privilege to play with him and condolences to his family and friends.

Peter Anderson.

It was with much sadness that I heard of Alan's passing. I agree entirely with the sentiments of Peter Anderson. He was every captains dream. I too had the privilege of captaining British Police X1's in which he played. On the field he was an outstanding wicket-keeper. He played the game hard but fairly. Off the field - well you all know what he was like. I recall one occasion where a senior military officer in charge of the Royal Navy Cricket Team was on the floor crying with laughter as Alan went through his repertoire. The fact that it was in the main bar at Bramshill only added to the theatre of it all!!.

I send my condolences to his family and friends.

Roger Cruttenden

I entirely agree with the sentiments expressed by Peter and Roger. Allan was a superb wicket keeper and as Roger says the life and soul of every party. I was there when the Admiral collapsed on the floor of the bar at Bramshill overwhelmed by Allan’s very special brand of Geordie humour. (It helped that by then I was living in Durham so was better able to understand his accent!). This was our first match against the Royal Navy when the BP were still feeling our way and there is no doubt that Allan’s performance on that day (the match was completely rained off) did much to enhance our growing reputation.

I not only had the pleasure of playing cricket with him but also working with him in Durham. I well recall the first miner’s strike in 1970 (before the days of TSGs and SPGs etc.) I was put in charge of a team of officers to ‘repel’ an uprising at Easington colliery. Allan not only lead from the front but having received a very nasty gash to his leg declined all offers of medical aid or the opportunity to retire from the action.

He will be sadly missed by all who knew him and I join Roger in sending condolences to his family and friends.

Hugh Blenkin

Dear all,

So sad to hear of Alan's passing. He was a wonderful person who brought immense joy and laughter to all . I feel privileged to have known him. His like will not be seen again and I am sorry that I am unable to attend his funeral tomorrow . I send my deepest sympathy to his family. Farewell to a true legend of police cricket. It would not be where it is today without him.

Big Frank.