LESLIE  BLACKSHAW (1910-1997)

Leslie Blackshaw, who died in April 1997 aged 87, had entered Kent College in 1924 – the start of a contribution to both School and Old Canterburian Club extending over 70 years.  He had come to Kent when his father took up residency in Ashford as head of an approved school.  Leslie was later to follow in his father’s footsteps when he went to Kerriston Approved School as Deputy Headmaster from 1936 to 1960.  Here he had been in his element: responsible for the vocational training of the boys and for their sporting and leisure activities.  Based on his experience as an Old Canterburian he formed a Kerriston Old Boys’ Club.  It was a moving scene at his funeral when several former ‘inmates’ from Kerriston rose to pay tribute to him.  He would jest that he was unique in having been president of both and approved and a public school old boys’ club, for the Old Canterburians had elected him to their highest office in the post-war years.

For many, Leslie will be best remembered as a cricketer.  He had already scored his first century when he entered KC at the age of 13; by the time he left he was captain of both cricket and football, breaking all records before him.  In 1933 he was offered a trial with Worcestershire CCC and in 1946 was selected for Suffolk in the Minor Counties League.  In all, he scored 50 centuries and over 140 half-centuries by the time he retired playing at the age of 52.  He then continued as an umpire and scorer for Shropshire.

Despite his other interests, Leslie had never forgotten his roots at KC.  His dedication to the Club and its activities was renowned.  He formed and guided a successful Kent section in the 1930s and was a regular attender at reunions, his friendly manner recalled by all generations right up to his last appearance in 1984.

(photo taken on the balcony of the pavilion at Lords cricket ground)