It is with great sadness we must announce the passing of our former President, Chair and longstanding member Don Norton.

Don was born in 1935 and his funeral is scheduled for Wednesday 17th December at Tynemouth Crematorium. It would have been Don’s 90th birthday.

Don first played club cricket in Northumberland during the 1950s at Tynedale CC alongside his older brother Ken, where he was an opening batsman. In the mid-60s he transferred his allegiance to Tynemouth CC where he played until the early 1970s. After his playing career ended he remained a loyal servant of Tynemouth CC serving on the Management Committee where he held the posts of Chairman and President and was a Life Member.

After his playing days were over Don turned his hand to umpiring, standing in the Northumberland County League, from there he progressed to umpiring in Minor Counties Championship and FC Second XI matches. Don stood in 99 MC Championship matches 1976-2000

During his time umpiring Don was an active member of Northumberland Umpires & Scorers Association where he was Chairman from 2000-04 and then President from 2007-2018

In addition, Don served on:

Northumberland Schools Cricket Association

Northumberland CCC Management Committee 2003-18

NEPL Management Committee 2006-14

Away from cricket he spent his working life as a Physics teacher. His teaching skills never left him as he proved a supportive and encouraging mentor in his cricketing spheres. Scrupulously fair he won respect of players, colleagues and administrators alike.

Truly a man dedicated to cricket and who served the game with distinction. We send our best wishes to his wife Marjorie and his family at this sad time.