A SPLENDID innings has concluded for a prominent local sportsman and long-time Aireville School teacher, John Humphreys, writes Roger Ingham.

Aged 75. He was born in Rochdale, but in his young primary school years, his family moved to Cleckheaton, where he was soon to make his mark in the sporting World as captain of his school football team. From primary school he won scholarship for nearby Whitcliffe Mount - a school of sporting excellence particularly in the field of rugby union and cricket and where John would progress to achieving his school colours in both those codes.

Also excelling at athletics, his all–round sporting attributes made him an ideal candidate for Carnegie sport college. And from there after first failing to land a post at Ermysted's where he ruefully reflected upon his interview piece included his passion for football at a school where the round ball game was then still outlawed.

He soon after, found salvation and happy fulfilling times just up the road at Aireville school. Indeed, as PE master also history and biology teacher, he served there for almost 37 years.

“Jock” Humphreys as he would become known to scholars almost one and all, his excellent communication skills, empathy and understanding were instrumental in making him an immensely popular personality, And there are many former Airevillians, including some from problematic backgrounds who are now performing some great and valuable roles in the big wide world, who have glowingly reflected upon the motivation, direction and purpose which he had accorded them at a vital time in their lives.

Besides his eminent sporting involvement both in school – time and in voluntary after school coaching.

John’s other outdoor passion as a member of the Yorkshire schools Exploring society, also resulted in him taking Aireville expeditions to such places as the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and to the volcanic regions of Iceland, besides, various outlandish regions of mainland Britain.

Not surprisingly he would also make an impressive mark in the sporting world outside of school, particularly in cricket where he was targeted by clubs in higher leagues.

And while playing in the Huddersfield league he was invited to the Yorkshire nets, only to see his invitation revoked when county committee, still at that time pursuing the century old “Yorkshire birth right” policy. Became aware of his Lancashire roots.

John’s Carnegie connections had first tempted him to the Huddersfield league and then later to the Bradford league also. Likewise, with rugby whereas an enterprising outside half he played much of his rugby career with Bingley later to become Bradford and Bingley.

Then he eventually gave valuable service nearer home with Bradley in the craven league and Skipton in the Aire-Wharfe league, as an alert, agile wicket keeper and capable batsman.

And rugby -wise he finished his career in style with Skipton. Whatever else in his locker of talent said one former player, …. “he was always great for morale!” Having finally retired from Aireville his services there were not completely lost for he was still noted turning up after school to undertake cricketing technical skills and he also performed some much-appreciated voluntary work in various community roles outside of school.

Forever a jovial, cheesy character who also developed a down-time passion for art and although his works in water colours and oils were not quite Hockney, Rembrandt or Constable standard, he smilingly welcomed all and everyone into his Devonshire Street home to admire his living room exhibition show-pieces.

In his retirement years “Jock” Humphreys had also become a familiar figure striding up Shortbank Road to the summit of Rombalds Moor with his crooked walking stick.

Thus it was a fitting tribute that prior to him heading to his final resting place his funeral cortege looped up Aldersley Avenue and down Shortbank Road.

And there-even more befitting- where a group of pals and former scholars lined up to applaud him.