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Tributes paid to Ilkley legend 'Cleggy'

Wednesday, 12 February 2025 10:27

Michael Clegg, 'Cleggy', (Photo: Ilkley Cricket Club)

Tributes are being paid following the death of Michael Clegg, 'Cleggy', at the weekend.

Michael had an affiliation with both Ilkley Cricket Club and Ilkley Rugby Club, and also ran Clegg's electrical on Railway Road, the business has been in Ilkley since 1939.

On its Facebook page, Ilkley Cricket Club posted

"It is with great sadness that we share the passing of a great member of our club, Michael Clegg......"Cleggy" .

"A true Ilkley Cricket Club legend, Cleggy dedicated himself to our club in so many ways as a Player, Scorer, Umpire, Committee Member, Bar Manager, Selector and countless other roles some of which we will only find out in time.

"He filled various roles with the league over the years , always the MC at the cup finals , and had extremely close contacts with most other clubs, especially our neighbours at LS29.

"He will be sorely missed by all.

"Rest in peace, Cleggy."

Many tributes have been paid on the Ilkley Chat Facebook page, here are a just a few:

A gentleman and a scholar! He would take the time to talk to everyone and seemed to know everyone. A great supporter of all Ilkley sport clubs and who can forget the batteryless torch he donated for the rugby club raffle. RIP, Cleggy.

If we ever had an issues or needed something electrical Cleggy was the man to go to. RIP old chap keep that spark shining on in heaven and your fuse tester close on hand.

Oh no that's so sad, Cleggs have been part of Ilkley for as long as I can remember. He was such a character and so helpful. RIP Cleggy.

Ilkley Rugby Club released a statement on the club website:

"Cleggy was devoted above all else to Ilkley Cricket Club. Much has been posted on the ICC media platforms about his lifetime contribution to the ICC and his love of the game. 

"In his earlier days he was an accomplished rugby player, particularly in his preferred position of scrum half. He played several seasons in the 1st XV. Indeed his (second) love was of rugby. In his younger days he was a regular on club tours and to England 5 nations matches, home or away. Latterly he followed Ilkley Rugby 1st XV, again home and away.

"His recollection of and knowledge about everything cricket and rugby was legendary and his love of nostalgia of both games gave no truck to their “modernisation”. There will be some amazing stuff to be found in his memorabilia cupboard that’s for sure. 

"Cleggy was unique and something of an institution in the town he lived and worked in all his life. His electrical shop was fabled and famous for its stock and the service level (though strangely closed over Scarborough Cricket Festival weekends). 

"He was well known and well liked by everyone in the town.

"He had strong opinions on all things sporting, though never one that impinged on friendship or buying the next round if was his turn.

"He was a loyal Patron of Ilkley Rugby Club (his annual donation of a torch (batteries not included) to the Xmas raffle is apocryphal!

"He will be missed his many friends. Gone too soon.

"RIP Michael."

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