Wilf arrived in Leeds from his position as Groundsman at Tadcaster Grammar School, to take up the post of Groundsman at the Leeds Permanent Building Society Sports ground on Talbot Road. This has been a housing development for many years now. Then, it had Cricket , Football and Tennis as well as a Clubhouse.

Whilst there, Wilf presented himself at North Leeds and subsequently helped on the ground, with his knowledge very beneficial to the Club. He could be relied upon to prepare the Saturday track, and mark out the creases etc. He also helped behind the bar after Saturday games, and was known by everyone not least for the pipe clamped firmly between his teeth. He also became a legend on hedge-cutting, privet being his speciality . He could “thin-out” with great enthusiasm! He did gardening for many local friends, neighbours and especially older contacts unable to tend their plots.

He also looked after the pitch for the Roundhay Rugby Club – very handily placed across Lidget Lane from Wilfs home. The players could thank him for the lovely hot showers they enjoyed after the games.

And finally , his mode of transport. “The Wilf Bike” was a bit of a sight, often hidden in a cloud of tobacco smoke, hurtling down (or up) Davies Avenue to or from (normally quite late) the Homestead.
Wilf was a character in the nicest sense or the word he was still a regular at North Leeds up to his death at the weekend. He will be sadly missed by many.

John Hodgson