MALVERN has paid its own tribute to the life of an ‘extroadinary’ former England Women’s cricket captain who had very close links to Malvern College.
Baroness Rachael Heyhoe Flint, a former member of Malvern College Council, died earlier this week at the age of 77 after a short battle with cancer.
Mrs Flint lived an eventful life fulfilling many things in her career and in her home town of Wolverhampton.
On Thursday, boarding school The Downs Malvern – which is part of Malvern College – laid its flag at halfmast on the school grounds in honour of Rachel Flint who during her lifetime was awarded an OBE.
The Flag is at half mast in memory of Baroness Rachel Heyhoe-Flint OBE, past member of the Malvern College Council and inspiration to many. pic.twitter.com/JcezFAU1gY
— The Downs Malvern (@DownsMalvern) January 19, 2017
The school’s Facebook page reads: “The Flag is at half mast in memory of Baroness Rachel Heyhoe-Flint OBE, past member of the Malvern College Council and inspiration to many.
“Baroness Heyhoe Flint was a past member of the Malvern College Council and a wonderful inspiration to Lady’s cricket worldwide, including our own girl cricketers here at The Downs.”
Mostly famous for leading England Women’s cricket team, Rachel made her Test debut for England as a 21-year-old in 1960 and became one of the ECB’s first female directors 50 years later.
Rachael played a a key role in organising the first women’s World Cup in 1973 in which she captained England to glory.
Three years later, she captained England in the first women’s game at Lord’s. Rachel also was the first woman inducted to the ICC’s Hall of Fame.
Rachael’s son Ben who is understood to have attended Malvern College as a youngster, paid tribute to his mum saying he hoped to continue the legacy she left behind.
“We’re deeply saddened and yet we’re filled with immense pride as we now look back on her achievements in government, cricket, football, charity and community on which she had such a profound influence,” he said.
“She tackled it all at full speed, showing how grace, a cheeky sense of humour – and tenacity – can break glass ceilings. We hope that we all can continue the legacy that she leaves behind.”
The England and Wales Cricket Board said ‘her contribution to the development of cricket in this country and beyond has been immense.”
Tom Harrison, the ECB Chief Executive Officer, said: “Rachael had a massive impact on cricket throughout her life in many different guises, as a player, an ECB Board Director and as an influential voice in the House of Lords, she was in every sense a lifelong ambassador for cricket in its widest context.
“She was simply extraordinary. Hugely energetic, committed, passionate and caring – cricket was hugely enhanced by her fearless approach and pioneering spirit, not to mention her wicked sense of humour which made her such wonderful company.”
