Wisbech Hockey Club pays sad tribute to legend Fred Judd

Hockey players stood in silence to pay tribute to a club member dubbed a legend and hero who has sadly died.

Wisbech Hockey Club’s Super Vets teams dedicated their planned match on Sunday to Fred Judd, a former player and a great supporter of both the hockey club and Wisbech Town Cricket Club.

Having played for both teams from his teenage years, farmer Fred, was still very much involved with the clubs.

Earlier this summer it was revealed he had donated £500,000 from his late mother Mary’s estate to help with the clubs’ joint ambitious plans for an astroturf pitch and a new pavilion.

In June he had the honour of cutting the ribbon to open the new pitch.

Ali Mason, executive committee member of Wisbech Hockey Club, paid tribute on behalf of the club to Fred and said he was quite simply a hero.

She said: “Fred was a much-loved member of the club. His generosity will provide a legacy for generations to come. Some of the £500,000 went towards the new pitch, the remainder will go to the new pavilion when it is built.

“Fred had a great love for the hockey club and played for many years, which is why we thought it only right to dedicate Sunday’s match in his memory, as a number of his former teammates were playing.

“The game had already been scheduled and it was just the club’s way of paying our respects at his passing in a quiet and understated way.”

“Fred is going to be sadly missed, but it is great that he was able to be with us and to cut the ribbon when the astroturf was officially opened in June.”

Sunday's game saw 27 players take part and they lined up before the bully off for a minute’s silence to remember Fred, whose funeral will held on Tuesday, October 10 at Mintlyn Crematorium in King’s Lynn at 11.30am.

Tributes have also been paid by those who knew Fred via social media.

Many described him as a legend and spoke of their many memories.

One person wrote: “Fred was one of the first people I met at the club. Played hockey and cricket with him and shared many great days out. He taught me how much fun life could be.”

Another said:” All very sad, I guess Fred and I were about 16/17 when we first started playing hockey together, travelled to scores of games together, hockey toured together and skied together not to mention sinking a few beers together. Lots of memories and for sure his name will continue to crop up in many conversations.”

And another added: “Fred made me feel extremely welcome when I came to the club at 16 to play both hockey and cricket and had the privilege of playing in the same side with him for a few years, will have a pint of Abbot in his honour! Top guy! Will be missed by all who knew him.”