LCCC Remember John Carter and Alan Warren
Tue 26 Jan 2021
Leicestershire CCC is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of two former players, John Carter and Alan Warren.
John Carter died on 19th January, 2021 at the age of 85. He was on the Leicestershire playing staff in 1959 and 1960, playing seven matches. His top score was 41, batting against Hampshire on what was described as a ‘fiery Grace Road wicket’, and he shared in a fourth wicket partnership of 109 with skipper Willie Watson. This was by a distance the highest stand of the match and Leicestershire won the game by 5 wickets.
John had first attracted notice by playing for his home county Oxfordshire in the Minor Counties Championship, making his debut at the age of 18, and in 1955 hitting 125 against Dorset.
In playing for Oxfordshire, he was following his father who had played for them in the 1930s. He trialled for Leicestershire in 1958 and had the distinction of being dismissed in his first innings by the great West Indian player, Sir Garfield Sobers. His unbeaten half-century in the second innings helped secure his contract.
In 1959 he scored 849 runs in second XI matches, with a top score of 134 against Worcestershire, and he continued to play for the 2nds intermittently until 1971. He also played for Leicester Nomads and was a member of their first ‘County Cup’ winning team in 1971. After cricket he became an accountant and he continued to attend the 'Old Player Days' at Grace Road, entertaining everyone with his great sense of humour.
John had not been well for a number of years but showed great courage in the face of his very serious illness.
Very Reverend Alan Warren (Provost Emeritus of Leicester Cathedral)
Alan Warren, who played for Leicestershire 2nd XI, died on 22nd December, 2020 aged 88. A successful schoolboy cricketer at Dulwich College, he played a couple of games for the County Second XI in 1953 before ordination as an Anglican clergyman. He came to Leicester as Vicar of Holy Apostles Church on Fosse Road South.
A talented violinist, he played in the Leicester Symphony Orchestra as well as twice for the County Second XI in 1968. He was at the crease when the county secured a two wicket win against Nottinghamshire's Second XI. He was though, perhaps happier playing for the MCC against schools, or supporting from the Pavilion roof.
After a spell serving in the Coventry Diocese, he returned to Leicester as Provost of the Cathedral, where he spent 14 years before retiring to Norfolk, and more music, golf and taking services.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of John and Alan at this extremely difficult time.
