Frank Shipston

Frank William Shipston (29 July 1906 – 6 July 2005) was an English cricketer. Born in Bulwell, Nottinghamshire, Shipston's father (also Frank Shipston) had played several matches for the Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club in the Second XI Championship.[1] Shipston made his first-class debut for Nottinghamshire against Glamorgan in the final round of the 1925 English cricket season, having previously only played at second XI level.[2] Prior to debuting, he had worked as a miner in Yorkshire and at Langworth in Lincolnshire, as well as on Nottinghamshire's groundstaff.[3] He was a regular player at county level until the end of the 1933 season, when he joined the Nottinghamshire Police at the urging of Captain Popkess, who wanted ex-professional cricketers to boost the police cricket team.[4]

Overall, Shipston played 49 first-class matches, all for Nottinghamshire, scoring 1,183 runs at an average of 18.48.[5] His highest first-class score, 118 not out, was achieved against Hampshire during the 1932 season, a match which Nottinghamshire won by an innings and 53 runs.[6] Shipston was a close friend of Harold Larwood during his cricket career, with the two rooming together when Nottinghamshire played away from home.[3] From the 1950s, Shipston occasionally umpired at county and second XI level, umpiring 24 first-class matches during the 1956 County Championship,[7] and continuing to umpire into the 1970s.[8][9] He also was employed by Nottinghamshire as a coach from 1957 to 1966.[3] On the death of Harry Forsyth in July 2004, Shipston became the oldest living first-class cricketer,[10] a position he held until his death in Wollaton in July 2005, when he was succeeded by Syd Ward.[4]