Lives in Cricket No 40 - Edwin Smith

48 we couldn’t afford it. I might have been a county cricketer with a cap, but Jean was earning more in the weaving sheds at Robinson’s Mill in Chesterfield than I was! She might have come to a day here and there at Chesterfield, Derby and Ilkeston, but certainly not to away games, as she was too busy working. That was the same for all players. In December 1956, Edwin ensured that he would see much more of Jean Burton by marrying her at Hasland Parish Church, the neighbouring village to their respective homes in Grassmoor. The service was performed by the Rector of Hasland, the Reverend C.N. Lavender, with Jean wearing a dress of white brocade with silver threads, fashioned by Jack Berry of Keighley. Edwin’s brother, Arthur, was best man, with Enid Hardwick, a friend of Jean’s, as bridesmaid, Around 50 guests attended a reception at the Odeon Restaurant in Chesterfield, including Edwin’s county colleagues Cliff Gladwin, Derek Hall, Alan Revill, Charlie Lee and Laurie Johnson. County coach Denis Smith was also in attendance and afterwards the couple honeymooned in London. They made their marital home in Morley Avenue, Ashgate, near Chesterfield, although they spent the first few months of married life with Jean’s parents in Grassmoor, while the property was finished. They had an opportunity to buy an old house in the village, given first refusal on it at a price of £120, but an early viewing showed that the house had no electricity and fixtures that were antiquated, even for the time. When they finally moved in to their new home, on Good Friday, 19 April 1957, they were to stay for the next 41 years. At £2000 it proved a shrewd investment. Ashes summer Wedding day, December 1, 1956.