When I first moved to St. Annes over 25 years ago Eveline and Brian were running a family newsagents with Brian's brother Harold and his wife. I joined the cricket club and soon met Brian and Eve, at this time Brian was still playing cricket and Eve worked tirelessly in the tearoom on a Saturday afternoon making and serving the players teas. Not only did she do this but she also organised the tea ladies rota, but one thing you could guarantee after a hard week working in the shop and bringing up the family, Eve would be at the club every time there was a match. Over the years she must have saved the club thousands of pounds with her unpaid work. In those days funds were tight and membership was small. The Standings were always at the forefront of any fundraising activities and in the closed season Eve would probably organise two of her legendary Jumble Sales. Brian and Eve became close friends of mine over the years and I have never heard her say a bad word about anyone, she did not seem to have any prejudices and was a fantastic homemaker and a rod for Brian to lean on. She was selfless in many ways I know that during the cricket season they would take the family holiday from Monday to Friday so that Brian did not miss his cricket. As well as doing all this in later years Eve also looked after her Father who lived round the corner from them and she took time to look out for her neighbours. I know that her family of Brian, Susan and Louise were always at the forefront of her thoughts and she was absolutely devoted to them. The last twelve months has shown her real strength in fighting the disease that would ultimately take her life but I am sure that she will not have complained or moaned but be pleased that she had this time with her family.
Whilst Brian Standing was a legend of St. Annes Cricket club, Eveline Standing was a star, and one that will continue to shine brightly in our memories. At this time our thoughts are with Brian, Susan and Louise; The Standing Family, a family that Eve made and was so proud of.
John Cotton
Chairman