Tributes to a loving dad who made gloves for the world’s top cricket stars

Tributes have been paid to a talented craftsman, who made wicket-keeper gloves by hand for many top international cricketers.

Geoff Wymer, of Ossett, maufactured gloves for former England captain Alec Stewart, Yorkshire’s David Bairstow and Jack Russell.

And he gained a nationwide reputation after making gloves for almost every county championship team.

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Mr Wymer died of heart failure on Wednesday, September 9, aged 83.

Daughter Alison Hartley, 46, said: “He was a much loved man and well known by lots of people in the community.”

“He was proud to have made gloves for top sportsmen as it was his passion.”

Mr Wymer worked as an apprentice at Slazengers in Horbury Bridge, before carrying out two years national service. He then worked for Lillyman’s Leather Goods in Leeds, where he met his wife Patricia of 58 years, and later rejoined Slazengers.

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After 34 years, Mr Wymer was made redundant and he set up his own business.

Mrs Hartley said: “He continued making bespoke gloves for top sportsmen.

“He eventually worked from his garage making the gloves and did so until a fortnight before he died. It was more than a job, it was a big passion of his.

Outside of work, Mr Wymer enjoyed athletics, watching Leeds United and playing rugby union.

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After a spell at Wakefield, he moved to Morley and played hooker from 1957-61.

He was also a member of Ossett Cricket and Athletic Club, where he played crown green bowling.

Chairman Bob Schofield said: “He was a tremendous club man who was involved in the bowls section.

“He had an incredible talent producing wicket-keeping gloves for so many top cricketers. He will be sadly missed.”

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Mr Wymer leaves behind his wife Patricia, daughter Alison and four grandchildren, Bethany and Dominic Sykes and Megan and Jacob Hartley.

His funeral will be held at Dewsbury Crematorium on Monday, September 21 at 10.30am.

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