Former hotel owner awarded New Year Honour for involvement in cricket

Geoffrey Hastings, 81, a retired hotel owner from Stamford, has been honoured with the British Empire Medal in the King's New Year Honours list for his significant contributions to charity and junior cricket. As chairman of the Fred Trueman R66T State School Cricket League, he has supported over 87 schools in promoting cricket for more than four decades.

Geoffrey Hastings, aged 81, a retired hotel proprietor from Stamford, has been recognised in the King's New Year Honours list. He has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his extensive contributions to charity and the promotion of junior cricket over a period exceeding four decades. Hastings serves as the chairman of the Fred Trueman R66T State School Cricket League and has played a central role in the introduction and ongoing support of cricket in state schools across multiple counties.

Hastings' Long-Term Contribution to Cricket

Originally from Stamford, Geoffrey Hastings established the R66T State School Cricket League in 2005, with the aim of enabling state schools in several counties to participate in hard-ball cricket at no cost. The league has expanded significantly, particularly after its relaunch following the Covid-19 pandemic. It now includes more than 87 schools from counties including Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, and Middlesex, with a pilot initiative underway in Derbyshire.

Hastings' engagement with cricket predates the creation of the league. During his tenure running Lady Anne's Hotel in Stamford, which is now called The William Cecil Hotel, he managed a cricket team. His commitment to the sport continued as he co-founded the league alongside the late Fred Trueman. Over the years, Hastings has also been actively involved in fundraising efforts for charities and junior cricket initiatives, providing opportunities for numerous young people to participate in the sport.

League Expansion and School Support

The Fred Trueman R66T State School Cricket League has seen steady growth. It offers state schools a structured platform to compete while supplying each participating school with a new cricket kit valued at 500, along with additional funding to support cricket activities. Hastings emphasises the league's role in promoting physical activity and engagement among young people. He stated that the league helps children remain active and involved in team sports, providing a constructive alternative to screen time.

Other Honours in Lincolnshire

Several other individuals from Lincolnshire were recognised in the New Year Honours list for their achievements in various sectors:

• John Mackey, from Burton upon Stather, North Lincolnshire, received a BEM for services to table tennis.
• Emma Green, from Stamford, was awarded a BEM for her work in early years education as nursery manager of The Little Lane Nursery.
• Professor Simon Pearson, based in Boston, was appointed MBE for services to agricultural innovation and education, as founding director of the Lincoln Institute of Agri-Food Technology at the University of Lincoln.
• Heather Sandy, of Lincolnshire County Council, received a CBE for services to education, serving as executive director of children's services.
• Lucy Conley, from the South Lincolnshire Academies Trust, was appointed MBE for services to education, previously holding the position of CEO for the trust.

Additional Information

The Fred Trueman R66T State School Cricket League continues to operate with the objective of expanding access to cricket for state schools, fostering youth engagement in physical activity, and supporting school programs through funding and equipment provision.

Sources:

• The Independent – New year honours list 2026 in full as hundreds awarded for service
• ECB – Individuals from cricket receive New Year's Honours
• Yahoo News – Lincolnshire residents recognised in King's New Year honours
• Ex-hotel owner handed New Year Honour for cricket