Mitch Smith - who passed away yesterday at the age of 77 - joined Halstead whilst still a schoolboy at CRGS.
He became Colts Vice Captain in 1954 and Colts Captain in 1955.
In his early career he was a slow bowler but turned to wicketkeeping and became the club's premier keeper for many years.
He took on the role as Match Secretary in 1958 and continued in that position until 1970 before handing over to Phil Drury.
From 1963 to 1970 he served as First Eleven Vice Captain and took on the Captain's role in for one season in 1974.
He became Club Chairman in 1978, a position he held for four years and in 1982 took on the Treasurer's role which he undertook until 1987.
In 1985 he was made an Honorary Life Member in recognition of his outstanding service to the club.
At the end of his playing career he qualified as an Umpire and was a regular on the then newly created Two Counties Umpires Panel for many years.
In 1996 he was appointed as one of the three trustees required to oversee the Club's affairs after purchasing the whole of the grounds and having the new pavilion built.
Sadly all three of the original trustees have now passed on, John Reynolds and Peter Rawlinson being the other two.
Following so quickly after Peter's death Star Stile will be a poorer place this season without these two characters who will be sorely missed.