Who Was John?

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John was a leader in life. He lived it to the full. He was never much of a beer drinker, preferring a Bundy or Wild Turkey. At times, John was even a vegetarian—though you wouldn’t have guessed it at around 6'3" and 95kg.

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He was a talented junior swimmer, footballer and track athlete. He loved music and could find rhythm on any dance floor. A bit of a ladies’ man, he aimed to ‘bend’ the night away whenever he could. John was also a proud and committed member of the Army Reserves.

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In cricketing terms, John was a bowler with a menacing bouncer. On his day, he was as quick as anyone—perhaps quicker—with bounce generated from great height. It’s fair to say the radar wasn’t always dialled in, but that only made him more dangerous and unpredictable to opposing batters. With the bat, he played as he lived: all flair and no fear. He was only ever at the crease in cavalier mode—there for a good time, not a long time.

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Some might assume his revered nickname, “Shaka Zulu” (or just “Shaka” to most), came from his ability to throw a javelin—or “spear”—an impressive distance. In part, they’d be right. But it was his fearless, almost kamikaze approach to life, combined with a striking physical resemblance to the legendary Zulu warrior Shaka, that cemented the name. As is often the case with enduring nicknames—they’re not given, they’re earned—and it couldn’t have suited John more.

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What Did John Suffer From?

John battled a debilitating, inoperable brain tumour.

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Diagnosed in his early twenties, he underwent every treatment possible, which gave him some extra time. However, his health deteriorated steadily.

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Over the final two years, he went from being a fit, strong man to relying first on a walking stick, then a wheelchair, and eventually 24-hour care, as his body gradually shut down.

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Creation of the Award

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The award was introduced alongside the creation of the then Sidmouth XI Clubman of the Year Award.

 

It was established to honour John's life and legacy. As defined by the Macquarie Dictionary, a “clubman” is “a member, especially an active member, of a fashionable club.”

 

That was John Shaka Harding to a tee: an active member of life itself, and one who made life fashionable by the way he lived it.

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Purpose and Criteria of the Award

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The recipients of this award are recognised for outstanding service to the club.

 

It is the most prestigious honour the club can bestow.

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Without the contribution of these individuals, there would be no club.

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Some recipients have made a massive impact over one or two seasons.

 

Most have played a key role in shaping the club’s culture over many years. And while only one person can receive the award each year, many others would be more than worthy.