TOM DEWHURST
Christleton Cricket Club is saddened to announce the passing of Tom Dewhurst, a former player, officer and a Vice President of the club.
Tom was a Cambridge geography graduate and took full advantage of the opportunities to play sport whilst at University. He represented his University at both football and cricket and his finest sporting moment at this time came when he claimed the wicket of England cricket legend Denis Compton, one of the few England batsmen to post a career test average of over 50. Tom then played both football and cricket at high standards in the Lancashire leagues.
Tom moved to Chester in the 1950s to take up the post of Head of Geography at the old City Grammar School. Tom played 1st XI Cricket for our neighbours Chester Boughton Hall for over 10 years in the Liverpool Competition, then a fiercely competitive league. The wickets of the 50s and 60s were uncovered and much more unreliable than today’s surfaces. Centuries were few and far between and so Tom’s excellent hundred at St Helens remains well remembered even to this day.
After not playing for several years Tom joined us and played for 7 seasons. He is remembered as a stylish batsman, as a wily, smooth-actioned swing bowler and also as a safe pair of hands in the slips. Tom took on the responsibility of being the club’s bar treasurer. Above all, he is remembered as a friendly, cheerful chap.
When Tom finished playing, he became a Vice President of the cricket club and we know how much he used to look forward to receiving his fixture book and the prospect of another summer of cricket.
Tom’s visits to the club became fewer as he passed 90 and his health deteriorated. When one of Tom’s occasional visits did take place, it was always good to see him, an affable, friendly man who had made such a huge contribution to the sports he loved. Our condolences and very best wishes go out to his wife Pat and to Tom’s wider family.
Tom’s funeral will take place on Friday 18th March 2022 at 12 noon at Blacon Crematorium.