ROWLEDGE Cricket Club chairman Carl Baker has paid tribute to Sir Peter Anson, village resident, former High Sheriff of Surrey, and great supporter of the club, who died on April 17 aged 93.

He writes: Sir Peter, an avid follower of cricket at all levels, was president of Rowledge Cricket Club during the 1980s and upon standing down from this very important public role, he was awarded honorary life membership of the club.

Sir Peter often said he felt especially privileged to have been club president in 1985 when Rowledge qualified for the National Village Cup Final, playing Fife club Freuchie at Lord’s.

Sir Peter continued to support the club throughout his lifetime and was a regular presence at league, I’Anson and Village Cup matches, engaging and inspiring RCC players, volunteers and supporters alike.

He brought diverse skills to the club. When the flag-pole was broken, he gently reminded the Rowledge secretary that the club flag should be flying at each match. Only after the pole was repaired and the flag once more in place, did the secretary discover that Sir Peter commanded HMS Mercury, the naval signals base.

It was no surprise the flag was important to him.

As the sport of cricket progressed over time and the club expanded, Sir Peter continued to offer support at all levels, being especially supportive of the inclusion in the club of RCC girls and ladies teams. He was also delighted when women were actively promoted into the club’s management structure.

Rowledge Cricket Club were deeply saddened to learn of the death of such a committed ex-president and supporter and the thoughts of everyone at the club are with Dame Elizabeth, his family and friends at this time.