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This week marks 100 years since the death of WG Grace, who had a prolific cricketing career that took him from 1861 to 1908. Following the end of his international career, he created the London County Cricket Club, which had its home in Crystal Palace Park. The local sporting hero will be honoured on Friday 23^rd October at two special events to mark the historic date.

The first event will take place at Beckenham Cemetery, where WG Grace is buried. Derek Carpenter, the Rector of Beckenham, will conduct a service of remembrance at his graveside. Mr Carpenter previously carried out a service in the same spot to mark 150 years since his birth in 1998.

This will be followed by a celebratory service at St George’s Church, Beckenham. The service will be conducted by the Right Reverend Dr Michael Turnbull, the former Bishop of Rochester and Durham, who is also an MCC member. This will start at 7:30pm and feature guests from the cricketing world, including Rob Bonnet, a Beckenham resident and BBC Sports journalist, who will be discussing “Cricket and a Beckenham Boyhood”.

The highlight of the event for many people will be a performance of the song “Cricketers of Hambledon” by Peter Warlock. This will be sung by Malcolm Banham, a professional singer from Beckenham. There will also be music during the service from St George’s Choir.

Are you involved within the cricket fraternity in Beckenham? How do you feel WG Grace has benefitted the game both locally and nationally?