Last winter we were saddened by the death, after a long illness, of Charles, a long-standing friend and supporter of the Club. Whether in farming, wine-making, conservation, community service or with family Charles lived life to the full and certainly enhanced the lives of those around him.
His love of cricket extended back to his boyhood backyard days in Edgeware, Christchurch. Then, after 30 years playing for the Cheviot seniors and being a foundation member of the Hawkswood Club, Charles thrived in the administrative side of the game. Not only becoming a life member of those clubs but from 2017, until his death, he was President of the Canterbury Country Cricket Association where his input was immense.
Charles was the consummate front man at events. Over the years he ensured we were most generously supplied with Charles Wiffen Wine for big occasions and for post-match in the pavilion. Indeed, his final project in life was to initiate fund-raising for a new pavilion at his beloved Cheviot ground. Fittingly, the 600 attendees at his funeral service were invited to make donations for this cause in memory of Charles. Our deepest condolences extend to Sandi, her family and to all his many friends in cricket and farming.