Graham Hargrave-Smith 1936-2021

Graham Hargrave-Smith passed away on 1st November aged 85 suffering from Alzheimer’s in his last few years. He had a long and successful career as the formidable Managing Director of a large advertising Agency combined with a lifelong love of Cricket. He bagged many a batsman with his slow left arm playing for a number of local clubs including Frant and was a long time member of the MCC. A pint of Harvey’s & a good lunch whilst watching cricket at Lords were his regular loves along with his golf at West Malling GC and his season ticket at Crystal Palace.

We will all remember him in his later years for his legendary umpiring exploits for both 1st and 2nd XIs as our league umpire. Frenchy remembers many a time at the end of an over when Graham would quietly advise him “If you’d have appealed for that I’d have given him out!!!”. Everyone wanted to bowl from Graham’s end!

We will remember him for his continual enthusiasm and love for the game as he enjoyed himself well into his late seventies. RIP Graham.

Words by John Simmons