On Friday 31 July, Claygate Cricket Club welcomed 28 former players and members back to the club for a memorable Past Members’ Dinner, an evening filled with nostalgia, laughter and celebration of the club’s rich history.

Organised by Damian Ross, the three-course dinner brought together generations of Claygate cricketers, all united by their shared connection to the club. Guests included club stalwarts and familiar faces such as Mike Eaton, John Bethell, Ian Darke, Nigel Abbott, Steve Wells, Alan and Steve McKinley, Russ Guyatt, Paul Stenning, Andy Spector, Dave Page, Roger Vincent, Jimmy Mac, Ben Lane, Dave Price, Chris Howe, Jamie Henderson, Graham Dear, Steve Salmon, Phil Lewis, Danny Simmonds, Richard Waller and many others.

The evening was expertly compered by Nigel Abbott, who embraced the occasion in style, appearing dressed as Lord Foley, Claygate's first player and President back in 1897. He was joined by the incomparable Ian Darke, who entertained guests with stories of some of the club's greatest characters and legends from across the decades.

A highlight of the evening was a special presentation featuring historic film footage, photographs and memories displayed on the big screen, sparking plenty of conversation and reminiscence among those in attendance.

The event culminated with the presentation of Claygate Cricket Club caps by former Club President Steve Wells to Mike Eaton, Chris Haydon and John Bethell, recognising their outstanding contributions to the club over many years.

The roots of the evening can be traced back to a chance meeting last year between Mike Eaton, Chris Haydon and Damian Ross, which led to further conversations with club legend John Bethell, whose remarkable record includes six batting awards and four bowling awards. Together, they helped inspire the idea of bringing past members together to celebrate the club's heritage and the people who have shaped it.

There was a strong sense of pride throughout the evening, with attendees reflecting on how Claygate, despite being a relatively small club, continues to punch well above its weight. Its welcoming spirit, strong community values and enduring commitment to local cricket remain as important today as ever.

A huge thank you goes to Bertie's and the Café Team for providing a superb dinner and helping make the evening such a memorable success.

The overwhelming feeling at the end of the night was that this should be the first of many such gatherings, ensuring that the stories, friendships and traditions that make Claygate Cricket Club so special continue to be celebrated for years to come

Past Members in Attendance: Damian Ross, Mike Eaton, John Bethell, Alan McKinley, Steve McKinley, Ian Darke, Steve Wells, Nigel Abbott, Russ Guyatt, Paul Stenning, Andy Spector, Dave Page, Alun Cope Morgan, Vikram Prabhakar, Russ Davies, Joel Watkins, Roger Vincent, Rufus Legg, Jimmy Mac, Ben Lane, Dave Price, Chris Howe, Jamie Henderson, Graham Dear, Steve Salmon, Phil Lewis, Danny Simmonds and Richard Waller.