It is with much sadness that we must once again share the news of the passing of another hugely popular and committed member of Bearsted CC; Ray Jeffery who passed away on 21st January aged 78.

In recent times, Ray will undoubtedly be remembered fondly by all of those at the club, and in the local community, as the man who's dedication, commitment and hard work, week in week out, turned a slightly worse for wear "shed on the Green" into a pavilion and key feature of Bearsted Green.

Not only did Ray spend much of his own time at the pavilion, carrying out numerous tasks such as installing new external features (clocks, floral areas), repairing the electrics, keeping the internal and external paintwork looking good and general maintenance, he would also always be at the pavilion on a Monday, to tidy up and restock the necessary items after the weekend's games, ably supported by his wonderful wife, Sandra.

His commitment was recognised by the club's Hon. Treasurer who recalled "I’ll certainly miss those long conversations over his envelope full of receipts, which was testament to how much work he did round the club".

If he wasn't at the pavilion, or taking on board some well-earned refreshments locally with friends he'd made around the Green, he was talking to local community businesses about the pavilion and the club and did all he could, in many cases successfully, to raise new sponsorships for the club.

Before becoming the club's general co-ordinating manager, looking after and improving the facilities and liaising with the locals, he spend many years as our first team umpire - and so has been a key member at and around the club for many years. He will be sorely missed.

R.I.P. Ray Jeffery