Berkhamstedian Cricket honours board unveiled

On 13 June, the Berkhamsted community came together to celebrate the unveiling of our new cricket honours boards, commemorating every Berkhamstedian who has ever scored a century, or taken five wickets in a School 1st XI match.

The boards feature more than 400 names, recognising both boys’ and girls’ achievements. This was a significant undertaking for Mr Caidan, who was tasked to meticulously review every fixture in the School archives dating back to 1880. Space has also been left for future centuries and five-wicket hauls, connecting past, present and future generations of Berkhamsted cricketers.

When the Old Berkhamstedian community learned of Mr Caidan’s project, they were eager to support it and generously funded the production of the boards. They now take pride of place in the David Case Pavilion, overlooking the 1st XI cricket grounds on Chesham Road.

The unveiling took place on Saturday during a rare double home fixture for the girls’ and boys’ 1st XI teams. Every living Old Berkhamstedian whose name appears on the boards was invited to attend. While messages of support and apologies arrived from around the world, it was wonderful to welcome so many former pupils back to School. The occasion became a true family affair, and many guests brought loved ones and enjoyed the BBQ lunches as they watched current students represent Berkhamsted.

Year 13 Bea reflected on the event, “It was great to be a part of the Honours board unveiling last weekend at Chesham Road and to have my name up on the board for my Fifer! It’s amazing to be up there with so many OB’s and lovely to see the many achievements that have been recognised over so many years.

It was particularly great to also be named up there alongside my dad who has been a lifelong cricket fan and encouraged me to start playing from a young age!”

Bea’s father (Frys ’90) also commented, “From my side it was a special day to be invited to the unveiling of the Cricket Honours Board and share some fond cricketing memories with other OBs. All made extra special by being on the Board with my daughter Bea. A big thank you to the school and to those that have compiled such an historic tribute. It’s now up to Bea to get back on that Board again!”

As generations of Berkhamstedians gathered together, many fond cricketing stories were shared and milestones discussed. From a father and daughter featured on the same honours board generations apart, to our first female player to take 5 wickets, these archives immortalise lifetimes of cricket at Berkhamsted.

Thank you to all the Old Berkhamstedians who joined us to celebrate the enduring spirit of Berkhamsted cricket and the connection between its past, present and future.

Photos from matches on 13 June: