Chris Hamm dies aged 59

Chris Hamm, who for more than two decades was the official and dedicated scorer for the OC Cricket Club, died November 21 at the age of 59.

Chris was born in Ceylon, brought up in Hong Kong and came to Cranleigh into 1 & 4 South house in 1960. It was with the 1st X1 in the summers of 1963 and 1964 that his interest in cricket and scoring started. This was to play a key part of his whole future life. He left Cranleigh in 1964 to work in the administration of the veterinary department at Guys Hospital followed by project work at the Regents Park Zoo. Later he had spells in printing and journalism. Together with his involvement with cricket, photography was his other serious hobby.

He started scoring for the Old Cranleighan Cricket Club (OCCC) in 1964 and was ever present until the early 1980’s. He was a captain’s dream. He would always be first to the ground, be it home or away, score neatly and accurately, often by himself as the opposition had no scorer, write up the match report and then drive home. Only occasionally would he stay after the match for a few beers. He held the position of OCCC Honorary Secretary from 1968-1982. His annual report writing on the season and meeting minutes were always full, punctual, critical and humorous. For his loyal and dedicated support and services to the OCCC Chris was made a Life Vice President.

In 1995 Chris became associated with Surrey County Cricket Club as 2nd X1 scorer but on occasion doing 1st X1 matches. He thoroughly enjoyed this responsibility, being part of the team and particularly staying at decent hotels on away matches. Combined with his role at Surrey, Chris scored for Guildford C.C. in the Surrey Championship.

Alan Butcher, the former England opener who is now Surrey's coach paid his own tribute. "Chris, who might be termed a lovable eccentric, was a pleasure to be around, and was always very helpful to me in my job in terms of providing figures and information. He loved Surrey Cricket, and was really passionately involved - he enjoyed our successes, but more than that, he was really delighted when one of the young players came through and did well in first team cricket or when we unearthed a young player who had come through the youth system. Chris always used to enjoy that side of it. He will be sadly missed, and I would like to pay tribute to him for all the work he did on our behalf."

In July 2005 due to increasingly poor health he reluctantly had to retire. As a bachelor his private life was always secluded.. He died at the Le Court Cheshire Home. About 20 of his close friends, including fellow scorers from other counties and representatives from The Oval, gathered for a simple ceremony at Guildford Crematorium on December 8.