Association of Cricket Officials Issue 32 | Page 30
Leaving the Crease
Frank Kemp
ECB would like to pay tribute to former colleague Frank Kemp who sadly passed away in March.
Described as a champion of recreational cricket, Frank held the position of Head of Operations for
non-First Class cricket for a decade from ECB’s inception in 1997 through to 2007. Frank helped
lay the foundations of the organisation and was instrumental in raising standards across the
recreational game, including with the introduction of the Premier League system, bridging the
gap between recreational and First Class cricket.
He was one of the driving forces behind the ECB Clubmark accreditation scheme, which recognises
clubs for being well-run, sustainable, and for providing the right environment for its members.
Frank also helped to put in place important guidance for the use of helmets and developed the
ECB’s first child safeguarding procedures.
He was known as an inspirational junior coach at Teddington Cricket Club, setting up their junior
section, alongside an involvement in Kent’s pathway programme.
Frank Kemp.
John Pickup, former Board Member and Chairman of the Recreational Assembly, said: ‘Frank’s
legacy to the recreational game lies in his setting up and supervision of the Premier Leagues.
An exacting task at the time but one which he carried out with characteristic determination,
persuasion, tact and efficiency. He was a true servant of the game.’
Vic Heppenstall
Vic Heppenstall, a legendary umpiring figure in the East Midlands,
sadly passed away after a short illness back in March. After an
accident at work put an end to his playing career at Barrowby
village, he immediately decided to start umpiring for the club,
which later saw him umpiring for Belvoir Cricket Club from 1977
for their Second XI. He soon took over the reins of the First XI
and continued for over 40 years.
Vic, pictured here in 2014, receiving a portrait of himself
from West Indies all-rounder Sir Garfield Sobers.
A close association developed between Vic and Grantham’s Kings
School, which saw him stand in a huge number of school matches,
including tours to the West Indies. The school’s Head of Cricket,
David Richardson, paid tribute to Vic’s commitment to the game: ‘It
has been a sad time for the school. Vic always considered himself
a friend of the school and Kings were very fortunate to have such a
truly great friend. In an umpiring career over 40 years he officiated
in hundreds of school matches on a voluntary basis from the
under-12s right through to the First XI, and travelled all over the
country for the national cup competitions. Vic will be sorely missed
but never forgotten.’
Roy Williams, former captain of Belvoir CC, describes Vic as ‘the
finest gentleman I have ever known’. He comments on the many
benefit matches that Vic was involved in, surrounded by greats
including Derek Randall, Clive Rice, Richard Hadlee, Graeme Swann
and Chris Broad; many of whom remained good friends.
Ancaster CC’s Neil Butters says the club will remember Vic for
his ‘enthusiasm and knowledge of cricket and for his constant
impartiality and good humour both during and after the match’.
Our thanks to Roy and David Tress for helping us to remember a
truly great umpire and servant to the game.
Vic Heppenstall umpiring in the shadow of Belvoir Castle
at Knipton.
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