KEN Williams, a loyal servant to both the I’Anson Competitions and Grayshott Cricket Club, died on December 30, aged 84. His home for the last two years was at Langham Court, Hindhead.

As a young opening batsman, Ken helped The Bourne win the I’Anson Cup in 1953 and he made a comeback to the game in the early 1980s, playing Sunday cricket for Grayshott.

An able administrator, he was a member of the ‘think tank’ working party that drew up radical plans to expand the I’Anson in the 1990s.

Ken liked to talk, was very persuasive and had experience and wisdom – just what was required in the delicate negotiations with those who had serious doubts about relaxing the league’s strict qualification rules.

Ken was an innovator, something that stood Grayshott Cricket Club in good stead during the 11 years he was secretary.

He renewed his involvement with the game when his son, Trevor, joined the club. Ken became a regular in the Sunday 2nd XI and then became ever-present in the running of the club.

He was elected secretary in 1985 and, over many years, became deeply involved in the day-to-day running of the club. A typical example was when he became manager of the under-17 side during their most successful period between 1988 and 1990 when the colts twice achieved the league and cup double.

In 1996, Ken was instrumental in organising most of the events throughout the Grayshott CC centenary, including the showpiece fixture against the MCC.

He was a member of the I’Anson management committee and was one of the working party which set in motion the transformation from a league comprising just 1st and 2nd XI divisions to the six-tier competition of today.

He only left the management committee to help organise Grayshott’s centenary in 1996 and his work for the I’Anson was recognised at the 2001 ADM when he was elected a vice-president.

Ken Williams’ affinity with Grayshott Cricket Club never dwindled and he put his efforts into raising funds and organising social events. He put in place the sponsorship structure that still exists and was instrumental in developing the club’s relationships with the village. He had a happy knack of extracting money from people and was indefatigable in chasing the cricketers for their dues when he introduced the Hi-Lo competition.

He was made a life member of Grayshott CC and was a regular supporter on Saturdays, following the various club sides around the grounds. His arrival often co-incided with Grayshott losing a wicket, which always drew that wry smile.

Ken Williams, a widower, is survived by three children, Karen, Nicola and Trevor, and six grand children. Neil, his grandson, is a current Grayshott player.