Top honours for proud cricketer (From Penarth Times)

Top honours for proud cricketer

A LEADING member of Penarth cricket club has been awarded a trophy to celebrate his many years of service. Graham Crimp, 74, of Pursell Road, has been given the Torch Trophy. Mr Crimp, who has been involved with cricket all his life, was presented with the accolade by Princess Alexandra in London. With only 18 given out to volunteers in sport by the Torch Trophy Trust in Great Britain, the honour is seen as a great achievement.

The proud sportsman said: "I am very honoured to receive this award because I enjoy what I do.

The camaraderie is so good and I have made so many friends through cricket."

His interest in the sport began in 1946 when he played for the Welsh Grammar Schools.

He was secretary of Penarth Cricket Club from 1949 to 1999 with a few breaks in between.

And he played for the team for more than 30 years.

The roles of secretary, treasurer, chairman and president are some of the positions in cricket organisations which Graham has taken on.

At a national level Graham is treasurer of the Welsh Cricket Association which he has held since 1981.

The Director of Cricket for the Cricket Board of Wales, Mark Frost said: "Graham is a tremendous asset to have.

He has the benefit of decades of experience.

It would be difficult to find another person so willing and experienced as him.

We are very pleased that he won the award."

He added that there is not a time when Graham is unwilling to use his knowledge to benefit others.

And his list of committees is a thermometer of a commitment to sport.

All the positions held by Graham have been purely voluntary and in his spare time.

He has also been involved with hockey, rugby and has been a member of the Wales and the Vale Sports Councils.