Jeff Ingrams

Those who played alongside Jeff include Vice President Graham Heath and Honorary Life Members Geoff Howe and John Allen. These are their fond tributes: 

"We are not sure when Jeff started playing for Fernhurst, he just seemed ever present during the 80s and 90s. Turning out on Sunday having played for Grayshott in the I’Anson on the Saturday, and of an evening in the Ashurst Cup. 

As a wicket-keeper it was exciting keeping to Jeff. He would sprint to the wicket, gold chains (Archer style) bouncing around his neck, bowl (hurl) the ball towards the wicket (and batsman), occasionally missing both, only for the keeper having to take the ball above his head. 

As he “matured” the speed gave way to slow bowling and he was the main slow bowler for the Fernhurst side that played in the First Division in the early 2000s. Jeff was also a useful middle order batsman with excellent timing, winning the club batting trophy three times. 

As everyone who knew Jeff knows, when he had a view, he would persevere with it. He decided that the club ought to have an annual awards dinner. So, the club did. He decided the venue, the cost, made sure members attended, collected the money and made sure it was a success. Over the years, with the help of Stan Cobbold and Trevan Hingston, he had Sir Tim Rice and Barry Foster speak at the dinner. During the 1990s Jeff was Chairman of the cricket club for a time and organised a colts team prior to his son, James migrating to the senior sides. 

Those who played with Jeff know he played to win but looked to enjoy the game and discuss any and everything else afterwards."

Geoff & Graham 

"Jeff was a good all rounder – a pace bowler to start with but at Fernhurst he became a very steady and reliable off-break bowler. Jeff made a memorable start in the 1997 season by topping the I’Anson bowling averages, 93 overs at 8.75. In the following two seasons he was runner up. 

In 2000, Fernhurst CC reached the dizzying heights of Div. 1 and Jeff posted an average of 17.51 off 70 overs. Best figures were 5-43 against Tongham. 

Jeff was a really nice chap and so important when we entered the I’Anson. He had already played for Kingsley and Grayshott so he had very good knowledge about local league cricket. Everyone liked him."

John Allen 

Bill Gourlay, President of Fernhurst CC, said “I joined the club after Jeff’s playing days but it is clear from these tributes how much he was liked and respected by our players – and feared by our opponents! We are ever grateful to Jeff and send our condolences to his family. As we approach the 30th anniversary of our admission to the I’Anson League, I am sure he will be cheering on another push to Division 1 by the Green Army.”