John Mitchell OBE
Tributes to former Club President
Fernhurst Cricket Club was saddened to hear of the recent passing of its former President, John Mitchell OBE. John was an inspirational figure around the cricket club and the mastermind behind most of the facilities improvement initiatives that have provided Fernhurst with its fabulous new pavilion, cricket nets and football pitch over the past decade or so.
John took over as Club President in 2009, taking the reins from Trevan Hingston, and had an enormous influence over the club's many successes until he handed over responsibilities to Bill Gourlay in 2023. He was a highly accomplished cricketer, golfer and even played tennis at Junior Wimbledon. His love of sport continued long after his playing days and he loved to debate the latest thinking of the English cricket selectors.
Current Club President, Bill Gourlay, said; "John was a real force of nature when it came to all things sporting around the village. Everyone who uses the pavilion, or is fortunate enough to play on the Fernhurst recreation ground, should remember him for all of his hard work over several decades in regenerating our facilities. He was such good company, an extraordinarily successful fundraiser, always had some wise opinions on any issues that we might be facing, and was dedicated to making Fernhurst a fantastic place to live and play sport. He will be enormously missed."
Club Chairman, Jon Meier, commented; "I was saddened to hear of John's passing. When I took over as Chairman of the cricket club he was of great support to me, His wise advice, stories and chats over a glass or two will be sorely missed by myself and many others across the club".