Frensham will celebrate the life of club president Chris Standeven – or ‘Coco’, as he was affectionately known – who passed away earlier this year following a two-year battle with cancer.

Players from Frensham and clubs from across the I’Anson League will come together to celebrate his life at Hollowdene Recreation Ground on Sunday, August 30.

From the moment he joined Frensham more than 40 years ago, Chris devoted an enormous amount of time, energy and passion to Frensham cricket and the people involved with the club. He didn’t just help run the club; he helped stitch together the very fabric of the community.

During his time at Frensham, Chris was heavily involved in youth coaching and development, not only with Frensham CC but also through his work in the administration and coaching of the Two Counties Youth League, which has since been absorbed into the Surrey Youth League.

It was as a youth coach that Chris truly found his vocation. He was realistic in his approach and continually demanded the best from his young players. Somehow, he always managed to coax the best cricket out of them. As those young players grew into young adults, Chris was always there to offer advice and support, becoming a true friend and mentor to many.

With his beloved wife Bev at his side, they made a formidable coaching partnership. Together, they were pragmatic, enthusiastic and relentlessly optimistic.

A keen cricketer and lifelong rugby fan, Chris always took great pride in having coached cricket to Jonny Wilkinson, who, had he chosen cricket over rugby, may well have gone on to become a county cricketer.

They say that “to teach is to touch a life forever”. Ask any cricketer at Frensham and they will tell you that this was certainly true of Chris.

A solid cricketer in his own right, Chris took on the responsibility of leading Frensham’s fourth team during the latter stages of his playing career. During his tenure as captain, the scoreboard was always secondary. For Coco, it was never really about the result. It was about the youth – instilling values that many carry through life today, encouraging youngsters to play with a smile and, above all else, making sure they had fun.

Following a career-ending car accident, Chris hung up his bat but never lost his love for the game. He threw himself back into club life, continuing to coach and run several youth teams. He also served as club chairman and groundsman.

His sometimes-grumpy facade and constant chuntering belied a wicked sense of humour and a wonderfully quick wit. He could effortlessly deliver a humorous remark in a single sentence – or sometimes just a word. Yet it was always delivered with affection.

Chris was a constant in so many lives. He was the very embodiment of what a cricket club should stand for: community, friendship, mentorship, inclusion and, above all, a love of the game.

The stories are endless, and words can never quite capture the legend that was ‘Coco’. His absence leaves a void that feels immeasurable, but his impact will live on in generations of cricketers and in the community he helped build.

He will be long remembered by everyone at Frensham Cricket Club.

In true Coco spirit, the bar will be open all day on Sunday, August 30 – and everyone is welcome.

By Harvey Herrington