It is with deep sadness, and the utmost respect, that I have to inform you of the passing of Dhamendra Ashra aka Fastbowler. He was found on Thursday 14th May at his accommodation by staff there having not been seen for several days.

A member of the club, Calthorpe, since the very early 1990s he was someone who had his community at our cricket club, playing and doing so much around the club that often went unnoticed or unremarked on. Many may know him from Juniors Friday nights or weekend evenings as he proudly kept the club spick and span.

He was furiously passionate about the club giving his all on the field of play, and making sure all who visited the Calthorpe ground had the best possible time and were made to feel the most welcome whenever they visited. It was his space, his refuge, and a place of incredible importance to him.

He will be sorely missed by all at the club. As soon as we know more I will pass that information on but we will pay tribute at next week’s matches.

I’ll end with a message in Gujarati which I urge you, if that is not your language, to translate to understand the man:

તે હંમેશા પતંગ ઉડાવે અને તેને જોનારાઓને આનંદ આપે...

te hamesha patang udaave ane tene jonaraone aanand aape...

Rest in peace Dharmendra.