Following the announcement by Harvey Herrington it is with a very heavy heart that I wanted to pay tribute to our President Chris Standeven or 'Coco' as he was affectionally known. Chris passed away on 2nd February after a courageous two year battle with cancer.
Chris truly was part of the fabric of the Club and from the moment he joined he got stuck in as both player and coach. He was heavily involved with youth coaching and development, not only with Frensham CC, but also assisting in the administration and coaching with The Two Counties Youth League which has now been absorbed into the Surrey Youth League. It is as Youth Coach that he really found his vocation. He was realistic in his approach and he continually wanted the very best in his young players. He always managed to eek out the very best of cricket in the youngsters and turned some young players into great ones. As those young players turned into young adults, he was always there to give advice and support. He became a true friend and mentor to many. With his beloved wife Bev at his side, they were a formidable coaching partnership who always remained pragmatic and optimistic. Chris also had high standards, particularly when it came to turnout and an individual’s whites. He was often heard barking from the boundary, "tuck your shirt in!" something he insisted upon from all his young players. As a keen cricketer and rugby fan, Chris always took great pride in having coached cricket to Jonny Wilkinson, who could have been a county cricketer had he had not pursued a rugby career. They say “to teach is to touch a life forever”. You ask any cricketer at Frensham and they would tell you that this was very true of Chris.
Chris was a solid cricketer in his own right, captaining the 4th XI, but his playing days were cut short following a serious car accident that left Chris with some life changing injuries. Chris however, threw himself back into Club activities where he continued to coach and run a number of Youth teams. He also served as Club Chairman and Groundsman (Don't forget its a 'pitch' not a 'wicket').
His sometimes grumpy facade and his chuntering belied a wicked sense of humour and quick wit. He could easily make fun of you or deliver a cutting remark in a quick sentence or word, yet this was always delivered from a place of affection.
Chris will be long remembered both at Frensham CC and also Farnham Rugby Club, where he also spent so much time. I know that Chris will leave a huge void at Frensham and leave boots that will never be truly filled. He will be missed by so many.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Bev, his wife and partner and his family at this difficult time.