We’ve all chatted our way around the ground with him on match days, just chewing the cud or bemoaning a wicket or speculating over some up-and-coming talent. He’d be there, involved in everything going on. Catching up with umpires, helping brush the wicket down and just keeping ‘cricket busy’.

John has been associated with Chester Boughton Hall CC for more than 30 years, moving to the area from Huntingdonshire with work changes.

We all know that volunteers are the backbone of club cricket and John’s input was outstanding. Liaising with local leagues, compiling fixtures and ensuring pitch availability for an increasing number of junior and senior sides, organising events, looking after back-office admin, and so much more has been John’s passion at the Club. He’s made a magnificent contribution as a player, Club Secretary, Fixture’s Secretary and Director. All work diligently undertaken since day one.

Yet there is so much more to John’s story which reflects a varied, colourful and eventful 73 years…

Sport at his heart

An all-round sportsman, John’s primary interests were football and cricket. A top goalkeeper in his younger days, John retained his love of football despite following Manchester United (“I really don’t know what they’re doing quite honestly!”).

Cricketwise, he played to a good standard including league cricket in London and the Home Counties, and in Huntingdonshire. Arriving at CBH, he played for the 1st and 2nd XI who he ultimately captained. A top order batsman, he also represented the Over 40s and captained the Sunday Crossbatters XI.

John enjoyed cycling too, traversing the lanes of Chester on a regular basis.

Well-travelled

Getting to know John, probing for the detail, you'd discover he was born in Gerrmany, a country destined to play an important role in his life. How many of us knew he could speak fluent German? He worked in Germany for the Ministry of Defence, decoding communications - a role he undertook in the City of London too and eventually, at RAF Sealand just outside Chester.

Mild mannered John had many stories to tell. And if you sat, bided your time, and touched those buttons, he was quality company. Preferring to stay mainly in the shadows, he loved everything Chester Boughton Hall CC. And woe betide anyone doubting it!

Family

John was very close to his sister Susan in Gloucester and more locally, stepdaughter Alison who nursed him so admirably during his last weeks. His beautiful daughter Joanna who sadly passed away a few years ago, will be reunited with him, John arriving ‘upstairs’ on her birthday. Time to remember those days when they'd go around the boundary together at Filkins Lane, just enjoying the cricket.

Right now, it’s difficult to imagine cricket at Filkins Lane without John Legry. But as we prepare for what will doubtless seem an odd season, the CBH Family can reflect on John’s outstanding commitment, drive and enthusiasm that’s played such a significant part in making this Club what it is.

Alison, Mike, Jordan, Cameron, Gwennie and the broader family, we share your sorrow and send our love and condolences. They don’t make them like John anymore.

Let's all raise a glass of still water.