Tributes to ‘a man who gave so much to junior cricket’
The Sussex cricket community is mourning the sad loss of Peter Garland, the muchrespected Pulborough-based former chairman of the local club, and greatly appreciated secretary of the IDentilam Colts Cricket League amid many years of promoting and fostering youthcricket.
Tributes have poured in from local clubs and individuals, withWestChiltington& Thakeham CC posting: “We are very sad to hear the news that Peter Garland, stalwart of the IDentilam League, has passed away. Peter dedicated his life to cricket, and junior cricket in particular.
“He put enormous amounts of his time into organising indoor leagues during the winter and 6-a-side tournaments during the summer. He delighted in seeingchildrenenjoyingthegame that he loved and always encouraged them to play in the spirit of the game. Many of us at WC&TCC knew and loved Peter.
“Manyofourchildrenbenefitted from his devotion to oursport. Everyonewhocame intocontactwithhimalsobenefitted from his ready smile, enthusiasm and relaxed, friendly manner. Cricket has lost a very friendly chap. Rest inpeace, PG, wewillmissyou.”
Roffey Cricket Club, connected to Peter through their all rounder Rohit Jagota, who was nurtured by Peter in his earlydaysatPulborough, add
ed: “We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Peter Garland. A man who gavesomuchtojuniorcricket across thecounty.
“He will be fondly remembered at Roffey for his recent involvementwithour1stXI.
“Ourthoughtsgoouttohis family andfriends.”
TherewasnothingthatPeter Garland loved more than tohostthecoltsawardsnight, when the tradition was for a young, inspiring Sussex professional to enthuse successful young players – boys and girls – with the presentation oftrophies. Sadlytakenaftera shortillness, Peterissurvived byhisdevotedwifeof54years, Mary, by his children Paul, Jenny, Ali and cricket umpire Roger, in addition to grandchildren Kellie, Todd, Bobbie and Molly. Horsham CC chairman Richard Marshall summed up the views of all cricket lovers who have been fortunate to profit fromPeter Garland’s outstanding experience, saying: “PG was everything that is right in cricket andhe’ll begreatly missed.”