Lives in Cricket No 25 - Tom Richardson

120 Bout-du-Monde ground about four o’clock. W.Richardson and C.Richardson, brothers of the deceased, were the chief mourners, and amongst those who followed were several of Richardson’s colleagues in the old Mitcham team in which he first made his name as a bowler. Several well-known cricketers of the present and past generations were present including H.Strudwick, W.C.Smith, G.Platt, T.Rushby, R.Abel, H.Wood, W.Brockwell and A.Chester. Among others were W.G.East (King’s bargemaster), A.André (representing the Richmond hospital), H.Rockett (secretary, Richmond Athletic Grounds) A.S.Bull, Peter Lees (green-keeper, mid-Surrey Golf Club), Col. J.Leslie Powell, Ernest Howard (solicitor to the deceased). H.Strutt-Cavell, T.P.Harvey, A.F.Clarke, F.Knight and J.Caffarey (Mitcham CC). The wreaths were numerous and beautiful, close upon 50 being sent. The Surrey County Club sent one, as did the Surrey professionals (a broken wicket), the professionals at Lords [sic] and the gentlemen playing in the match at the Oval. This bore the inscription: “In affectionate regard to the memory of a warm-hearted friend and comrade.” Others were sent by H.Wood, Robert Henderson, Walter Lees, Mr and Mrs G.W.Ayres, C.E.Green, Mrs Luff, Mr and Mrs W.G.East, A.E.Stoddart, H.D.G.Leveson Gower, W.Brockwell, Mitcham CC and a few old cricketing friends in Mitcham. Many of the wreaths were tied with the coloured ribbons of clubs and teams for which Richardson had played. 284 The grave was lined with ivy and flowers, provided at no charge by a local florist and among the fifty wreaths was one from Lizzie, the local flower seller. 285 It is not clear what happened to the fund. It was raised in a Surrey committee meeting seven years later in 1919 and the Secretary was instructed to pursue enquiries. However, The Secretary reported the negative results of the enquiries so far made. It was decided that no further action be taken. 286 None was: or at least, if it was, it was not recorded in the minutes. Tom Richardson and his memories had passed into history: TOM RICHARDSON Golden heart, lion heart, Surrey’s stalwart son, Passed untimely to the distant bourne. The flag is flying half-mast high at famous Kennington. Comrades of the old days for you mourn. Great heart, high heart, warrior unsubdued – Not since Surrey’s Walter paid the debt, Debt we all in turn must pay, hath Surrey ever rued Any loss like yours – we’ll not forget! 284 Mitcham Advertiser 19 July 1912 285 Richmond Herald 27 July 1912 286 Surrey CCC minutes 18 December 1919.