CHRIS HARDING 11th July 1949 – 28th December 2025
Berkshire Seniors cricket is sad to announce the passing of one its longest serving players, Chris Harding.
Chris played his early cricket in and around the Kent area before moving to Ash, near Guildford in 1981 – joining Royal Ascot CC – where he continued to play until his retirement from playing. Royal Ascot’s historian traced records of ten centuries for Chris during his playing career with the club (although there were definitely a few more, Chris did say!) – his highest being an impressive 151 not out. Chris was a wicket keeper/batsman and was very distinctive in his helmet painted jockey style in the colours of Royal Ascot – who play within the racecourse at Ascot, of course.
Chris played his first game for the Berkshire Seniors in an over 50’s friendly two months before his 50th birthday. He went on to represent the county with distinction at over 50’s, over 60’s and, jointly with Bucks, over 70’s levels. Indeed, it is quite likely that Chris might have played more matches for Berkshire across the three Seniors age groups than anyone else – although full records don’t exist, unfortunately.
Chris was very competitive but never lost sight of the social interactions of the game. He took part in numerous overseas tours for the Berkshire Seniors – primarily to the Caribbean, but also to Malta and Spain. Then, when he no longer had the stamina to play, he qualified as an umpire, standing first for Royal Ascot then joining the panel on the Thames Valley League.
Chris kept playing for several years after receiving his diagnosis of stage four prostate cancer in September 2017 – which had also spread to his bones. Chris fought his cancer bravely for eight years – frequently saying that he was determined to beat it. And he also took part in a number of walks for cancer charities in support of Ron Hedley and a commemorative walk will be organised in his honour between Berks and Bucks players.
Chris will be sadly missed by his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him.