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Published on 02/03/2024
BETTRIDGE JOHN Sadly, but peacefully passed away after a very short illness at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital on Friday, February 16th, 2024, aged 91 years. Dearly loved husband of Daphne (deceased), dad of Nigel, Lesley and Ian, father-in-law to Jayne, Alistair and Amanda, and grandad to his six grandchildren and great-granddaughter. A very proud and well-respected man, his family and friends meant the world to him, he will leave a big hole in our lives and will be sadly missed, but never forgotten. In line with John's wishes, there will be a private family farewell, followed by a celebration of his life at a date which will be advised by the family in the near future. Donations in memory of John for EACH and Parkinson's may be made via the Much-Loved online memorial site at www.rosedalefuneralhome.co.ukTributes
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Sign in to add a tributeJohn Bettridge, who sadly died last month at the age of 91, was renowned throughout the County of Norfolk for his love and devotion to Cricket.
For forty years John Bettridge had been associated with cricket and the Carter Cup. This was a 60-over Sunday knock-out Competition originally sponsored by my father, Bob Carter in 1969 at the suggestion of Eric Bedwell and George Pilch, all men of great vision and motivation. John was a player for Diss Cricket Club in those early days and first became a Committee Member in 1971. After the death of my father, Bob Carter, in 1974 I continued the sponsorship. In 1990 following the deaths of Eric Bedwell and George Tippell, who had taken over from Eric briefly, John Bettridge became Chairman.
Bank Holiday Sunday in August at Lakenham became the show piece and the gathering of the great and the good of Norfolk Cricket. Many pictures were taken there by Johnny Marr of the EDP of the thousands of spectators enjoying their cricket. The competition continued to flourish – all in the days before email, Google and mobile phones, which tells its own story.
John, supported by his wife Daphne, travelled the length and breadth of the County watching and supporting Club Cricket, a demonstration of his enthusiasm and devotion to the game. A great tribute to John was that in its prime, the Carter Cup was played by 36 Clubs and an additional 16 Clubs in the Lady Mary Trophy.
In the year 2000 the last Lakenham Bob Carter Challenge Cup Final was played and the following year saw the last move to the Manor Park ground at Horsford. John showed his wisdom and understanding as Norfolk Club Cricket started to change. John recognised this and steered the competition through highs and lows, always keeping the best interests of Norfolk Cricket at heart. He continued to work enthusiastically but realistically agreed that after 50 years it was a good time to call it a day. The final Final of the Carter Cup was played at Horsford in August 2018.
Thank you, John, yours was a great innings!
Robert Carter
March 2024
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