CRICKET fans and the loved ones of much-loved city legend Duncan Fearnley said their final farewells at a poignant service at Worcester Cathedral on Tuesday.
The service to remember Duncan, who passed away aged 83 last month after a brief illness, took place at Worcester Cathedral.
Duncan was an integral part of Worcestershire County Cricket Club for decades, having served as a player, Chair, President and Honorary Vice-President.
He was also renowned globally as a premier cricket bat manufacturer.
With the service open to all, cricket fans lined the streets and packed into Worcester Cathedral to pay their final respects.
The Cathedral paid its own tribute, posting a photo of a Duncan Fearnley cricket bat outside its main entrance on social media.
The service was followed by a reception at The Graeme Hick Pavilion, New Road.
Born in Pudsey in 1940, Duncan moved to Worcestershire in 1960 after playing for Yorkshire Seconds.
Over seven years, he made 97 appearances as a left-handed batter, helping the club win the 1964 County Championship.
He left the club in 1968 but returned in 1972 as the Second Eleven Captain.
Around this time, his Worcester bat manufacturing business was thriving, with cricket legends such as Sunil Gavaskar, Ian Botham, Graham Gooch, and Allan Border choosing Fearnley bats and equipment.
He was named Chair of the County club in 1986, leading them through a golden 12-year period that included two County Championship titles, two Sunday League titles, the Refuge Assurance Cup, the Benson and Hedges Cup, and the NatWest Trophy.
His tenure as Club President followed from 2011 to 2013, and he was later elected as Honorary Vice-President.
The Pears have said any donations paying tribute to Duncan will be given to the national cricket charity Chance to Shine.
Visit www.chancetoshine.org/donate to donate.
