The Annual General Meeting of Kent Cricket Board Limited saw the announcement that after many years of service, Chris Swadkin had decided to stand down as Chair of the Kent Cricket Board.

He had held the post for some 10 years, succeeding Alan Albury having  previously been the Kent League representative on the Board in the early days of the KCB.

He will be succeeded on an interim basis by Jamie Clifford, Chief Executive Officer of Kent County Cricket Club and previously Director of Cricket Development at Kent Cricket Board, who will lead the process to appoint a permanent Chairman.

Chris has been an enormous influence on the way Kent Cricket Board has operated in the last few years; he has helped shape the structure of the Board, culminating in incorporation as a Company Limited by Guarantee. Many young cricketers, including a number now playing the game professionally, have also benefited from the guidance and advice that he gave freely during his time with KCB and in their formative years.

Chris – ‘Swadders’ to those close to him – has always had cricket in his blood and after Kent Schools representation, his first appearance in Kent senior colours was a Second Eleven match at Payne’s Folly, Harrow against Middlesex on 19th June 1973 when he played alongside such greats as Chris Tavare and Grahame Clinton.  His innings of 30 was ended by a combination of Roland Butcher’s catch off John Emburey.  No mean cricketer, Chris!

In 2012 Chris will still be playing for Kent’s Over 50s and 60s sides in the England and Wales County Championship.

Kent Cricket Board is much indebted to Chris Swadkin and we wish him well in his endeavours on and off the field in the years to come.  He will be staying with the Board of Directors of KCB.

Jamie Clifford, who succeeds Chris as Chair of KCB said “Chris has lead a complete transformation of recreational and junior representative cricket in Kent over the last decade.  His countless hours – all given as a volunteer – has left the game in the county in very good shape.  I look forward to ensuring that the Kent Cricket Board continues to lead the way in the delivery of high quality cricket programmes.”