THE family of the late Graham Sparks will be presenting a bench to Wellington Cricket Club in his memory on Saturday, June 28.

Graham, well known locally for his antique furniture and restoration workshop, sadly passed away last September, aged 62; he had been a great supporter of local sports, especially WCC where his son Alex has played since the age of 11.

Graham himself played many games for Wellington and on several occasions played alongside his daughter Nicole, also a cricketer. During his days as a player he would often step in to umpire. Graham was also a sponsor of the club as well as a very loyal supporter. Graham loved to watch cricket and spent most of his Saturday afternoons watching both home and away fixtures during the summer months.

Although he had to spend several months in hospital during 2023, he was well enough to witness Wellington first team have an unbeaten season and win their league, one of his proudest moments.

On various club events he would happily use his van to help collect chairs, etc, and provide benches from his workshop if needed.

Graham enjoyed playing sport for most of his life, playing football for Hemyock in his younger days before moving to play for Linden for several years. He was also a member of Nynehead Cricket Club, where he was a former captain and later life member, and was one of the key people who undertook the building of the Nynehead CC pavilion.

Graham particularly wanted to support and encourage youth cricket and during his time at Nynehead set up and successfully ran a youth team. While he is still sadly missed, his family hope the bench will give people chance to remember a larger-than-life character who always lived life to the full.

Wellington are home to Shapwick and Polden on Saturday, June 28.