Hampshire honour Major Ron and Charlie Knott

Testimonial Visit

Hampshire Cricket is dedicating two days of play this season to the memory of two of the Club's leading personalities and supporters, Charles Knott and Major Ron Ferguson.

Major Ron, as he was affectionately known, is being honoured during the Gloucestershire Championship match on Friday 27th June 2003. The first day of the match against Derbyshire on Wednesday 13th August will be in memory of Charles Knott.

On both days there will be a short presentation before the start of play, and the club were delighted to welcome Mrs.Susan Ferguson to the Rose Bowl. Hampshire players wore specially embroidered memorial starts today and again on the 13th August.

Major Ferguson, who died on 16th March 2003, was a hugh and popular supporter of Hampshire Cricket for a great many years.

He was equally enthusiastic about the need to develop young cricket talent, for whom he established and ran the Dummer Cricket School at his own Hampshire farm.

A great friend of many of the administrators and players at the Club. Major Ferguson most recently attended the launch of Robin Smith;'s Testimonial Year in January.

Mr.& Mrs.Knott visit the Nursery Ground in 2000

Charles (Charlie) Knott was a Hampshire cricketing hero whose off-spin bowling produced 647 wickets for the club at an average of 23.53. After his playing career, Charles continued his close association with his beloved Hampshire throughout his life, including being chairman of cricket from 1968 to 1988.

He died on 27th February 2003 aged 88 years.

"We are delighted to be dedicating these two days play to Charles Knott and Major Ron," said Rod Bransgrove, Hampshire Cricket's chairman. "This is the Club's way of demonstrating its enormous affection and respect for two great Hampshire characters that are solely missed for their enthusiasm, unwavering support and pure love of the game."