Empire to toast Charlie Griffith

For former West Indies fast bowler Charlie Griffith and the local cricketing fraternity, it should definitely be a September to remember.

The Empire Sports Club, where Griffith has been a member since 1958, has organised a special week of activities paying tribute to the fast bowler who overcame humble beginnings in the parish of St Lucy before becoming half of one of the most feared fast bowling partnerships in international cricket.

From September 2 to 8, the life and times of Griffith, a former president of Empire, will be highlighted and chronicled in the week of activities entitled Our Charlie, A Salute To Excellence, as the Bank Hall, St Michael club honours him for over 43 years of service, 12 at the helm of the organisation.

Feared worldwide, Griffith played 28 Tests between 1960 and 1969 for the West Indies, collecting 94 wickets at an average of 28.54.

Wes Hall who, along with Griffith sent fear through the batting lineups of all of cricket's superpowers, yesterday revealed what the club planned for one of its most famous stalwarts.

On Sunday, September 2, activities begin with an 8:30 a.m. service at St Clement's Church, less than 100 yards from the village where Griffith was born. Later that day, there will be a special East vs West limited overs match at the Lord's ground, in Lowlands, St Lucy.

Two days later, Griffith will be the special guest of moderator Carol Roberts, on the Channel 8 show Up Close, where he will talk about his playing days at Empire and his life as a youngster growing up in St Lucy.

The next day, September 5, he will be special guest of Vic Brewster in the CBC Radio 900 programme Under The Sandbox Tree.

Barbadians can then get up close and personal with the bowling legend himself later that day, as the Empire Club will be hosting An Evening With Charlie Griffith from 7:30 p.m. at the Bank Hall club.

On September 7, at the Barbados Lumber Company Grounds in Waterford, St Michael, there will be a special celebrity night match.

The week culminates on Saturday, September 8, with a celebration dinner at Sherbourne Conference Centre, where more than 500 friends, fans and former team-mates have been invited to spend the evening. That event will be highlighted by a play, directed by Cicely Spencer- Cross, looking back at Griffith's life and career.