League shocked by sudden death of George Winkles

Local club cricket has been stunned by the sudden death this weekend of George Winkles, the Southern Premier and Hampshire League's chief grounds inspector.

Mr Winkles, 66, who lived in Locks Heath, near Fareham, played for many seasons for Alverstoke as a leg-spinning allrounder.

When Alverstoke disbanded, he joined his local club Burridge, where as head groundsman he produced some of the best pitches in the region.

Mr Winkles, a retired general manager of Wadham Stringer Ltd., later became a thoroughly respected authority on cricket pitch preparation and had been inspecting a number of Premier League grounds immediately prior to his untimely death.

"We are shocked and deeply saddened", said Premier League chairman, Alan Bundy.

"George will be missed by all who knew him and be remembered as a gentleman in the true sense of the word."

"We extend our sympathies to his wife Molly and son and daughter, Paul and Emma."

Mr. Winkles' funeral will take place next Tuesday, August 7 at 11.30am at St.John's Church, Locksheath where a private cremation will take place. Family flowers only are requested, but donations can be offered to the British Heart Foundation.