AROUND 150 people gathered to say a final farewell to a long-standing and well-respected member of Meopham Cricket Club.

Past and present members with bowed heads formed a guard of honour outside Meopham Church, in Wrotham Road, as a mark of respect to Freddie Hurley at his funeral.

The 83-year-old, who was curator of Meopham Green, president and past chairman of MCC, died suddenly on Wednesday, August 27.

After tending to the green for more than 20 years cricket-mad Freddie was not short of friends in the area.

Mr Hurley’s son-in-law Ian Jones was very pleased with the turn out at the funeral on Monday.

Mr Jones said: “There was a great turn out of family, friends and club members at the service. The guard of honour was very touching.”

As mourners left the church Land Of Hope and Glory was played - one of Freddie’s favourite songs.

Since the announcement of Mr Hurley’s sudden death, tributes have been sent in to The Messenger.

One from Featured Flooring in Stuart Road, Gravesend said: “We have known Mr Hurley for many years. He would often visit our shop to park his car to pop into town and do his errands and in return he would do our post for us.

“He was as stated an absolute gentleman and will be sorely missed by many.”