Norman Harris, circled on the above photo of the ACC’s 2nd XI in 1949, was a key member of Addiscombe CC for many years. He captained the 2nd XI for many years and was Club President in the 1980s and 90s.

The following is taken from a 'beyond-the-grave' conversation between Norman and his son Ian Harris in the Shirley churchyard on what would have been Norman’s 100th birthday (20th April 2020).

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Name: Norman Harris

Nickname: Don’t be silly, I keep telling Whipper (...I mean Paul Hooper) that I hate nicknames.

How would you describe yourself as a player?
2nd XI (captain for many years), then slipped down to the 3rds under my best mate Jimmy Lowe. Occasional Sunday 1st XI in my forties when they were short, which I loved!

Best cricket memory?
Batting with the great Tony Lock (Surrey and England spinner) in one of Joe Peirce’s celebrity games at Sandilands. The visitors turned up one short, and I popped home to get my kit.

Most embarrassing cricketing moment?
When my son Ian was 13, he always took his kit when he came to watch me play when I was in the 3rd XI. If they were short he would often play for the opposition.

In my penultimate game before retiring, I opened the batting with Ralph Bream, as he was also retiring the following weekend. I got run out off just my 2nd ball.

It was a direct hit by a 13 year old. You can guess who.
Ian got no pocket money that week, I can tell you!

Favourite player/cricket hero?
Has to be Mike Every, a brilliant wicket-keeper, and a fantastic club man. But all of the 1st XI of the 60s and 70s were heroes.

My second choice would be Martyn Bain after his stellar performance v Hampstead in a Cup match in 1988 when he helped smash 57 off 3 overs to grab an incredible win.

As President of ACC, I went into the opposition dressing room after the match with a jug of beer to commiserate. I said to their captain “Funny old game”. He was not amused….

Favourite format to watch?
Test cricket – a good five day match which normally ends up as a draw. Are there any other formats?

Best thing about Addiscombe CC?
The people. ACC was my life from 1949 until I left the earthly field of play in 1999. 50 years of meeting GREAT people!

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