Cricket: Fitting tribute for Dipake Parmar

Published: 7 July, 2011
by STEVE BARNETT

FRIENDS and family gathered on Sunday to celebrate the life of the “true gentleman“ of South Hampstead Cricket Club. 

After more than 27 years with the club, Dipak Parmar’s immense influence with the club couldn’t have been greater. His achievements were countless, from progressing up through the ranks to captain the first team, to coaching and helping increase the colts’ numbers fourfold. 

The talented batsman, who would have turned 49 this month, would never hesitate to find time to help “the club that he loved”, even despite the pressures of running his own import and export company. 

Less than three months after he died, South Hampstead unveiled The Dipak Parmer Award, which will be presented to the colt that displays the best attitude, excellent attendance and sportsmanship.

Dipak’s sister Rekha and his step-daughter Hannah Baxter proudly presented the trophy to Ciaran Hallbery, 9, on Sunday. Rekha said it was a fitting tribute to her brother. “He loved the club so much, the award is the ideal way for Dipak to be remembered.”

David Chase, who worked with Dipak as a colts coach at South Hampstead for more than 12 years, added: “He did so much work at the club, He was a true gentleman in every way and will be sorely missed by everyone.”