A cricket event that raised money for Eden Valley Hospice took place in Cumbria at the weekend.

Penrith Wanderers Cricket Club lost two stalwarts this summer when Nigel Eastham and his father, John, died.

Through the years, both have given plenty to Penrith Wanderers which sadly had to fold a few years ago.

John will be remembered as a keen cricketer who was one of the founder members of the Eden Valley Cricket League.

His son, Nigel, played in the league for more than 30 years, regularly picking up awards for both batting and bowling.

Penrith Wanderers has a long history of trying to mix youth and experience within their squads, and Sunday was no exception as ex-players from years gone by, who shared a pitch with Nigel, joined together with youngsters as young as 10 to remember two great men in a T20 Charity event.

The three-team competition by kind permission of Lorna and Lillian, Nigel and John’s wives, who both attended, included an invitational XI brought together by old school friend Nigel Beaty.

It consisted of players that had competed with and against Nigel, including former school friends, team-mates and opponents as well as old golfing friends.

Six members of this squad were from the same school year, with many travelling a considerable distance.

Man-of-the-match Brian Chapelhow came up from the Midlands and, despite being a “non-cricketer”, had a great day with runs, a wicket and two catches!

The other two sides were made up of younger and older Penrith Wanderers players, even fielding a few sons which demonstrates that although “The Wanderers” may not have a competitive side currently in the Eden Valley League, their 59-year history remains strong.

An emotional minute’s applause for both men was held before the cricket took centre stage. It was played in fantastic spirits with many sharing a laugh and joke throughout.

In the Penrith Wanderers XI, the youngsters were outshining the older heads as 11-year-old Charlie Fowles was the leading wicket-taker removing some experienced cricketers.

The Eden Valley Cricket League was represented well within both squads with some actively playing for Edenhall, Nunwick, Penrith, Staffield, Stainton and Temple Sowerby.

One of the organisers, Nigel Fowles, said: “More than £800 was raised for Eden Valley Hospice which is a fantastic total and far exceeded expectations. It was made up of donations and refreshments, aided by sponsorship from Cranstons Butchers and a BBQ from John Robinson; fantastically operated by Graham Monkhouse throughout the day.

“Everyone involved would like to thank Edenhall Cricket Club for agreeing to host this special event at their ground. It’s a huge reflection of the generosity and support they have always shown towards Penrith Wanderers.

“A huge thank you to Nigel Beaty for pulling together such a fantastic team for his Nigel Eastham XI; Matt Everett for helping get so many ex-Penrith Wanderers players together, to all the youngsters that played and to everyone that made the effort to come along to play or support and make it such a fantastic event.

“It’s something that we’re already planning to do again next year.”