Tim Oliver debates a point in his inimitable fashion. Image from Walsall Health Cricket Club blog.

Here’s a great thing for bank holiday weekend – Walsall folk and those with an interest in local politics will recall the tragic loss of Walsall Labour Group Leader Councillor Tim Oliver, who sadly passed away in May following a protracted illness.

Tim was a noted cricketer and cricket fan, who will be fondly remembered for his sportsmanship, skill and gentlemanly nature by all at his club, Walsall Health Cricket Club, better known as The Elf.

In his memory, the will be a Memorial Cricket Match and fun day in Tim’s honour at 2:00pm this Sunday, 24th August 2014, at Rushall Cricket Club just off Pelsall Lane in Rushall.

It will be an excellent, very British afternoon in memory of a good, kind and very well respected man. Please do attend if you can.

The club posted the following information on their blog:

A memorial cricket match and family fun-day for former Walsall Health skipper Tim Oliver will be taking place this Sunday at Rushall Cricket Club.

Two clubs which Tim held close to his heart – Walsall Health and Rushall – will be taking part in the game which will include many of his former team mates from down the years, as well as current players.

Tim – who was leader of the Labour group on Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council – died in May after a long battle with illness.

The game at Rushall’s Carter Park home in Pelsall Lane will start at 2pm with a BBQ and a disco and karaoke afterwards. A raffle – with prizes including a pair of tickets to any Midlands football match, a Harvey Nicholl’s hamper and a whole host of is currently underway and charities which will benefit from the event include Pancreatic Cancer UK, Macmillan Nurses and Amnesty International.

The match ball is being sponsored by Firesec Electrical Limited and local business Katie’s Castles has helped us out with a bouncy castle to keep the kids entertained.

A multiple record holder for The Elf, Tim started playing for the club in the late 80s and soon took over as skipper, continuing to play right up until 2012.

Need directions to Rushall Cricket Club? Have a gander here