MCC is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former President and Chair of the Club, Charles Fry.

Charles enjoyed a long association with MCC. He was elected as a Member in 1959, and represented the Club as a player, including at Lord’s several times.

He first served on the Committee in 1983, holding various roles until 2012. He became President of the Club in 2003, succeeding Sir Timothy Rice, before becoming Chair of MCC, a position he held for five years.

He later became Chair of the MCC Foundation and was made an Honorary Life Vice-President of the Club in 2016. In each of his roles, Charles brought enormous energy, experience and thoughtfulness, assisting so many at the Club.

Charles was educated at Repton School, where he was captain of cricket. He scored over 1,500 first-class runs for Oxford University and won three Blues as a middle-order batter.

He became the third generation of his family to play for Hampshire when he made his County Championship debut in 1960, the only such instance for the county. His grandfather was the great CB Fry, and his father Stephen also played for Hampshire, occasionally as captain. Charles also represented Northamptonshire in 1962.

He later became President of the Oxford University Cricket Club, and Arabs, a nomadic club which he also played for.

Away from cricket, Charles spent over four decades working in the financial sector, inventing, and launching many products as an investment entrepreneur.

MCC President, Lord King, said:

“Charles served MCC with distinction, and made a considerable contribution to the Club, having served as President and Club Chair, and on the Committee for almost three decades.

“Everyone at MCC is saddened to hear of Charles’ passing and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”