Wanderers Club, Carillon Club, and Cricket present An evening to launch the Biography of Stewie Dempster and celebrate the life of one of Wellington’s greatest cricketers

Join with MC Bryan Waddle, author Bill Francis, publisher Ron Cardwell, Stewie’s daughter Kay Martin as we talk with Wellington cricketers who came under the influence of Stew Dempster. Trevor McMahon, NZ’s second oldest Test Cricketer played against Stewie in his last Senior Match. Bruce Edgar, Bert Vance, Ian Smith, Evan Gray, Clive Currie, Brian and Grant Cederwall were all coached by Dempster in their formative years. They will share stories of their times as members of Stewie Dempster’s XI.

Second Only To Bradman The Life of Stewie Dempster by Bill Francis Now a distant and somewhat neglected figure of history, Stewie Dempster – 86 years on since he played his last test – is brought back to life in this long awaited biography reconfirming his rightful place in New Zealand’s cricketing elite. In his time, considered one of the best batsmen in the world, he scored New Zealand’s first test , the first test century away from home and the first double century for New Zealand. His test average of 65.72 remains second only to Don Bradman for those having played ten tests or more. His test career was followed by 13 years in England where he captained Leicestershire in county cricket as well as playing for Sir Julien Cahn’s ‘travelling circus’. Back in New Zealand after the Second World War, coaching in Wellington, he provided exceptional mentoring to a talented group of young cricketers who made the big time. With some remarkable research Bill Francis shows not only why the name Dempster was big enough to take pride of place at the Basin Reserve (The CS Dempster Gates) – but uncovers the difficulties around Dempster’s upbringing plus the saga of his three marriages. It is a captivating story.

Date: Monday 4th November, Time: 4.30pm to 6.30pm Venue: Norwood Room Basin Reserve; Cost: $45 per ticket (covers beer, wine, juice, canapes. Any profits go to Wanderers CC and Carillon Clubs for the benefit of youth sport in the Wellington Region) To secure your ticket call or text Evan Gray on 021 222 9335 or email [email protected] Signed copies of the book are available.