ONE of Hampshire’s most famous sons has been honoured in Alresford, his home for many years.

A memorial plaque was unveiled last Sunday at the former home of legendary cricket commentator John Arlott.

The plaque was installed on the exterior of his former house, The Old Sun, in East Street, where he lived from 1961 to 1981.

Mr Arlott won worldwide fame for his commentary on the BBC’s Test Match Special from the 1950s until his retirement in 1980.

His distinctive Hampshire burr was described as the sound of summer and the voice of cricket.

Formerly a policeman in Southampton, he was also known as a poet and writer on wine and sports.

He died at his home on Alderney in 1991, aged 77.

The plaque was unveiled before a crowd of about 70 people, by Tim Arlott, who attended with Mr Arlott’s other son Robert and their families.

After the plaque dedication, a lunch was held at the town offices and a celebratory cricket match competition was held in his honour with teams from Tichborne, Old Alresford, Ropley and Cheriton The event was organised by the Alresford Town Partnership. Margot Power, a town councillor, said: “It was a great day, a lovely day.

“We wanted to celebrate John Arlott and his life and to celebrate cricket in Hampshire. It is amazing how many people in Alresford remember him.”

The plaque was installed with the permission of the current owners of the Old Sun, Ben and Sue Kelsey.

Invited guests included the Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Dominic Hiscock ,and Lord Chidgey, who lives in the town.

Former friends invited included historian David Frith and the ex-Hampshire wicketkeeper Leo Harrison, and Mr Arlott’s housekeeper Margaret Betteridge.

l The event coincides with the publication of a new city council leaflet on cricket in the county, from first origins at Hambledon to the new ground, the Rose Bowl at West End.