Farewell to one of our own

Following his death in late October, the family of lifelong Hamlet fan IVOR BATEMAN are gathering at Champion Hill to remember him tomorrow.

93-year-old Ivor, who is pictured, above, with his son Malcolm, had been following The Hamlet since the 1940's, and despite having moved away from London in retirement, to Witham in Essex, he always tried to get to a few games each season.

Prior to kick-off at home to Margate tomorrow, in the FA Trophy, there will be a one minute silence, which I am sure will be impeccably observed by all.

Ivor may not have been known personally to many who flock through the turnstiles nowadays, but to the 'old school' supporters he will be recalled for his genuine warmth and a refusal to get too downhearted, even when games were lost. His eager anticipation and excitement of looking forward to the next match inevitably rubbed off on all those who stood around him on the Champion Hill terraces.

Hopefully there will be much fond recollections of him and plenty of laughter, among the sadness of saying farewell to a loyal Dulwich Hamlet supporter.