Demijohns bitterly regret to announce the untimely and wholly unfair passing of St John’s College, Oxford alumnus and Demijohns club member Jack Lovell in January 2024 shortly after summiting Mt Kilimanjaro. Jack was a joy to be around and his loss has been keenly felt by all Demijohns with whom he played. We have extremely fond memories from his debut DJs tour of Menorca in 2022 during which he impressed with the ball (taking 2 wickets and deserving more), bat, and in the field despite sweltering heat. Jack always entertained at the post-match debrief with his infectiously positive attitude towards life and towards cricket which was much needed in the modern Demijohns era. Sadly Jack’s DJs career was cut far too short at just 5 appearances; we are sure he was to be a DJs force for the ages. Such was Jack’s contribution to his maiden Demijohns overseas tour, this year the club has inaugurated the Jack Lovell Cup – a trophy to be awarded annually to the touring Demijohn who is able to most closely invoke Jack’s cricketing talent, impish charm, and enthusiasm for the social side of touring cricket.
Jack’s funeral was attended on Friday 16th February 2024 by Demijohns President Ian Davies and wife Sara, and Honorary Club Life Member and Groundsman Ian Madden and partner Tara. Jack’s parents Debbie and Steve have advised that there will be a memorial match at Jack’s local club Felbridge & Sunnyside CC in East Grinstead on Sunday 21st July 2024 that all would be welcome to attend and spectate. Donations can be made in Jack’s memory at the link here.
