Tony Kingston Obituary, What Happened To Tony Kingston? Who Was Tony Kingston?
by Alaguvelan M
Updated Jul 17, 2023
Who Was Tony Kingston?
Tony Kingston B.E.M., a beloved member of the Northamptonshire County Cricket Club's community and one of their most loyal supporters, sadly passed away on July 12 at the age of 83. Since joining the club in 1990, 'Kingo' served as the First XI Scorer, a position he held until announcing his retirement at the end of the 2022 season. Only Leo Bullimer, whom Tony revered and wrote a glowing tribute for in the NCCC yearbook, surpassed his tenure from 1900 to 1950.
Northamptonshire Cricket Club recently shared the heartbreaking news of the passing of their dedicated scorer, Tony Kingston, at the age of 83. Tony assumed the role of a scorer in 1990 and gracefully retired before the start of the current season, bringing his incredible 32-year journey in the scorebox to a close. Throughout this remarkable period, Tony proudly claimed to have missed a mere 66 overs of play, until a prostate cancer diagnosis forced him to sit out the entire 2019 season.
Described by Northamptonshire as one of their greatest friends and most steadfast supporters, Tony's unwavering dedication was cherished by all. In a fitting tribute to his immense contributions, Tony was recently honored with the prestigious British Empire Medal as part of the King's birthday honors list.
Tony's association with Northamptonshire spanned an impressive 75 years, beginning with his attendance at his first cricket match at the County Ground in 1948, filled with anticipation of witnessing the iconic Don Bradman in action for the touring Australian side. Regrettably, Bradman was rested for that particular match, but it marked the start of Tony's enduring connection with the sport.
Tony initially served as the scorer for Northamptonshire's second XI in 1988 before transitioning to the first team just two years later, solidifying his pivotal role within the club. Although his unwavering commitment to meticulously recording every ball of every Northamptonshire match remained unparalleled, Tony's proud record faced a minor interruption when he suffered a fall outside his hotel in Cardiff, while returning from a Take That concert and attending a family funeral.
When asked about the most thrilling player to watch from Northamptonshire, Tony-nominated former England batsman Allan Lamb. Reflecting on the club's achievements, he shared that it felt like having a season ticket at Lord's as Northamptonshire reached four finals in six years, culminating in their triumphant Natwest Trophy win in 1992.
Tony Kingston Obituary
Tony Kingston B.E.M., fondly remembered as a cherished ally and ardent supporter of the Northamptonshire County Cricket Club passed away at the age of 83 on July 12. His unwavering dedication made him an integral part of the club's community. From the moment he joined in 1990, 'Kingo' wholeheartedly served as the First XI Scorer.
It was only at the conclusion of the 2022 season that he expressed his intention to step down from this role. Remarkably, his tenure surpassed that of Leo Bullimer, who occupied the position from 1900 to 1950 and even penned a glowing tribute to Leo in the NCCC yearbook during the 1990s.
However, Tony's connection with The County Ground spanned an impressive three-quarters of a century. At the tender age of seven, he set foot in the stadium for the first time in January 1947, eagerly witnessing the Cobblers in their FA Cup match against Preston Northern End. A mere 18 months later, he was enthralled by the iconic 'Invincibles' from Australia as they faced off against Northamptonshire on the opposite side of the ground.
During his final encounter with English cricket, Tony yearned to witness the legendary Don Bradman's batting prowess, but fate intervened, leading to a postponement with Lindsay Hassett assuming captaincy. Nevertheless, Tony attended as many county cricket matches as possible, balancing his passion with other responsibilities, including his role as a choir member at the neighboring St. Matthew's Church.
Regrettably, due to a prior commitment to performing at a wedding, Tony was absent when Frank Tyson made history against the Australians in 1953. Nonetheless, he seized every available opportunity to witness county cricket while diligently fulfilling his other duties.
In addition to actively participating in local cricket and football as a fervent player, Tony devoted a portion of his National Service in the Army to preparations for the state funeral of Sir Winston Churchill, an operation known as "Operation Hope Not." Over the years, the phrase "Carry on, Corporal!" became a customary way to conclude countless conversations, honoring his involvement in that historic event.
What Happened To Tony Kingston?
Northamptonshire Cricket Club has shared the somber news of the passing of their dedicated and longstanding scorer, Tony Kingston, at the age of 83. Tony began his scoring journey in 1990 and recently retired prior to the current season, culminating in an impressive 32-year tenure in the scorebox. Throughout his remarkable service, Tony prided himself on missing a mere 66 overs of play until a diagnosis of prostate cancer compelled him to sit out the 2019 season.
Recognized as one of the club's most cherished friends and unwavering supporters, Northamptonshire Cricket Club expressed deep appreciation for Tony's immense contribution. Last month, Tony was fittingly honored with the prestigious British Empire Medal in recognition of his exceptional service, coinciding with the King's birthday honors list.
Tony's association with Northamptonshire spanned an astonishing 75 years, commencing with his inaugural visit to the County Ground in 1948 at the tender age of seven, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to witness the legendary Don Bradman in action. Unfortunately, fate intervened, as Bradman was rested for that particular match. In 1988, Tony assumed the role of scorer for Northants' second XI, subsequently transitioning to the first team two years later.
Despite some intermittent setbacks due to health issues, Tony prided himself on meticulously recording every ball of every Northants match, with only minor interruptions caused by an accidental fall outside his hotel in Cardiff after attending a Take That concert and a family funeral.
Tony fondly recalled former England batsman Allan Lamb as the most thrilling player he had the pleasure of watching during his time with Northamptonshire. As the club reached four finals in six years, Tony likened the experience to having a season ticket at Lord's, culminating in their glorious Natwest Trophy triumph in 1992.
In addition to his invaluable contributions to Northamptonshire Cricket, Tony dedicated significant time to The County Ground, amassing an impressive three-quarters of a century of involvement. As a young child, he attended his first match in January 1947, witnessing the Cobblers' FA Cup encounter against Preston Northern End. Furthermore, he delighted in witnessing Australia's formidable 'Invincibles' team in action against Northamptonshire just 18 months later.
Tony Kingston Obituary - FAQs
Tony Kingston was a devoted member of the Northamptonshire County Cricket Club community and a long-serving scorer for the club.
Tony Kingston passed away on July 12 at the age of 83.
Tony Kingston served as the First XI Scorer for Northamptonshire since 1990, accumulating over three decades in the role.
Tony Kingston was awarded the British Empire Medal in the King's birthday honors list.
Tony Kingston's association with Northamptonshire Cricket Club spanned an impressive 75 years.