Kent County Cricket Club today announced that its President for 2003 will be Shepherd Neame Chairman, Robert Neame, CBE DL.

Robert joined Shepherd Neame in 1956 and was appointed to their Board in 1957. He was appointed Chairman in 1971. He was a Director of National Westminster Bank plc Southern Advisory Board, 1982 to 1991, Chairman of the Gatwick Airport Consultative Committee, 1990 to 1995 and a member of Kent County Council, 1965 to 1989. He is currently Vice-President of the South East England Tourist Board, a Non-Executive Director of Mendocino Brewing Company, Ukiah, USA and a Non-Executive Director of Merrydown PLC.

In his capacity as High Sheriff of Kent, he was also responsible for suggesting that last season's final Norwich Union League game at Canterbury was dubbed "Spitfire Sunday," which raised funds for the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust.

Commenting on Robert Neame's appointment, Kent's President for 2002, The Rt Hon Lord Kingsdown, KG, said: "I am delighted that Robert has agreed to be Kent's President for 2003. He is a life-long supporter of the Club. I wish him every success for the year ahead and look forward to introducing him as my successor at the Annual General Meeting, which is to take place at 7.30 pm on Monday 17th March 2003 in The Harris Room at the St Lawrence Ground, Canterbury."

© Kent CCC