A rare piece of Australian sporting history will be formally handed over in a ceremony at Gatehouse on Saturday.
The item – a cricket bat signed by legendary Aussie batsman Sir Don Bradman and his famous 1948 touring team – will take pride of place in the Dennis Coombs Pavilion at Galloway Cricket Club.
The precious relic was one of Dennis’ most prized possessions.
It was gifted to the club by the 81-year-old club stalwart days before his passing in December, 2019.
Dennis’ widow Mary will present the bat to officials at the Cally ground during a break in play in an inter-club friendly at 2pm.
Club secretary and scorer Katherine Naylor said: “Galloway Cricket Club Trust chairperson Paul Swift and our new development Officer Pat Druce, who has made the cabinet so the bat can be permanently displayed, will both speak about Dennis’ immense contribution to the club.
“Among those attending will be Galloway Cricket Club chairperson Kathleen Hamblin, past players and present committee members, along with patrons and guests.
“Pat Druce will start his job on May 1 so there are plenty of plans ahead.”
Katherine added: “An inter-club friendly will start at 12 noon, open to all men, women and juniors whether they are members of the club or not.
“Our club welcomes women, children and men and is hoping to run more disability sessions this year.
“Everyone is welcome to come along to watch the game and see the presentation.”
In an interview in 2019 Dennis revealed how he came to own the bat.
He said: “Aged ten I went with my uncle Enos to my first professional cricket game at Bristol between the Australians and Gloucestershire.
“Don Bradman offered his bat signed by all his players as a raffle prize - which Uncle Enos won.
“He promised me the bat would be mine if I passed my 11 plus.
“I did – and I have had the bat ever since. I think it will look quite nice in the clubhouse.”
Dennis told the News ahead of the ceremony: “Dying is no great thing. It is what you do when you’re alive that counts.”
