This book tells the story of the twenty three men who, since 1862 have held the highest Office in the Club. They are an interesting and varied group of people.
ln the early days, when Bexley was still a village in the Kent countryside, the Presidents were chosen from prominent local people. In general they bad not played cricket for the Club, but all took a keen and benevolent interest in its affairs and came to its rescue in the frequent financial crises of those years. At the same time they played a leading role in most other aspects of village life; despite their business commitments most of them found the time to serve on the Council, hold office in the churches and take the lead in charitable and educational activities. In recording these activities the book is an important addition to our knowledge of local history.
In more recent times the Presidency has changed. It is now seen as an honour to be conferred on people who have given outstanding service to the Club, on and off the field.
The book contains photographs of all but two of the Presidents. It is believed to be the first book ever to be written about the Presidents of a cricket club. The research to find the pictures, and the accompanying biographical notes, has been very wide ranging. For example, for one President alone - Maurice Jewell - searches were made at Bexley Local Studies Centre, the Foreign Office, the Office of Population Census, Worcester­ shire County Cricket Club, the South African Internal Affairs Dept., and various newspapers, before his photograph was finally located hanging on the landing of his granddaughter's home in Gloucestershire!