Basil was my uncle by marriage. He was much loved by me and all members of our extended family – the Marcusons, the Mahons and the Beaumonts.

He was devoted to his wife Mavis and dedicated to his sons Simon and David – all of whom sadly died before he did.

He spent his last days in the Royal Star and Garter Home for Veterans.

He was a fanatical cricket fan, member of Lords, played for Middlesex. He loved this tune:

“The Victory Calypso” by Lord Beginner (Egbert Moore) 1950

Cricket lovely Cricket,
At Lord’s where I saw it;
Cricket lovely Cricket,
At Lord’s where I saw it;
Yardley tried his best
But Goddard won the Test.
They gave the crowd plenty fun;
Second Test and West Indies won.