Tributes paid to John Graveling, owner of the Grove hotel Cromer

John Graveling, owner of the Grove hotel in Cromer for more than 40 years, has died after a brief illness, aged 86.

Mr Graveling took over the Overstrand Road hotel from his parents, Robert and Hilda, after his father died in 1978.

He previously worked as a civil and structural engineer, overseeing many of Norfolk’s large infrastructure projects from County Hall, before establishing an engineering consultancy company which he ran alongside managing the Grove.

Mr Graveling passed the hotel onto his children in 2010, and he and his wife Ann built a house on the grounds. The couple celebrated their golden wedding last year.

John Graveling, a Cromer hotelier, businessman and talented amateur sportsman, passed away on November 7 after a brief illness, aged 86 (Image: Supplied)

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He was a licensed reader in the Church of England, responsible for landmark Christian projects in Cromer – including 10 to 10 at the parish hall, Pathfinders, and overseeing the renaissance of St Martin’s in Suffield Park.

Mr Graveling served as a town councillor and was a keen and talented amateur sportsman, playing for Aston Villa Reserves during his time at Birmingham University and representing Cromer Town Football Club.

Playing well into his 60s at Cromer Cricket Club, he served as chairman, secretary and president – being honoured to receive life membership in 2010.

Cromer Town FC runners-up in the Anglian Combination Div One in 1967-68. Mick Thornton, Ricky Daniels, Alan Bumphrey, Billy Baker, John Graveling, Tony Spurgeon, Colin Bumfrey, Neville Smith, Dave Foster, Derek Harrison, Mick Shaw, Harold Meeds (Image: Cromer Town FC)

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A tribute from the club read: “John was a great friend of Cromer Cricket Club, a club legend and an inspiration to many.

“He will be missed by all involved with the club, and our love and thoughts are with all his family.”

Mr Graveling died on November 7. He is survived by his wife Ann, his five children, two adopted children, and 11 grandchildren.

His funeral will be held at St Martin’s on November 28 at 1pm. There will be refreshments at the Grove's Sundown restaurant after the service.

Parking is available for both at Cromer Town FC.