Feature Articles

We welcome any submissions of written articles for publication on this page. If you would like to contribute, e-mail your article to:
features@stannescricketclub.org

BOOK REVIEWS
by Gerry Wolstenholme

Sheila's Shop

National Poetry Day today, 6 October, sees the launch of Blackpool girl Deborah Wolstenholme's first volume of poetry, all of it written when she was a young girl and it follows in the footsteps of one of her favourite books, Robert Louis Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verses, although Deborah does not claim that it rivals that masterpiece.

The title poem of the book, Sheila's Shop, depicts a childhood haven for Deborah as she used to spend many happy hours sitting on the floor browsing through books at Sheila's Shop in London's Notting Hill Gate while her bookseller father was searching for other treasures. She writes, "It is such fun to look around, And sniff out books like a hound"! Her love of books also comes through in the poem Authors where literary giants such as Graham Greene and Agatha Christie rub shoulders with historian A L Rowse and children's favourites Beatrix Potter and Alison Uttley.

Deborah also recalls looking into her Mum's cabinet of collectables and, in an evocative poem, she identifies those that stuck in her mind although as she writes, "There's far too many for me to mention."

Deborah has illustrated the book herself and as a painter has a penchant for the surrealist artists and among these childhood memories are interspersed some poems with a surrealist theme. For instance, who would one most likely meet in Paris? The charming Around the World in Sixteen Lines reveals all!

Finally Deborah has always been a cat lover and this is amply demonstrated by the number of her feline friends who appear in the verse, which, surreal, innocent or simply descriptive is a delight to read and enjoy.

Deborah currently lives in a converted barn in Somerset and the book is available from her in a signed limited edition of just 100 copies at £5.50 including postage from Deborah Wolstenholme, The Byre Studio, Lottisham, Somerset BA6 8PF.

GORDON GARLICK The Cricketing Life and Times of a Gentleman Professional, Lancashire, Northamptonshire, League Professional

Gordon Garlick as a county professional was one of the many journeymen cricketers who abounded in the late 1930s through to the early 1950s. A Lancastrian by birth he had his career with his native county interrupted by World War II and although capped in 1947 it was to be his final season with the club. He moved to Northamptonshire where his wholehearted displays regenerated interest in his adopted county's cricket but he stayed with his new county for only three seasons before opting to continue his career at League level. He joined Fleetwood, then in the Ribblesdale League, as professional and stayed a further two seasons when the club moved into the newly formed Northern League. As professional he then had five seasons at St Annes and two seasons at Kendal before ending his top class career with two seasons as captain of Fleetwood as an amateur. He became the first bowler to take over 500 Northern League wickets and his efforts helped win the championship for Kendal in 1959. This is the story of a cricketer whose explosive batting and destructive bowling regularly earned him the sobriquet Gay Gordon!

As St Annes professional between 1954 and 1958 his figures were 84 innings, 13 not out, 1708 runs, 85 highest score, 24.06 average* (* excludes the 1954 season when runs total (so few) is not known) and 1525.2 overs, 331 maidens, 4071 runs, 318 wickets, average 12.80.

The full story of his career is recounted in a book by Gerry Wolstenholme entitled GORDON GARLICK The Cricketing Life and Times of a Gentleman Professional, Lancashire, Northamptonshire, League Professional, which is available from Red Rose Books in a limited edition of 120 copies, the number of first-class wickets Garlick took for Lancashire. The first 20 copies are bound in cloth in a slipcase with marbled end papers and silk bookmark and are priced at £49.95 while the card-covered edition is available at £11.95. Orders can be made through www.redrosebooks.co.uk or from Red Rose Books, 478 Bolton Road, Darwen, Lancashire BB3 2JR (01254) 776767.

DIARY OF A CELEBRITY!
Phil Tufnell: What Now? With Peter Hayter
CollinsWillow £6.99, ISBN 0-00-218817-1

Since his recent celebrity television fame this reissue of Phil Tufnell's autobiography should perhaps have been entitled What Now that I am a Celebrity? There is no doubt that the Tufnell name is far more well-known now that he has appeared in a reality television show than it ever was when he was a Middlesex and England cricketer.

That is not to take anything away from him as a cricketer, on his day he could hold his own with the very best, but it does demonstrate the power of reality television. Would Tuffers, sometimes the bad boy of English cricket, for instance ever have dreamt that he would feature in a television advertisement for holidays and become a face of the national papers for achievements other than on the cricket field? Probably not, but that has all changed now.

However his entertaining book does concentrate on his cricketing career and, in his own words, "the experiences that have shaped my life". An idyllic childhood, a punk rebel at 13, he graduated, a trifle fortuitously, to the MCC groundstaff where "life was a real hoot". In 1986 he was on the Middlesex staff and from there, despite "bumbling along at Middlesex", he never looked back, in a cricket sense.

His recounting of experiences on his first England tour are amusing to say the least and his domestic circumstances lead to more trouble and strife as he continues his cricketing at home and around the globe. Despite all this, he was a Test match winner for England, particularly at probably his favourite ground, The Oval.

He tells the full story, warts and all, and makes for, as would be expected of someone like Tuffers, a rollicking good read. But, to go back to where we started, will not the new celebrity Phil Tufnell have much more to say on a wider scale in the next volume? If it is as entertaining as this one, it can't come quick enough - now Get Me Out of Here!!!

Buy this book now from Amazon.Co.UK

WRONG TIME, WRONG PLACE!
Guess My Story: The Life and Opinions of Keith Andrew Cricketer
By Stephen Chalke, Fairfield Books £15.00, ISBN 0-9531196-8-8

Gerry Wolstenholme

It was very much a case of 'wrong time, wrong place' for wicketkeeper Keith Andrew as he was a contemporary of the more flamboyant Godfrey Evans who made the England place his own for many of Andrew's formative years.

Andrew did get a Test appearance in Australia in 1954 and kept quite well but he did miss a difficult leg side chance from Arthur Morris who went on to make 153 of Australia's 601-8 declared. England were beaten by an innings and Evans returned for the second test with Andrew relegated to taking the moving pictures of the tour.

Consistent performances over the ensuing years eventually led to a Test recall against the West Indies in 1963 but when more depth in batting was deemed to be required he lost his place once again. So his Test career was restricted to just two matches despite the fact that he was acknowledged by many of his peers to have been the best wicketkeeper in county cricket at the time. Indeed Micky Stewart in his foreword acknowledges the fact and adds that Keith is "a lovely man, a real cricket man with a great sense of humour".

But Andrew has no regrets and is not bitter, indeed he is quite the opposite as he tells his story to Stephen Chalke with great amusement and aplomb. The title of the book is an intriguing one but it is simply explained. He was once on a television panel game that he thought was called What's My News or even What's My Story? It turned out to be Guess My Story, in Keith Andrew's words, "It was a sort of 'Have I Got News for You', only nicer." And that topical little title of the day became the lead title of the book!

A Lancashire lad Keith migrated to Northamptonshire along with Frank Tyson and, from his Central Lancashire League days, George Tribe the Australian. He remained loyal to the county throughout his career and was later a successful captain, leading the club to a second place finish in an exciting climax to the 1965 season. "The captaincy of Northamptonshire was the happiest time in my whole working life" he admits and adds, "It was such a fascinating challenge. In a way, it was my university. I learned so much."

He was always willing to learn from the moment he began his cricket career and this paid off in later life with appointments close to the heart of English cricket to pass on his knowledge and expertise. He has been responsible in quite a big way for the development of the recreational game in this country and he can now sit back with pride and look back on his achievements.

What he achieved could even have been more for when he was a guest at the Centenary Test at Lord's in 1980 he found himself sat on a coach next to none other than Arthur Morris. The great Australian left-hander remarked to him "I nicked one before that [the missed chance] and you didn't appeal." Andrew remembered one that "went between bat and pad" but in his unassuming way his view is "I don't suppose it would have made any difference. But it is all chance, isn't it?"

And his everlasting view of his years in the game is well worth recording, as it seems so out-of-place in the modern world. He says, "There was so much laughter in my time in cricket. And that's my memory. The laughter."

Buy This Book Now from Amazon.Co.UK

THE FIGHT FOR THE ASHES AT BLACKPOOL!

Gerry Wolstenholme

It is heartening to be able to recall that while England's cricketers are suffering down under this winter there was once a time when the record opening partnership by an English pair against the Australians in England was made at Blackpool.

It was in 1909 when an England XI entertained the Australian tourists in a festival game at the then named Whitegate Park. The England side was not fully representative in that selection was restricted due to many players' commitments in county championship games. But it was still a strong side and to counter it the Australians also fielded an eleven worthy of the occasion.

And one of the Australians, arguably the greatest batsman to come from down under prior to Don Bradman, saved the day for his side. That was the immortal Victor Trumper whose image has been forever etched in cricket lovers' minds by the captivating photograph of him dashing out to drive taken by the Edwardian photographer George Beldam.

Trumper was such a draw that over the three days of the game in August 1909 more than 20,000 turned up to see him at Whitegate Park. He did not disappoint, scoring a fluent 49 in the first innings and then majestically stroking 150 in the second innings when the Australians had been obliged to follow-on. His latter innings lasted just under two hours and contained one six, one five and 24 sparkling fours. It was to be his final first-class century in England, as he did not tour in 1912 when he, and five other players, were in dispute with the Australian authorities.

He needed to perform his heroics because after England captain Charlie McGahey chose to bat on a perfect batting track, openers Johnny Douglas of Essex and Albert Knight of Leicestershire then proceeded to take the Australian attack apart. And it was an attack that had just come from Old Trafford where a draw had seen the Ashes stay in Australia. The pair put on 284, an opening partnership that beat the previous record of 185 made by Stanley Jackson and Tom Hayward at The Oval ten years previously. Knight made 163, an innings that contained one six and 23 fours, and Douglas made 103. The England XI were eventually dismissed for a mammoth 567 just before lunch on the second day.

The Australians fared badly in reply despite a quick-fire 49 in only 40 minutes from Trumper and they were all out early on the third morning for 326 when "Mr McGahey decided to let the colonials follow-on". Follow-on they did and at 138-4 second time around they were in danger of defeat by an innings. Enter Victor Trumper. Two singles took him to his 1,000 runs for the tour and then he set about asserting his authority over the tiring England bowling. He was assisted by skipper Monty Noble as the pair added 93 runs in only 35 minutes and then, as time ran out and the game was safe, he reached his 150 before giving away his wicket when recklessly charging down the pitch to Reeves.

His job was done and the game was immediately ended as a draw with the Australians having reached 390-7 and secured an honourable draw. The local press reported, "It was Trumper at his best, indulging in a variety of strokes all round the wicket, which have made him so justly famous - his placing in particular being a revelation to many who saw him for the first time." And there were plenty that had that privilege. The paying attendance on the three days was 10,422, receipts of £344 6s 0d on the first day, 6,070 on the second day, £202 11s 0d taken at the gate, while on the third day 2,847 had paid £87 19s 6d. The total number of paying spectators was therefore 19,339, a number that with members took the overall attendance to over 22,000 for the three days. After expenses the enterprising Blackpool club, who had arranged the game after Lancashire had declined to play in the resort that season, was able to deposit £125 in its newly formed Pavilion Restoration Fund.

It was a hugely successful venture that gave local cricket lovers the opportunity to see one of the greatest batsmen of the Edwardian era at work. The full story of the game, a brief history of Blackpool as a first-class cricket venue together with a biographical sketch of Victor Trumper's life is told in a new book Trumper Triumphant. It is published in a limited edition of 150 copies, recognising Trumper's second innings score, by Red Rose Books of 196 Belmont Road, Bolton BL1 7AR (Tel 01204 596118).

TOTAL WAUGH!

Ashes Diary 2001
by Steve Waugh

List Price: £16.99 Click Here and buy through Amazon.co.uk for £13.59 Saving you £3.40 (20%)

If English cricket followers are wondering why in recent times Australia usually manage to defeat the best that the home country can offer, perhaps a read of Steve Waugh's new, engrossing book will help explain a little.

Desire, Determination, Dedication and Discipline are all words that permeate the text. And these are the words that make Steve Waugh's record-breaking Ashes side the team that they were. There was no slacking, no socialising that interfered with the prime objective and no-one was in any doubt what their role in the whole operation was. Of course they were times when a Bon Jovi concert was attended, U2 were observed at first hand and Pat Rafter was given support in his Wimbledon tennis final but all such activities took place before or after the main event. They did not interfere with it.

The book has been extended to include Australia's trip to India where, in a truly remarkable series, the home side managed to defeat the tourists 2-1. Waugh was disappointed but not downhearted and he revitalised the squad to come to England and do the business. The India tour is a welcome addition to the book for not only does it cover cricket that did not receive full coverage over here, it gives an interesting background to social and cultural life on the sub-continent. And also it highlights Steve Waugh's important role in that culture. In addition there are some tremendous photographs, many of them taken by the captain himself.

The fact that India won says much for the home team, for Australia approached the games in just the same way as they always do. But they had to counteract Indian conditions, a hostile Indian crowd plus some magnificent batting from perhaps unexpected quarters. In the end it all told against them and a first series defeat for some considerable time was the result.

The diary also covers a memorable trip to Gallipoli on the way to England. The Australian boys caught the feeling of history there so well that they re-enacted a game of cricket that had taken place while ANZAC soldiers were being evacuated all those years ago. It is a most moving chapter of the book and, if the skipper has his way, all future Australian teams visiting England will make a call there on the way over. It certainly sets the patriotic mood and no doubt inspired the players in the months that followed.

The book then concentrates on days in England and every game is discussed in some detail. The players, too, are opened up to the public with nicknames and quirky habits included. The captain explains his philosophy in each game and it is not difficult to quickly realise that England were up against no mean opponent. The first two Tests were won in a canter and then it was on to the Third Test at Trent Bridge. That was won too but the price was a costly one as Steve Waugh was stretchered off with a serious leg injury.

He thought that his tour was over but, reflecting on the heroics of the men at Gallipoli, he realised that anything was possible and that it was possible for him to make a comeback for the final test. While Adam Gilchrist captained Australia to defeat at Headingley, courtesy of an astonishing innings by Mark Butcher, Waugh spent his time working on his fitness. And the story of how he made it to The Oval is a remarkable one with a day-by-day diary of how he felt and what chances he thought he had of playing. And he wanted to play, not only so that he could finish what could be his final England tour on the field but also because he had a feeling that he would bat well. His thoughts were borne out as he made 157 not out as Australia clinched the series 4-1. He was a trifle disappointed that he had not repeated the 1920/21 Australia whitewash but satisfied that his side had done their best and had comfortably retained the little urn.

There was no doubt that the Australians in England were dominant and no wonder for as long as Steve Waugh, his able assistants and their successors adopt the policy and approach that they do, it will take an exceptional England side to win back the Ashes.

As the pre-publication blurb says of the book "this is a superb souvenir of an exciting time in cricket". It certainly is and is recommended reading for cricket followers everywhere. And in addition, those in the England camp could perhaps learn a thing or two from it! As for Steve Waugh, he felt that his players and officials had accomplished what movingly was inscribed on one soldier's tombstone at Gallipoli - Duty Done.

Cricket Across the Seas
Red Rose Books £24.95

Red Rose Books is rapidly gaining a reputation as a publisher of facsimile editions of scarce and out-of-print cricket classics.

The fourth such offering from Bolton based publisher Martin Tebay is Across the Seas which is an account of Lord Hawke's tour of New Zealand and Australia, with one game in the USA, of 1902/03.

Its publication is particularly appropriate with the England side soon to set out to New Zealand for the tour of almost 100 years ago aptly demonstrates how different life was then to what it is now.

Hawke's side (and he did not travel with the players) went by land and sea and returned after a 30,000-mile round trip lasting some considerable months. In addition to the cricket, the players went sightseeing and Warner gives a good account of various New Zealand landmarks plus what life was like in the colony in its earlier days.

Gerry Wolstenholme has provided a new, lengthy introduction that includes pen portraits of the tourists - one of whom on the Australian leg of the tour was Albert Trott - an Australian!

As with the other books that Red Rose has published, this one would fetch in excess of £200 on the secondhand market so, produced in a limited edition of 300 copies in a smart dust wrapper, it is value for money at £24.95.

Details of the three other books published and arrangements for ordering the Warner book can be viewed at www.cricketsupplies.com/books where other items of Martin's stock are also displayed.

Reminiscences of David Hunter. The Genial Yorkshire Stumper
Red Rose Books £20

Red Rose Books has done it again! For the third time the company that is rapidly getting a name for itself as a publisher of scarce little cricketing gems has come up with a third title.

This time it is the anonymously written short biography of Yorkshire's wicketkeeper between 1888 and 1909 that was originally published soon after the stumper's retirement. It is now not just a glint in the eye of collectors for when it did previously come on the market, and that was not very often, it commanded a price in excess of £150. Red Rose Books has produced a first-class facsimile edition, with a newly designed dust wrapper, for a fraction of that sum that now means that those who covet the book can easily obtain a copy of a well produced limited edition of 200.

Hunter was something of an enigma in that he played over 500 first-class matches but gained no representative honours other than the occasional game for the Players against the Gentlemen. And what is more, not much was written or said about him by his contemporaries.

Even so, the biography covers more than cricket for Hunter was a man of many parts. He was a fine clog dancer, a follower of the hounds, often on foot, a bell ringer, a concertina player and a breeder of canaries. But it his cricket achievements that Gerry Wolstenholme concentrates on in a new foreword that has been added to the original. His taking of six victims in an innings on two occasions and his eight victims in a match being the highlights and being three incidents that prompted C B Fry to comment "He is the best wicketkeeper never to have played for England."

The book is available by post from Red Rose Books at 196 Belmont Road, Bolton BL1 7AR and can also be ordered by e-mail on redrosebooks@btinternet.com.

The other two books that the firm has produced are also still available. They are The Life of Johnny Briggs by Herbert Turner and Fred Reynold's Lancashire Cricket 1864-1881, priced £19.95 and £29.95 respectively. They are both produced in a limited edition with new dust wrapper and in each case a lengthy introduction by Gerry Wolstenholme.