So I am starting to write this latest instalment not long after coming off the course whilst things are fresh in the memory, having played 9 holes on Stonebridge for the first time and played any holes for the first time in over 10 years. The body is feeling it a little with the legs being a little tired and the shoulders and top of my back know they have had a workout (particularly as it was ‘carry-on’ on course and no trollies, and I found I have no shoulder strap on my bag!), but it has been worth it.
So I have done it. I have committed to something new. You could say it is part of a new challenge, a new project, one which depending how it goes could be short-lived or could run for some time. One which I hope will be enjoyable and fulfilling and could lead to an element of self-discovery. And it could be one where in time I think ‘why didn’t I do this sooner?’.
Call it fate or the gods of rugby looking down on me, maybe it was even a calling.
No sooner had plans been made and booked for my recent visit and guided tour of Rugby School, the birthplace of rugby football, and exploring the Webb Ellis Rugby Football Museum than I receive an invitation. A special one too.
Whether you are a fan, player or follower of the sport, it cannot have escaped your attention that this year is something of a big year in the world of rugby.
A new book published provides a fascinating insight into the history of a unique cricket ground in rural Northamptonshire created and nurtured by two generations of one family.
A Short History of Cricket at Everdon Hall is written by David Owen and tells the story of “a truly special cricket ground”, created and nurtured by members of the Hawkins family.
It was established on rich pastureland in the Edwardian era before the First World War, with cricket continuing there, on and off, until about 15 years ago. Across the decades, matches at Everdon Hall took place on Sundays and occasionally in midweek, and were all-day affairs with lunch and tea taken at long tables in the white-walled pavilion adorned with old photographs, crests and cartoons. For lovers of all things cricket, this was country house cricket at its best and the rural tranquility offered by the ground and setting never went out of fashion.
Commenting on the book and his short time playing at this wonderful venue, Owen said,
“I had the good fortune to enjoy four summers of playing there in the latter years of its existence. Its story represents a small slice of England at its best.”
As well as hosting several local village teams, the annual fixture list over the years saw the likes of the MCC, University College Oxford, St John’s Cambridge, The Gentlemen of Leicestershire, Warwickshire Gentlemen and Leamington Cricket Club all tread the hallowed turf and capture the picturesque surroundings that Everdon Hall afforded its visitors.
Opponents each year also arrived in the form of two or three foreign touring parties, usually Australian. One notable fixture goes back to August 1980 and a “1950s Reunion Test Match” between Old England and Old Australia. It brought together the likes of former England fast bowlers Frank Tyson and “fiery” Fred Trueman, Denis Compton, Australia’s Doug Walters and Neil Harvey to Everdon for a game which was won by Old Australia.
Owen added,
“I had always promised myself that I would attempt to set down its history for posterity, and this year’s lockdown due to the pandemic afforded the perfect opportunity to actually get on and do it.
“This was only possible because of the scorebooks and memorabilia carefully salvaged by former team-mates Rob Williams and Dennis Cadd”.
Copies of A Short History of Cricket at Everdon Hall are available for only £5.00 (+ £1.50 for postage and packaging) from David Owen by contacting him via email at davidowen58@aol.com or by telephoning on 07771 898116.
Saturday sees the renewal of rugby hostilities between England and Scotland, but did you know the trophy that both sides also play for, the Calcutta Cup, has a strong connection with Rugby School and the birthplace of the sport?
With the 2020 Six Nations Rugby Championship getting underway this weekend, it is only right being a travel writer from and based in Rugby that I highlight some of the visitor attractions in my hometown.
And if you are a supporter or follower of rugby or just have a general interest in the game, this will be of real interest.
So here it is, call it a mini-tour as it were – my guide to five rugby places to visit here in Rugby.
The Landlocked Traveller 