School v OGA Twenty20 Cricket Match
We are hoping to organise a cricket match during Centenary Year. It will be very
much a social occasion for old friends to meet up and reminisce about the good (or
bad) old days at school. It will also give you an opportunity to see what 'goodies'
are available to help you celebrate/remember Centenary Year.
What could be nicer – a lovely summer's day, the sound of leather on willow,
a game of tennis, a deckchair, a glass or two of Pimms, getting misty-eyed over
some cricketing souvenirs of yesteryear and to meet up old chums you haven't seen
for years. It really doesn't get much better than that. All you have to do is turn
up, the sun will shine, I promise, honest, I used to sell second-hand cars.
As we no longer have the use of the school field or South Vale where the Old Gayts
used to play we have in mind Moat Farm recreation ground, ideally located between
Wealdstone and North Harrow. It has strong connections with the school/Old Gayts
as it's the ground where Bessborough play. Over the years many of us have played
for or against them on this delightful ground which is further enhanced by the nearby
Tithe Barn, a listed building in which we would hope to house the bar/refreshments
and 'goodies' thus making it more than just a cricket match. There are tennis courts
nearby so why not dig out the racquet or feed the ducks.
If you quite fancy taking part in the cricket match, which will be an Old Gaytonians
Invitation 11 against the present school, then dig out your whites and boots, if
you can remember where you put them, join in and you might find yourself sharing
the pitch with one of our England players – an opportunity not to be missed. It
would be delightful if some of the ‘old girls’, forgive me, could join us for the
day.
It will be a fun day. Bring along any old photos etc you might have, as Alex Bateman
has amassed a fabulous archive, some of which will be on display, but is always
looking to add to it.
Further details will be issued in due course as to how you can attend and join-in
but if you would like to play in the match then feel free to contact Keith Baker
now, telephone: 01923 828333 or email: baker@behamlet.demon.co.uk
I look forward to hearing from you.
Below is a short clip from 1961 showing play on what was the school field. Note
the cars parked on Kenton Road where drivers often stopped to watch the matches.