England legend Alec Stewart was the guest speaker at Swardeston CC’s 25th annual cricket dinner.
The former England captain recounted his 14 years as an England player, including the seven Ashes series he played in without a win. He said how proud he was of the current side and how he felt that they would still be the top-rated Test-playing side in five years’ time, such was the depth of quality of players now coming through. He talked about setting short-term achievable goals and long term visions as a player.
Stewart was supported by comedian Jed Stone. Other guests included Tim Boon, current England Under-19 coach and former Swardeston and Norfolk player. Clive Radley, formerly of Middlesex and England, and the very first speaker at the dinner 25 years ago also attended. Clive retired as MCC head coach in 2009.
Swardeston CC chairman Mark Taylor, said: “We want to say a big thank you to all those cricket lovers who have supported our dinner over the past 25 years. It was fantastic having Alec Stewart along to help share our celebrations. I also want to pay a huge tribute from everyone at the club to David Thomas, who has done a fantastic job in organising every one of the 25 events.”
The event started in the village hall with well under 100 guests. For the past 20 years it has been held in a marquee on the ground at The Common. There were more than 260 guests attending, including many Norfolk businesses who have been great supporters of the dinner.
[note]Previous guest speakers: 1987 – Clive Radley; 1988 – Ray East; 1989 – Paul Downton; 1990 – Allan Lamb; 1991 – Graham Gooch; 1992 – David Lloyd; 1993 – Dennis Lillee; 1994 – Fred Trueman; 1995 – Geoff Miller; 1996 – Mark Nicholas; 1997 – Allan Lamb; 1998 – Graham Gooch; 1999 – Chris Cowdrey; 2000 – Gladstone Small; 2001 – Micky Stewart; 2002 – Robin Smith; 2003 – Angus Fraser; 2004 – Derek Randall; 2005 – Mike Watkinson; 2006 – Geoff Miller; 2007 – Ronnie Irani; 2008 – Shaun Udal; 2009 – Graham Thorpe; 2010 – Graeme Fowler.[/note]Article and photo courtesy of the Eastern Daily Press – www.edp24.co.uk
