A cracking event to warm up for the 2026 season took place when cricket commentating legend Henry Blofeld OBE was the main attraction at a Swardeston CC lunch.
More than 50 guests enjoyed lunch at The Georgian Town House in Norwich as guest of honour Henry regaled his audience with recollections from his distinguished career and some heartfelt opinions on the recent winter Ashes and T20 World Cup campaigns.
The lunch was kindly sponsored by multi-disciplinary planning consultants Lanpro.
Guests included representatives from Swardeston’s main club sponsor Abode Construction and fellow club sponsors Leathes Prior, Production Bureau and Finance Shop.
They were joined by club vice-presidents, members, current and former players, Swardeston supporters and guests from other cricket clubs.
Organised by club trustee George Walker, it is hoped the lunch will become a regular fixture in the calendar.
A fun Heads and Tails competition based on questions created by George, based on Henry’s life, was won by former Swardeston player Dean Tilford, who very kindly donated the £100 prize money back to the club.
Following the lunch Henry, who was joined by his wife Valeria, happily chatted to guests and signed copies of his books Over and Out and My A-Z of Cricket.
Swardeston chair Stuart Bartram said: “A huge thank you to Henry, who proved an inspired choice for our first-ever lunch of this type. Credit goes to George Walker, who had the original idea and led the organisation of the event.
“Our thanks also very much go to Chris Leeming and Lanpro for their sponsorship, to all our guests and to the team at The Georgian Town House for looking after us so well. Here’s to the next one.”
