Exciting times at LOSTOCK CRICKET CLUB with lots happening at CHEW MOOR LANE: New Season; New League; New Faces; Truly Tremendous New Scorebox; Super New Memorial Flagpole & Flag; Great New Monthly Members’ Newsletter…(1/2)…

LOSTOCK C.C. (2/2)…Newly-formed ex - Players’ Association; …and when clipboard, pencil, and tape measure are manifest, clearly summat else new is comin’ too…can’t wait for next week’s news!…and can’t beat the maxim of ‘MAINTAINING THE MOMENTUM’…

In my 60th anniversary year, it’s important that I acknowledge my thanks to the club for a ‘marathon innings’ (and still at the crease!), which I’m seeking to do in a number of tangible ways in 2023 – THANK YOU, LOSTOCK! (4/4)

I owe so much to the wonderful club which has rewarded me richly, via Life Membership in 1991, induction into the club‘s Hall of Fame in 2015, and – the ultimate honour in any organisation – the Presidency since 2002. (3/4)

The subsequent 6 decades, spanning the days of De Havilland, Hawker Siddeley, British Aerospace and the now independent LCC have represented exactly 75% of my time walking God’s earth, and have woven a golden thread in the tapestry of my life. (2/4)

Today is a special milestone on my life‘s journey, as on 4 May 1963, I first strapped on the pads in the cause of cricket at Lostock. My season’s subs. were half a crown (or 2s 6d, if you prefer!), when the ave. weekly wage was £17–12s-6d, and an ave. house cost £3,160! (1/4)

(1 of 2)… This is a preliminary ‘ blanket’ THANKYOU to all those kind folks who sent cards, messages of greeting, and M. S. Society donations on the occasion of my joining the OCTOGENARIANS’ ORGANISATION last week, with individual messages of appreciation to follow very soon…

(2 of 2)… whilst PHASE ll of my ‘60/80’ celebrations will be at LOSTOCK CRICKET CLUB next Friday (see below), an event which is rapidly selling out, so if you’d like to join us for a great evening of fun and fellowship, contact us soon to secure your tickets (07970 131460)…

Just 5 tickets left for tonight's concert starring THE HOUGHTON WEAVERS & WINGATES BAND at LOSTOCK CRICKET CLUB (7.30pm).. If there any 'last minute takers' who'd like to help us post the SOLD OUT signs, call 07970 131461...and we'll have regular updates from OAKWELL..COYWM!!

(2 of 2)… and particular thanks to PHIL WOOD for compiling a truly unique & cherished gift: A stunning compilation of superb photographs taken during my years ‘in the chair’, and a graphic reminder of what a wonderful journey I am on, helping to chronicle HOWFEN’S HISTORY!!

A thousand thanks to all in WESTHOUGHTON LOCAL HISTORY GROUP for the surprise news that I reached a 3rd special milestone in May (after my 80th birthday and 60 years with LOSTOCK C.C.): namely 5 years as chairman of our marvellous local heritage group (1 of 2)….

Huge thanks to The Bolton News for the splendid spread in Wednesday’s “Looking Back“ section, profiling LOSTOCK CRICKET CLUB’S tribute and memorial to its first professional, REUBEN SNAPE (19 63–1965), who died in Brisbane, Australia, aged 92

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS from all at LOSTOCK CRICKET CLUB to our 1st XI scorer, MICHAEL ‘MITCH’ CREGAN on his selection as England’s ‘man in the box’ for arguably the most eagerly anticipated cricket match of all time: The 4th ASHES TEST MATCH at Old Trafford starting on Wednesday…

Has anybody seen Brian Harman and Ricky Ponting in the same room? Didn’t think so.

G

Many thanks to the editorial team at Bolton News for the terrific 3-page spread in yesterday’s “Looking Back” pull-out, profiling the “The Wingates Band Story” exhibition at Westhoughton Library. Two great ‘event days’ done now and the 3rd to come on Saturday. Do join us!

Another great “Event Day” in prospect at Howfen’s Carnegie Hall today with A1 entertainment from JIM BERRY and folk singer CORRIE SHELLEY. PROGRAMME times given below, plus some glimpses of the comprehensive exhibition commemorating the 150th anniversary of Wingates Band.

Aspects of “The Wingates Band Story” exhibition, running until 31st October 2023

Calling all KEAWYEDS and brass band lovers everywhere: if you haven’t yet visited “THE WINGATES BAND STORY” (WLHGs expansive exhibition @ WESTHOUGHTON LIBRARY.) we urge you to do so soon, & take a walk “DOWN WINGATES WAY” to discover some fascinating facts about our iconic band..

Calling all KEAWYEDS, HOWFENERS, and the Wingates Band players diaspora: If you haven’t yet seen the band’s extensive 150th ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION at WESTHOUGHTON LIBRARY do try to visit before 31 October, as such a remarkable collection of material won’t ever be seen again…