We recently strolled down to Waterside Arts Centre in Sale to spend an evening, together with a packed audience of at least 400, with Henry Blofeld, a Test Match Special commentator from 1972 until his retirement at the age of 77.
He was very engaging, with lots of anecdotes, as one would expect, and even those (like Sue) with no particular interest in cricket came away feeling thoroughly entertained, even doubling the cost of their evening by spending £20 on a copy of Henry’s latest book. I noticed at half time that his wife was hiding behind a huge pile of books in the foyer and I wondered why they had brought so many, but by the end of the night the people who had queued for the longest time had to make do with a handshake with Henry across a bare table.
I’ve not yet read the book, but I’m sure it’ll provide good entertainment for a few hours.
Henry’s ‘78 Retired’ tour continues at various venues until mid November.
2 comments:
Commentators like that are few and far between. I could listen to Test Match Special all day, and even after Henry's departure it still maintains a high standard. Peter Alliss is another good example - he is still going strong at the age of 87, and always with something new to say.
Agreed Conrad, TMS has kept me entertained since my childhood, and continues to do so. I'm sure Henry would have continued if he hadn't started to suffer from (I don't know the correct terminology) 'Blank Screen Syndrome'.
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