Queen's Park Life

 

Sounds like some royalist Britpop from the 90s, but this isn't the work of Damon Albarn et al, but a pubication from the hard working folk of Chesterfield Cricket Club.

Cricket followers are being given the chance to relive some special moments.
Chesterfield Cricket Club have enlisted the help of some of the biggest names in the game to bring out a colour brochure entitled Queen's Park Life.

This new publication recalls matches on one of the most picturesque grounds in the world through the memories of those who played in them.
BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew, Chesterfield's own former Test all-rounder Geoff Miller and ex-England spin bowler Nick Cook are among those to feature.

Others include Derbyshire legends Edwin Smith and Alan Hill, who is the County Club's president for 2023.

Ex-Warwickshire opening batsman David Smith and former top umpire Ray Julian also recall days in the sun.

Chesterfield chairman Nigel Mallender said: "This brochure was originally intended as a commemoration because 2023 marks 15 years since Chesterfield won the Derbyshire Premier League. "But it soon became apparent that there were many people with a story to tell or memories of our famous old ground, so we decided to broaden the theme."

That Chesterfield League triumph is recalled by the-then captain Alex Hibbert and Club secretary Steve Franks who was - and still is - first-team scorer. 

They are two of a series of 16 interviews conducted by Club member Tim Murray. He said: "Everybody we approached was happy to take part."I think that reflects the great affection in which the Queen's Park ground and the Chesterfield Club are held." Murray added: "I hope that we have unearthed some unusual stories and that even regular followers of cricket on the ground may find plenty of new tales."

One example is a former Derbyshire bowler who, in another sport, has played league matches in the same league every season for the last 75 years.
Another is an ex-Chesterfield wicket-keeper who stood up to the stumps with one of the fastest bowlers in history racing in. There are also features on Chesterfield Club players and personalities.

The brochure, which includes historic photographs and colourful artwork, has been designed and printed by Chesterfield-based Nine Limes Design.

Queen's Park Life costs £5 and is available from the Pavilion on the ground on match-days or directly from immaculately attired Tim Murray as he roves around the County and club grounds of the East Midlands.

Alternatively, email nigel@chesterfieldcricketclub.co.uk to find out more about Queen's Park Life.

 

Yes I know it's Derbyshire, but if you're looking for a Notts CCC connection, I'm told that one of the 16 interviews by Tim Murray (who is a regular down at Trent Bridge), is with Linda Slater, mother of Ben, who does a shift in the kitchens during the festival there.