You will recall that the 2023 tour was overwhelmingly cold and damp. The weather, which was dry during playing hours throughout, and warm and sunny in parts, was only one contrasting aspect of 2024. In what was undoubtedly a vintage tour, the contrasts were there in many other ways too.

In fact, things did not start well, when an injury to Sam Kennedy the weekend beforehand ruled him out for the duration. In addition, Freddie Bucknell was suffering with intermittent back trouble and could not bowl at all in some matches, so our already rather variable attack seemed thin at times. However, those that were left stepped forward magnificently to fill the gaps, and we were generally as successful on the field as we were socially off it.

Just as cricket evolves, so do the Sou’Westers. New fixtures, a new ground, a new pub and a new ‘window’: June 2024 saw the initiation of what all involved hope will be an annual event – the Norfolk mini-tour. We played and won two good games at beautiful Castle Acre cricket club and in every sense prepared well for the Western tour.

The AGM/Dinner will be 7pm on Thursday 21st March 2024 at The Perseverance, 63 Lamb’s Conduit Street, London WC1N 3NB. Contact Charlie Everett if you can make it.

Announcing a short tour to Norfolk in 2024 to Castle Acre, a tranquil rural village in Norfolk that boasts an extraordinary wealth of history.

• Sat 15th June v West Norfolk (11.30am start); BBQ in the evening.
• Sun 16th June v Castle Acre (1pm start).

Players should apply to Harry Kennedy for selection.

We have arranged a discounted rate at the Pig Shed Motel, adjacent to the George and Dragon, just outside the village.

A jolly crew of Sou’Westers assembled at Oporto Cricket and Lawn Tennis Club on Thursday 18th May. The planning had taken place over several years, another victim of covid, but Stewart Peet’s unswerving dedication ensured this became our 10th overseas tour. It was only a pity that, in his 90th year, Stewart could not be with us in person. We certainly felt his spirit throughout.

As the 2023 Western Tour began, media attention was focussed on the exceptional heat being experienced in many places around the world. Parts of the United States, Mexico, Southern Europe, and China recorded temperatures over 50 degrees Centigrade, over 40 was widespread, and one report asserted that the average temperature world-wide in the month of July was higher than for at least 100,000 years (though how this was established was not made clear). There were numerous wildfires and dramatic rescues of tourists from holiday hotels, most notably in Rhodes.

The 2022 Western Tour commences on Saturday 23rd July with the list now published on the Fixtures page. Andy has again lined up 12 games for us at the same lovely grounds as last year, albeit in a slightly different order.

To put your name forward for selection please apply by email to Martin Oliver for all games as early as possible. We will be looking to finalise teams well in advance this year and do not want you to be disappointed.

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