March14th. Members welcomed Alan Stuttard for his talk 'I never knew Constantine.' This was cricket- Alan, a Yorkshireman, and keen protagonist in the Lancs/Yorks 'battle' played for Walsden in the Central Lancs. league for a record 60 years over seven decades.

He attended Todmorden Grammar School which, incredibly, produced two Nobel Prize winners- Geoff Wilkinson and the Rev. Russell Napier who twice played for Lancashire. Playing against the Aussies he took 7 for 102 and made 37 runs and against Yorkshire took 4 wickets for 0 runs and won the match. He was reported to be the fastest bowler 'on his day' but never played for Lancs. again.

Alan has published a book 'Slipless in Settle' (clever), collects cricket memorabilia and, in pursuit of stories, found a 'cricket dream' in an attic which told of the feats of Sam Moss in the 1890's. Sam, from a shoe-making family, was described as 'faster than Arthur Mole of Lancs.' and took over 2,000 wickets in 18yrs. He was followed by son Ernest and grandson Len both of whom had impressive acievements.

Leary Constantine (whom Alan never knew) came with the West Indies team in 1928 and achieving greatness in the game went on to play for Nelson and Rochdale. Gate money for the season amounting to £2,300, compared with £259 at Rishton, was a measure of his fame. He later studied law becoming a barrister in 1958 then High Commissioner for Trinidad and Tobage and life peer in 1969.

Alan's talk, he said, was fully titled 'But I nearly saw Bradman'. He was taken to Old Trafford by his father for an England/Aussie match. Bradman was picked but bad weather scuppered the game. Back in Manchester Test Match highlights were advertised at the News Theatre but they had to leave to catch the train hence 'nearly' saw Bradman.

Now playing for Walsden Mosha Khan had scored 200 for Pakistan at Lords. Alan, dropping him off after a match said he wished he had seen the 200 to which Khan replied " Got it on video."

The show ended at 1a.m. Khan had agreed modest wages at Walsden but he didn't 'need the money' with a famous Bollywood actress wife back home. He 'conveniently' had videos of her films-another couple of hours!

This was a great presentation with humorous tales of other cricket treats familiar to members. President Brian Fielding thanked Alan to enthusiastic applause. Next meeting 28th March-'Beehive Power'-come along for the buzz!

R.K.