A frosty morning gave a new look to the row of benches alongside Salts Cricket pitch. Rather more tempting to the eye than the bum, with that icy coating! I don't think they saw many bums at all last year as there were few matches on these sports fields, though they did play some cricket in Roberts Park across the river.
When there's such a heavy frost, I am fascinated by the patterns and textures it reveals. Old seed heads and piles of leaves are transformed into something quite magical.
Frost is so beautiful, sometimes I think it's better than snow.
ReplyDeleteI was reading a book about cricket recently (it's one of the things that cricket fans can do in the winter!) and learned that Sidney Barnes (1873 - 1967), who's reckoned by some to be the best English bowler ever, played for many years for Saltaire in the Bradford League. He had a long career but only played two seasons of county cricket as the Leagues paid better and allowed his to still work at his other job since they only played at weekends. I found myself wondering if there's any sort of memorial to him in Saltaire??
DeleteNot that I know of. There is, however, a plaque on the scoreboard to Jim Laker - another famous player - and a street named after
I remember Jim Laker as he played the last few seasons of his career for Essex, alongside our good friends and neighbours' son, Keith Fletcher, who went on to captain England.
DeleteSidney Barnes played for Saltaire till he was 50. He was paid £18 10s per match at Saltaire, which translates as over £1,000 at today's prices. Not only that but there was always a collection made for the "man of the match" which he often received too. Probably Saltaire feels it's already spent enough of its hard-earned brass on S F Barnes!
Lovely frosty edgings on your leaves.
ReplyDeleteI much preferred seeing the frosty leaves and plant seeds than I would have watching a cricket match, Jenny. This were lovely images of cold weather beauty.
ReplyDeleteThe only cricket pitch I know of here is at the governor general's residence.
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