BroadScot

Yes they did indeed have a two berth version of the 37ft model. Nice galley it was too. I wonder what happened to them? Shunted to the French Canals maybe? Iain

Hi Eric, WOW....WOW....you lucky so in so lol Have a most wonderous holiday Eric, dinny get too broon or the forumites wulny recognise you at the September Meet! I am not jealous at all, I am not jealous at all I am I am! Have a wonderful holiday, hopefully an internet connection will be available for you. Awe ra best, Iain.

Fair point Paul, but who else has the experience as Captain? I have never been in favour of bowlers in charge, I include myself in that one, you end up over or under bowling yourself. I just don't see Ian Bell as the captain either. So unless there is a player somewhere who is of test level, Cook has the job for a few more years till possibly Joe Root takes over the mantle. Iain.

Cannot get the first link to open Poppy? Second one is ok though, thank you. Iain.

Tim, When Ashley Mallett arrived at Ayr CC, he really struggled with our accent, but by the end of the summer, he had developed a slight Ayrshire twang Bob Massie, had three years at Kilmarnock CC and he also developed a touch of a scots accent. They both though, taught us lot, the way to train properly at Net nights etc, and trust me, it was bliddy hard work! Iain.

As in many test matches it is down to the toss of a coin. I wouldn't say that pitch disintigrated, bar the front foot on the popping creases. As I type. I look at my poor old ankles and think back to the punishment I bestowed on them thumping the left leg down. Crumbling wickets are those where every ball takes a piece out the surface, yes you saw a puff of dust occasionally, but that was on the bowlers follow through. ALL test sides target the oppositions captain, and Cook is no exception, I thought of his two strokes, the first was very bad, the old sucker punch off spin bowling. All countries at times struggle with opening partnerships, its not every day a Gordon Greenidge / Desmond Haynes or Bob Simpson / Bill Lawrey come along. I had the pleasure of being tonked all around a ground by Mr Greenidge, he was a magnificent batsman IMO. With so many overseas players in the English County game in all formats, it must be disheartening for some of the younger players hoping to play for England. Adam Lyth I hope takes his chance, time will tell. When I saw Struass playing a one dayer at Chester le Street, I would not have given tuppence for his chances of turning out to be both a successful Ashes Captain and opening batsmen. Alistair Cooks record speaks for itself, he has won a Ashes Series, lost one very badly too. It only one victory, BUT, its a victory in the Ashes, and that counts for a hellova lot IMO. Being lucky enough to have played with test players in my younger days, you learn to appreciate the pressure these men play under. In a email to Keith (CooWee) I had said Ian Bell has had a few Jaffa Deliveries, there is nothing you can do about that. Yes he like Watson is a LBW candidate every time they play cricket. With all this analysis today, its a wonder anyone can bat or bowl ! On next to the hallowed turf that is Lord's, a ground the Aussies have done well on in the past. Yes they will be hurting, and yes I don't see a 5-0 drubbing, much as I would love to see it happen. In conclusion, Joe Root is an amazing talent, and plays the game the way I love to see it being played,with a smile on his face. However, there were other players in the England side who were playing with a smile on their face also, Mark Wood being the prime example. Onwards to Lord's, win the toss, and score one more run than the Aussies I say! Iain.

Hmmmmmm nope deffo a TEAM effort. VC. Anderson and Broad with the new ball were superb. They also now have a very good pair from Durham, Brown as fast as anything England has had in along while, and Stokes a good and improving all rounder. Yes, Root did the business with the bat and ball, but it may have been different IF Hadin had taken that early chance. As they say, one victory doesn't make an Ashes Series, this Australian side will fight back I am sure. As I said, roll on Thursday morning! Iain.

Well one down....four to go! Well played England Would the London forum members kindly assist the auld ozzie team up to the long room at Lord's with their zimmers I am delighted for Alistair Cook after the whitewash out in convict land. One can only hope the groundsman at Lord's can produce a similar track to Sophia Gardens and nullify Johnson....AGAIN! Roll on Thursday morning! Iain.

Hi Monica & Keith, Yes I have been glued to the telly watching Dad's Army disintegrate in the face of first class seam bowling and clever captaincy with the usage of the spinner Ali, he is still not the finished article, but if he picks up wickets at the right time, who cares! The Aussies may survive till the new ball is due, or Broad and Co will endeth the first lesson in Ashes cricket! after tea....I hope! Iain.

Perhaps Steve, they thought you were RUSSIAN about! Aye ok i'll get my coat. Iain.

Here was me thinking it was part of a PUMP OUT Sign Iain

Tim, That was an awful German Accent! V hav vays of making you talk german!..JA! Iain.

Hi Mark, Not seen this on TV yet, (Watching the Test Match) but my guess if would be the Gloster Meteot Jet? As it was only one in WW2. Iain.

I have a wee story about that ground from years back, Keith. We were heading into the city one gorgeous summers evening when I stopped to watch some of the cricket being played there. Considering where it was, I was shocked to see players out playing in all sorts of garb....but NOT in whites I was talking to a gent who was walking his dog, regarding the poor state of dress wear for such a quality surroundings of a cricket ground. He asked me about cricket as he heard my Scottish accent, I explained I had played at a good level, and was taught from day one to dress like a cricketer even though you may not be a good un. It turned out the gent I was talking too was indeed the Dean of the Cathedral, and he said as we left, the school coaches would be told in know uncertain terms that proper attire should be worn when playing matches on the ground in future! Every time I have passed there, I think of that conversation. It was a different trip this last time, as I did it on my mobility scooter! How the years have moved on. Iain

Congratulations Keith, it is indeed! I can see some serious cropping is required! Iain.

Well you smarty pants lot didn't take long with my last attempt to confuzzle you! So this one is cropped a bit more! Iain.

Seconded!!! Iain.

Sitting moored stern on on the Loaves and Fishes (as was) side look through the trees and the inlet is that pic Alan. I may add I didn't take it, Ruth did, she thought it would be good for a "Guess Where" once I cropped it. Iain

I bet your hubby is also in the office Grace! Iain

Good news for those who require stern on moored to the pontoon if disabled. Iain

Well done Poggymale It is indeed next to the bridge on the left its the dyke next to the Yacht Station. Iain

That's 48 hours covered JM ....Errr what about the rest of a certain young lady's week aboard! Iain.

Hi Jean, Alan, Jaws Orca and the Skipper are the IT clever clogs in Admin. John our Admiral may know also. There is a wee chain link half way along that may help you? Iain.

Nope

Steve good try lol...but nope