We English like to refer to cricket as "The Summer Game". For those of you who are not too familiar with this wonderful sport it may be described as morning coffee, followed by lunch, including for some a glass or two of the amber throat retriever (Aunty Sarah is an expert at this), followed by a sleep and then tea. Meantime on the green bit, some chaps dressed in white run around a lot. I perhaps oversimplify but hold that thought!
Each year that we return to England for a summer vacation we always try and spend a day at the home of cricket; no not Lords but Taunton, the home of Somerset Cricket.
This year we had a double incentive to spend a day at Taunton, as it was the 60th Wedding anniversary of my in-laws, Robert & Maureen Steeds, and we had brought all the family together to spend a day not only watching the cricket but also celebrating this wonderful milestone in their lives.Now Taunton is a very traditional cricket ground and when the sun is shining (not very often) it would not be out of place as an image on top of a chocolate box.
My father-in-law Robert is a Shepton Mallet boy, has been a Somerset supporter all his life and could think of no better place to bring all the family together.He took a corporate box for the day and we had the opportunity to watch the game from one of the best seats in the house, whilst enjoying all the trimmings normally associated with corporate hospitality.
Both Maureen and Robert are two of the kindest and most generous and caring people I know and throughout their marriage have always made family their first priority. They have always stood as examples as to how we should all live our lives and treat each other and those around us. In reviewing the post-match photo I thought that they had done a pretty impressive job in shaping "Team Steeds".
At the end of the day Somerset struggled against a rampant Essex although later went on to prevail and win the match. As for Maureen and Robert they continued a most impressive innings and finished the day a very well deserved 60 years Not Out!
