She’s welcome at my seasonal table, as is Mr John Barclay with his entertaining, witty and thoroughly good-natured cricket chat.
Almost fifty of us turned up to hear John – former captain of Sussex CCC; MCC President (2009–10); president, English Schools Cricket Association (ESCA); and vice-president of the Arundel Castle Cricket Foundation – who also happened to be our last speaker prior to lockdown in March 2020.
He seemed flattered to be back, saying he rarely gets a second invite – although I find that hard to believe.
Not only did he talk cricket.
He also illustrated it vividly, with walkabouts and grand arm and hand gestures to bring his words to life.
There was something of the pantomime in the way he involved us in his performance – for this was far more than a traditional 'speech'.
We heard about his appointment as MCC President, as the choice of his predecessor Derek 'Deadly' Underwood.
Did gratitude for the dropped catch that enabled Derek's only first-class hundred play a part?
John also told us more of his captaincy of Sussex, which he clearly enjoyed despite being no more than 'an average cricketer' – a becoming modesty rather disputed by Wisden.
His stories of some of the cricketing greats included Imran Khan, Malcom Marshall and the awesome Vivian Richards.
Viv, he commented, 'could spoil a [cricketing] Sunday afternoon – and quickly.'
Closely questioned by our chairman, Michael, John revealed that his own pick as MCC President was Christopher Martin-Jenkins, which proved a popular choice.
He also shared the origins of his unusual middle name, 'Troutbeck', and thus his lifelong nickname, 'Trout'.
Troutbeck is his mother's maiden name – her family hailing from the eponymous Lake District village, close to the shores of Windermere.
Among John's many roles in the game, he is President of the English Schools Cricket Association (ESCA).
Our own Ken Lake MBE is ESCA's long-serving Secretary, and John paid a warm tribute to Ken and his role in nurturing so many aspiring young cricketers – including Joe Root, Mark Ramprakash and Cottingham's Will Rhodes.
As for favourite Yorkshire memories, John recalled a special catch made at Headingley.
And he agreed with many of us that North Marine Road, Scarborough is right up there among grounds for its great crowds and atmosphere.
He also touched on the spirit of cricket, deploring the scenes among MCC members after Jonny Bairstow's run-out in last summer's LordsTest.
Involvement in the game, as player or spectator, is a privilege that must not be abused.
Maggie offered a vote of thanks, and thanks are also due to all who contributed to the £145 raised by our monthly raffle.
Finally, I wish everyone a happy, healthy and cricket positive 2024.
Cathy Rennison