When I were a little lad I used to go with me dad to the Racecourse ground in Radcliffe to watch Radcliffe Borough, who played in the Central Lancashire League. Each club hired a professional, and Radcliffe, at various times, got Frank Worrell, Sonny Ramadhin and Garfield Sobers, among others, when they were at their peak but out of season in their native lands. Everton Weekes had a terraced house in our street, about 25 yards down from our house, and he and the above-named, among many others, held rather raucous parties there. That didn't always go down well with the non-cricket-loving white neighbours... Wow, how times have changed...

Sir Frank died very young but Lady Worrell lived on in Radcliffe for many years and was a familiar local face about town.

Gary Sobers, when he wasn't batting (and getting a century), or when he wasn't bowling (and taking nine wickets) would field on the boundary and you could be six feet away from him. What a treat for this little lad! He was always very animated, giving everything, and it was wonderful to hear him screaming out his appeals in a very high-pitched voice, 'OWISSEEEE!