Jim Laker – 19 wickets 70th Anniversary Lunch

JIM LAKER -19 WICKETS 70TH ANNIVERSARY LUNCH
Thursday 23rd July, Emirates Old Trafford

It all started with one of Jim Laker’s daughters Fiona e-mailing Emirates Old Trafford and asking what we were doing to remember her father’s great bowling feat 70 years ago in taking 19 wickets in an Ashes Test Match?

It was picked up by our new Heritage Manager Alex Cropper and along with Rev. Malcolm Lorimer they set about organising a special lunch in August to remember Jim Laker’s Test world record.

Over 70 people were present at the lunch, including Jim’s two daughters Fiona and Angela and their partners. They brought with them some memorabilia as well as two scrapbooks concerning the match. One contained all the telegrams Jim received from all over the world. There was a special toast to Jim and his two daughters who were rather flattered to have to sign some of menus afterwards.

Alex Cropper brought an original scorebook and a cricket stump from the Lancashire Cricket Collection which had been presented to Rev. David Shepherd, along with other scrapbooks and photos. Neil Robinson, the Heritage and Museum manager from Lord’s, brought the two balls used by Jim Laker in the match.

Malcolm Lorimer provided a special menu and a scorecard for each person with an intriguing photo of two young boys sitting on the outfield having their lunch.  We are trying to trace these boys from their school badge from Hulme Grammar School.

There was a seventeen-minute film of the Test Match played on the large screen in the room with interviews from some of the players who had played in the match.

Cricket writer Stephen Chalke spoke about Jim Laker, reflecting on the man, the match and its place in cricket history. Also interviews with Fiona, Angela and Patrick – Jim’s grandson – who had played cricket at the Oval and hit two sixes into the Lock & Laker stand!

An excellent three-course meal was enjoyed, everyone spoke highly of the event and one which should be repeated. There is only one problem! – we need another historic match to celebrate.

Rev Malcolm Lorimer
Heritage Team Volunteer
Emirates Old Trafford

Footnote. On the back of the menu there is a photo of two young boys around 12 or 14 enjoying lunch on the outfield. They would be around 70 or 80 now, both we think from Hulme Grammar School. We would like to track them down, do you know who they are?

THANKS TO LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE SOCIETY FOR HELPING TO SPONSOR THE EVENT