THEY SAY

by the community can be those which are doing well. There are many reasons for this, not least of course that there may be a much smaller wage bill as many are volunteer-led. There is also a strong sense of community which leads to a strong loyalty as a goodly number of customers are likely to be share-holders. One such venue I have been following with interest is the ‘White Lion’ at Broadwindsor, a village of just over 1,300 souls, right on the southern edge of the area that this fine magazine covers. The local community is clearly a strong one, having founded its cricket club way back in the 20th Century; in fact next year it will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary. Reports on the pub are always interesting (they have a Facebook site) and I hope they too, one day, will be celebrating their 100th birthday ... sadly I won't be attending.

Having often seen the advert for ‘The Orchard Inn’ in this magazine, I felt that a visit was overdue. As with so many licenced premises, there have been some extensive building alterations over the years and those carried out here are very positive. We chose to eat in the conservatory, bar tender for the night Darren being very accommodating for a not-so-able member of our party, and the chef (and owner) Matthew extremely helpful as that same member has food intolerances. Matthew has a track-record that is second to none and clearly has a passion for cooking. Butcombe beer was our choice, which earned them a good report to the CAMRA ‘WhatPub’ page. The pub's website implies 'traditional pub fare' with some pictures of what yours truly would consider to be a little pretentious. However, one need not be concerned as our food was beautifully cooked and presented. Belly pork, chicken salad and a curry went to the others, whilst mine was a steak and ale pie actually the best I've ever had –and that's something I do not say lightly. The whole evening was a success, and I congratulate Matthew and his charming and pleasant staff on running a real tight ship. It doesn't happen by magic but by sheer hard work and dedication! ‘We'll be back’ as the saying goes.

The great old traditional Kent based game of Bat and Trap continues to stimulate interest within the circle of our contemporaries. I found it amusing that initially it was treated in a perfunctory way by some until we were seen playing it and the sceptics joined in the fun, and all of a sudden it is elevated from what they believed was a kiddies game to something on par with cricket! I may have exaggerated slightly there for the sake of clarity, but the best way to see why interest is so strong is to have a go. Incidentally, the origins of the game goes back to the 15th Century and is believed that it actually does share its roots with cricket, and some fascinating old pictures exist of early activity. Whilst it might not be possible for you to participate right now, dear reader, please do take a look at YouTube at videos of the action, particularly the one with Charlie Ross and Steph Connell on the BBC Antiques Road Trip. Historian of the game Keith ‘Jake’ Janes gives them the background to the game and what happened after the First World War, when those mentally and physically injured were able to participate in a game where one can score runs – without actually running! Those returning from that ghastly business found themselves in the Garden of England for recovery and convalescence; hence Kent became the stronghold for the game. The result is that by the early 1920's the rules were codified, leagues were formed, and this year the Canterbury League celebrates its century. Speaking of the BBC, the trapball shoe pictured (a precursor to

A trap-ball ‘shoe’ as seen on the Antiques Roadshow. B&T) appeared on Antiques Roadshow and was valued at £200. Back then one would wallop the ball on the rise and hit it as far as possible, something that would not go down well in a pub garden today I'm certain. The equipment needed these days can be made at home with the few basic skills I think that most of us have. One of the first ‘shoes’ made by your scribe is pictured below.

The balls are from a pet shop designed for dogs to play with, but I have recently replaced these with lacrosse balls. If making the kit is inconvenient or outside ones’ skill-set, then various outlets are available where your needs can be satisfied, I'm sure. One does need a quality build, as they take some stick so do go to a reputable supplier; I would suggest ‘Masters Games’. (Incidentally, to my amazement the Americans also play the game, with a couple of small editions to the rules and modus operandi. Take a look at ‘Wikipedia’ I've yet to find anyone Stateside who admits to it though!)

What's the game being played in the last picture? Answer next month. Meanwhile please get out there and support your local pub whenever you can - they need it and deserve it. Oh and when it comes to weather forecasting –please don't rely on me! © P.A. Baxter 2022. skittlealley@hotmail.com

A simple but fully functional version of the traditional Kent trap/shoe. That belated birthday greetings go to Roy Masters of North

Cadbury, who became a nonagenarian on Friday 15th

July. That when Basil comes to call, former Weymouth residents

Rodney and Sandra Hawkins, look for the stain remover. That a six-month supply of the first pre-drinking pill that works to break down up to 70% of alcohol consumed within 60 minutes, sold out within 24 hours of the launch. That John Penny of Bradford

Abbas is wondering just how he became the recipient of the

Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award. That it was not only the sky that was blue when Rob Penn of

Shepton Mallet took a tumble in the bird bath whilst vigorously weeding. That Chris Lowe, formerly of

Acorn Music in Yeovil, has given up his hectic life of Vinyl and CD's for the quieter life of plants and coffee. That when it comes to a tug-ofwar, North Cadbury’s Liz

Hall-Say, knows exactly where the anchor man should have the rope. That a recent visit to Exeter left one Chiselborough young lady with very tired feet. That birthday wishes go to John

Brunsden of West Coker for the 31st August.

Vinny likes to get involved

ANSWERS TO POP MUSIC QUIZ

on page 21

1. Deeply Dippy 2. Florence & The Machine 3. 1984 4. Gladys Knight and the Pips 5. Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band 6. Love The One You're With – written by Stephen Stills 7. CeeLo Green 8. Howard Jones 9. 1977 10. Roxette Bonus Question: Hounds of Love