Special lunch celebrates Jim Laker’s record-breaking Ashes Test
The commemorative lunch was inspired by a conversation with Jim Laker’s daughter, Fiona, who contacted the Club ahead of the 70th anniversary of her father’s remarkable achievement of taking 19 wickets in a single Ashes Test.
Inspired by the significance of the milestone, Lancashire Cricket’s Heritage Manager, Alex Cropper, worked alongside Rev Malcolm Lorimer to organise a special lunch celebrating Jim Laker’s world-record performance.
More than 70 people attended, including Jim’s two daughters, Fiona and Angela, and their partners. They brought with them a collection of memorabilia, including two scrapbooks documenting the match. One scrapbook contained the many telegrams Jim received from around the world following his extraordinary achievement.
A special toast was made to Jim, with Fiona and Angela in attendance. The event was so well received that they were delighted to sign a number of the commemorative 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 additional scrapbooks and photographs. Neil Robinson, Heritage and Museum Manager at Lord’s, also brought two of the balls used by Jim Laker during the match itself.
Malcolm produced a special menu and commemorative scorecard for each guest, featuring an intriguing photograph of two young boys sitting on the outfield eating their lunch.
A short film of the Test match was shown on the big screen, featuring interviews with several of the players who took part in the game.
Cricket writer Stephen Chalke spoke about Jim Laker, reflecting on the man, the match and its place in cricket history. The audience also heard interviews with Fiona, Angela and Jim’s grandson, Patrick, who recalled playing cricket at The Oval and hitting two sixes into the Lock & Laker Stand.
Guests enjoyed an excellent three-course meal, with many commenting on the quality of the event and expressing hope that similar occasions will be held in future to celebrate other historic matches and moments in Lancashire Cricket's history.
Rev Malcolm Lorimer.
Heritage Team Volunteer, Lancashire Cricket