LORD`S AND MASTERS...

I see that our lords and masters at the Marylebone Cricket Club have decreed that `batsmen` are no longer to be called `batsmen` but are instead simply to be referred to as `batters.`  This is to bring cricket up to date in a world of increasing diversity and inclusion.   Sounds good but could lead to some difficulties along the way.

For example, fielding positions could be next in line for renaming - third man may have to become third person?   Backward point and silly mid on may be challenged by those fearful of a backlash from those campaigning for equal rights for the intellectually challenged;  short square leg, fine leg and long leg might fall foul of those concerned about leg fetishism; short mid wicket might irk those who may be vertically challenged  and don`t get me started on cow corner.

I suppose I might be accused of being out of time, out of date or simply out of it, but I hope the MCC leave it at that and don`t meddle any more with the traditions of the game by pandering to the woke brigade.

 

PRIORITIES ?

This picture shows the long slog along the shingle spit from Keyhaven to Hurst Castle on the southern shore of the Solent, close to Lymington.   It`s a few years ago now that we walked from the car park at Keyhaven all the way along well over a mile of hard pebbles and shingle to reach Hurst Castle, which was built on the orders of King Henry V111 between 1541 and 1544 to protect the narrow channel between the mainland and the Isle of Wight from French invasion. 

When we reached the castle it really was like going back in time - an almost eerie feeling that you could reach out and touch the island, it seemed that close.  Was it worth the slog?  Well, maybe;  the exertions of getting there and the sea air did us good although we were not sure that our then golden retriever, Barney, was too impressed.  Rather than slog all the way back, we took the little ferry - the ferryman taking pity on Barney so he allowed Barney aboard where he was impeccably behaved and a lesson in good manners to the children who were also aboard.

The point of all this is that I read yesterday that the east wing of the castle had slid into the sea as a result of the foundations being undermined by the power of the waves;  this despite the fact that English Heritage, who own the castle, did not heed the early warnings about the problems with the foundations and didn`t act in time to prevent the east wing collapsing.  Here`s what it looks like:-

Maybe it`s a question of priorities but perhaps if English Heritage had spent less time rewriting our heritage and more time looking after it then maybe this important piece of our history would still be in one piece.  For example, last year they announced that all 950 of London`s blue plaques would be `reviewed` for potential links to slavery.  I wonder why they stop at `just` slavery - maybe they will also be looking into links with torture, raping and pillaging as well.  Maybe things like that do not offend quite as much?

A MISSED CONVERSION...

I suppose it simply reflects on the times in which we live, but even by today`s standards the fuss going on in Devon about the Exeter Chiefs really does take some beating.   The Chiefs are a hugely successful rugby union club, having been formed over 100 years ago, being known as the Chiefs for all that time and achieving great success. 

But recently, in keeping with the diktats of the Woke movement, a fans organisation known as Exeter Chiefs for Change demanded an end to the club`s use of "harmful imagery and branding" which included a Native American headdress, saying there was no place for it in a predominantly British environment - or words to that effect.

Another supporters group launched a counter petition saying that the use by the club of a Native North American in its logo was actually a mark of respect and honour.   Given the conflicting points of view about the club`s branding, the management board voted against the removal of its traditional branding but agreed to `retire` the club`s mascot, Big Chief.  An old fashioned compromise that may not suit anyone and so we have probably not heard the end if it just yet.

Now perhaps unsurprisingly I am with those who suggest that a logo depicting an indigenous Native American by a rugby club 4,000 miles away from Omaha, Nebraska was in no way intended to be `harmful,` but is instead an innocent, respectful representation of the figurehead to which the club looks up with pride and admiration.

Seems to me that these days there are people who are looking at everywhere and everything which might be construed as offensive and this episode might be a good example.   If it was - like so many  others - a veiled attempt to convert me to the ways of wokedom, then it has not succeeded.   Nice try, but a missed conversion.  And why are the group who are so opposed to the club`s traditional logo still  calling themselves Exeter Chiefs for Change?