My first encounter with the Bunbury Cricket Team was at a Benefit match for Courtney Walsh at Lord Sam Vestey’s Stowell Park in Gloucestershire.  The rain was coming down in ‘stair rods’ so a game was out of the question.  What now?  Undaunted, David English organised a fun afternoon in the marquee that had been prepared for lunch.  A succession of celebrities joined in a question and answer amid joke telling and general silliness that was very entertaining.  Bill Wyman asked, ‘Which sportsman wearing the No.7 took the most corners?’  Many came back with George Best.  ‘No’, replied Bill.  It was Barry Sheene!  Nothing gets in the way of fun and fundraising at a Bunbury bash.

Now more than a decade on I talk regularly with the creator of the Bunbury characters and found of the world famous Bunbury XI David ‘Loon’ English.  His enthusiasm and energy astonish even the most indefatigable; and all done from a small cluttered (he knows exactly where everything is) office, with just a phone, fax and fountain pen.  His personal phone book has contact numbers for the Titled and Famous that even Debretts couldn’t match!  His secret in getting everyone ‘at it’ is making one feel special and needed – this he does with a great deal of warmth and affection.

My colleague Jack Russell and I are working on a new book titled The Art of Jack Russell ‘New Horizons’ to be launched in June 20006 in which we will replicate the portrait Jack pained of David, to which I shall add a few words.  We will also come up with something special to auction for the Bunbury Charity celebrating its 21st year.

A Bunbury gives for life, not just for Christmas!

Jim Ruston aka Rustonrasse