It is a pleasure to write in support of everyone associated with the Bunbury Festival, particularly David English who has done everything for it from Day 1.

A message for the players today – keep going.  It wont be all success and while it wont be so enjoyable

You will have heard of Wilfred Rhodes, Jack Hobbs and Frank Tyson, three of the greatest names in English cricket.  It may surprise you to know that all three were initially turned down by a County and had to go elsewhere: Rhodes by Warwickshire, Hobbs by Essex and Tyson by Lancashire, and they are examples.  Bob Appleyard, Fred Titmus and Eddie Hemmings all made their first class debut as fast bowlers but changed to spinning.  All played for England.  Similarly Don Shepherd for Glamorgan who changed styles and took 2000 wickets.

Jim Parks kept wicket for England, but initially played for Sussex as a batsman                        
Ken Barrington joined Surrey primarily as a leg-spinner but became one of Englands fines No 3’s.

Don Bradman was dropped after one Test for Australia and became the outstanding batsman in history, averaging 99 in Tests:

So if at first you don’t succeed …………… try again.

Good luck

Mike