Bonfire cremates Aussie cricketer as witnesses party with food and drink and fireworks

By ballsandbails | Saturday, November 06, 2010, 18:58

On Friday the 5th of November Madehurst Cricket Club put fire into the remnants of their old pavilion. Placed on the top of the pyre comfortably in a chair with a can of Castlemain XXXX in his hand was Guy 'Waltzing Matilda all around the Billabong' Smith the convicted criminal cricketer who was involved in the audacious attempt to steal the 'Ashes' from these islands. Smith maintained a dignified silence to the very end, refusing to reveal the identity of his fellow conspirators.

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An estimated four hundred residents from Arundel, Madehurst and surrounding villages turned out on the warm winters evening, braving the threat of rain to give witness to the punishment of the criminal Smith and to see the old cricket pavilion go up in smoke and flame. Unfortunatly supplies of minute steaks and susages were insufficient and were rapidly consumed as were supplies of mulled wine and liquid refreshments. The roasted chestnut and toasted marshmallow concessions appeared to be doing a roaring trade.

A spokesman for the club extended apologies to those who were unable to obtain sustainence but stated they had been overwhelmed with the response to the advertising and the support of the local population. He promised improved preparation and organisation for future years.

The event allowed the club to augment its coffers and organisers extended their thanks to supporters for their attendance at the event. The site of the new pavilion has been excavated and offers the promise of superb facilities for future years

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Comments

Hi VW,

Well I hate to say this but actually it is an annual event. Led by the club Chairman there is a new energy driving the club and as a result of the summer 'Big Night Out' event now the bonfire night is taking off. However we very much want to keep the Village/ Club atmosphere, where people remain individually important rather than going for the much bigger lets have a a couple of thousand people come and pay loads of money.

Our big advantage is having a beautiful setting in which to set the event. With the numbers we had we were able to cope with the the cars and avoid lengthy traffic tailbacks and next year that too will be better organised. We also aim to ensure the food and refreshments will be better supplied and organised to avoid long queues. A continuing concern however is to ensure the safety of all who attend particularly the children. At the moment the club members are able to police the event, ensuring that the very young remain within the confines of the ground itself, if the numbers were to increase too much we would be concerned that we might not be able to manage some of the issues associated with larger numbers and then the costs rise because we would have to bring in professionals. So, yes we will be organising the event next year and I hope very much you might like to attend. However we may go for pre purchased tickets so that we can control numbers and also get the beverage stands and concessions equipped to meet the needs of those attending.
Thank you for your comments and as I say I hope we may see you at one or both events next year. Indeed if you would like to come up and watch the cricket on a warm summers afternoon, relax, and maybe enjoy a glass of something refreshing or indeed a little stronger you will be very welcome.

Best regards
Old Balls and new Bails

By ballsandbails at 10:11 on 10/11/10
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It sounds like you had a great evening. A Good turnout too - Maybe you should make this an annual event as you had so many people turn up.

By vw_sarah at 13:12 on 09/11/10
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