Blowers delivers a faultless innings (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Blowers delivers a faultless innings

9:30am Thursday 23rd February 2012 in Reviews By Chris Holland, Business Reporter

Blowers, Shaken, Not Stirred The King's Hall, Ilkley

For someone who prefers 'watching' cricket on the radio, the prospect of spending an evening in the company of Henry Blofeld, stalwart of Test Match Special, was a treat.

And he didn't disappoint.

He had his audience at the King's Hall, ranging from twentysomethings to silver haired cricket lovers, chuckling merrily throughout his one-man show. His stream of anecdotes , delivered in his famous rich plummy tones, were mainly about his obvious love of the great game, but also reflected a fascinating and varied life - based as he admits on being born with a silver spoon into a family which owned two of the Norfolk Broads.

He recalled how he and his new wife were befriended by Sir Noel Coward while on their honeymoon in Jamaica. The Master gave them a personal recital of his best known songs.

'Blowers' displayed a deep knowledge of cricket and excellent recall of events and people, including working with the late, great John Arlott and Brian 'Johnners' Johnston. The title of the show alludes to his family's friendship with James Bond creator Ian Fleming, who took their name for his villainous character, Blofeld.

Basking in Henry's engaging personality and gentle wit was like being in the company of a favourite uncle.

Henry Blofeld is a gentleman of the old school and really is a Dear Old Thing.

Chris Holland