MPs get thrashings from Lashings

I have just returned home after the most super day out  - the Lashings Charity Cricket match at Maidstone's Mote Park. We had forty guests there (four tables of ten) as a fund raiser for Helen Grant's campaign fund. I would imagine over 1,000 people in total attended the event. I hosted my own table of ten friends and colleagues.

From left: Jon Botten, Pat Gulvin, Frixos Tombolis, Andrew Kennedy, Mary Streater, Helen Grant MP,
Adrian Gulvin, Paulina Stockell, Tim Streater, Matt Boughton, Richard Stockell, Nathan Gray + guest

There was something about today that was very special, greatly assisted by a burst of late summer sunshine. Sitting outside enjoying the warmth, accompanied by friends and colleagues, drinking (far) too much Pimms and beer, reading the Sunday papers, surrounded by trees and the wonderful sounds of cricket. There really was no better way to spend an afternoon.

The Lashings All Stars (including such international greats as Devon Malcolm, Phil Defreitas, Andy Caddick, Mohammed Yousaf, Saqlain Mushtaq, Min Patel, Mark Ealham, Ed Giddins, and John Emburey). Their opponents today where the Parliamentary XI including John Redwood, Nigel Adams, Crispin Blunt and Guy Opperman. What can I say about the outcome? Well, let's just say that few cricketers make speeches in Parliament as they probably know their strengths lie elsewhere!

The day was rounded-off with a special bonus when our very own intern, Matt Boughton, won the Heads & Tails and walked away with a framed set of F1 photographs signed by Sterling Moss - though I must say seeing a blushing Matt Boughton and unsmiling John Redwood battling it out on stage for with their hands on their heads and backsides, added a great deal of value to a long and boozy lunch!

And here is our main man being presented with his prize by Helen Grant MP. Well done Matt.