Brisbane Test is almost upon us… are you ready for the much anticipated Ashes series?

Brisbane Test is almost upon us... are you ready for the much anticipated Ashes series?

As I write this blog I’m once again in my favourite haunt in Chiswick sampling a lovely pint of Proper Job, which nicely fits in with all the hard work behind the scenes – packing and sending off all the merchandise and literature needed for this trip. As from Monday I will be full time in the office selecting the places to be this winter – hidden gems of restaurants, waterside bars, quirky pubs and of course for the discerning client like me, some Real Ale……

I am looking forward to meeting all of you who are travelling overseas to Australia & New Zealand and hopefully share a story or two on all things Cricket and of course a glass of ale or lager as the case may be.

I am going to have a WhatsApp group, so would like to add as many of you to my phone. The idea is that you can text me any questions you like and I will hopefully have an answer for you as well as accessing new friendships made on the tour. I would also love you to send as many photos as you can, everyone on the group will see them and it creates a great album for all of us. We used this in the Caribbean, everybody loved it, it was great fun seeing all the photos. I am of course, taking my laptop so you can send emails to me as well, I am already receiving some.

Please make sure you are topped up with sun tan lotion, the UV solar radiation in Australia is extremely high, factor 50 essential as well as keeping your head covered so please just slap it on!! On the Cricket side we have a couple of niggles in Ali & Finn who has returned home. It’s funny, the last 5 years I have worked for a media company, and today I heard a couple of stories concerning Stokes & Hales – I won’t divulge them but it’s a bit like when my team loose – Chelsea. There are rumours flooding the tabloids and Sky Sports about the future of Conte – the rumours I heard today are too ridiculous to be believed but as they say they sell papers! Talking of Stokes it’s great to hear the two guys have come forward sticking up for him. Of course we only know half the story, but I’m still hoping he will play some part in the Ashes after all he is one of our best players. At the end of the day you want your big name players out there!!

As we edge closer you will be hearing a lot more from me, but if you have any questions please drop me a line, in the meantime stay safe as we approach what will be an amazing tour!!

There are still a few places available for Perth, Melbourne & Sydney not forgetting New Zealand, we also have the Tri series of T20 matches in February from the 7th to the 21st covering Hobart, Melbourne, Wellington, Hamilton and Auckland. So far it’s only me as the enthusiast that I am! But if you would like to join me and of course visit Hobart in Tassy (Tasmania) as it’s known please call Sara or Richard if any of the above takes your fancy!

All the Best

Gary (photos from our staff Christmas dinner earlier this month)