Life Before Cricket
I’m often asked what my life was like before cricket. Truth be told, it looked very different!
As a kid at school, I dreamed of playing football for my favourite team, or maybe even running away with the circus. In the end, it turned out to be neither of those (although, like most people, I’ve made a clown of myself a few times along the way!).
A Young Chef at The Goring Hotel
My first real job was as an apprentice chef at The Goring Hotel in London. I spent seven wonderful years there and absolutely loved every minute of it. It remains one of the best jobs I’ve ever had, and I’m proud to be associated with The Goring to this day.
We catered for all sorts of celebrities, and the hotel often handled overflow from Buckingham Palace. I was lucky enough to help with a banquet for Charles and Diana’s wedding, and again for The Queen’s Jubilee, serving royalty from all over the world. Not bad for a young lad just trying to find his way!
A Change in Direction
After leaving The Goring, I moved into management. But by 2015, life was ready to surprise me again. That’s when I met Sara Malin Founder of ICT, and before long, I was touring for her.
In 2017, she offered me the chance to become a tour manager, with my first assignment being New Zealand and Australia. I couldn’t say no…5 months on the road! The job I left behind had changed: food on a plate had been replaced by endless risk assessments and health & safety forms. The world had gone mad!
A Life on the Road
Over the last decade, my life has taken an even wilder turn into the world of cricket.
What started as a boyhood dream of adventure has grown into a career filled with responsibility, passion, and the incredible privilege of travelling the world doing something I love. Along the way, I’ve met thousands of people, and many of them have become good friends.
Through the Challenges of Covid
Then came Covid. Like everyone else, we were hit hard. But thanks to Sara’s brilliant management and vision, we made it through. There were tears, long nights, and plenty of uncertainty but we survived, and I’m incredibly proud of her.
Of course, no good team works without great people, and ours is no exception. Richard now leads a steady ship, with Ed and the rest of the crew behind the scenes — plus Dee (our accountant) and Sam (our IT wizard). Thanks to them, we’re back where we want to be.
Back in Christchurch
Fast forward 10 years, and here I am back in Christchurch for the start of the white-ball tour. I think this is my seventh visit, and it’s amazing to see how the city has evolved since the earthquake that broke its heart.
Back in 2018, most of the shops were operating out of shipping containers. Now, the city centre is almost complete: vibrant, modern, and full of energy. It’s easily one of my favourite places in New Zealand.
Kicking Off the Tour
Our touring party this time is a small group of 19, possibly because of a certain “little contest” happening over the pond in Australia!
We kicked things off with welcome drinks before boarding a tram restaurant that rolls through the city – highly recommended, by the way, and the food was superb.
Christchurch is full of great places to eat. The Riverside Market is a foodie’s dream, with stalls offering cuisines from all over the world. You could happily eat your way around the globe without leaving the building.
T20s and ODIs: A Mixed Bag
We had three T20 matches, two at Hagley Oval and one at Eden Park. One was abandoned, another felt like watching cricket in a fridge, and the final one was also abandoned (typical British luck, right?). England still managed to win the series 1–0.
The ODI series followed soon after. England lost a cluster of wickets early in each game, and although the lower order tried to steady things, the totals were never quite enough. New Zealand won the series comfortably 3–0.
Jamie Overton was the pick of the bunch, chipping in with both wickets and runs. I think he’d be a great addition to the squad heading to Australia, if McCullum can persuade him to take on one more red-ball tour!
Adventures Between Matches
Between the cricket and travelling, we squeezed in plenty of adventures.
We spent half a day in Rotorua, taking in the Te Puia tour and Haka, which everyone loved. We also enjoyed an eight-hour trip on the NZ Explorer and a day visit to Waiheke Island, where the wine lovers in our group were in their element.
We even celebrated two birthdays — a 69th and a 70th — complete with dinner in Hamilton and some very nice cakes. A few of us also climbed Mount Maunganui, rewarded with stunning views and some very memorable group photos.
Farewell to New Zealand
Considering the weather and the cricket, we made the most of our time on both islands.
It was a great tour, packed with experiences, laughter, and friendships. The group was truly fabulous, and we leave New Zealand with lots of lovely memories. I’m sure we’ll all stay in touch, and I look forward to seeing everyone again on a future tour.
Ten Years On – A Moment to Reflect
It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years since this journey began. From life in a London kitchen to tours around the world, it’s been quite a ride: full of laughter, hard work, wonderful people, and unforgettable places.
As I walk around Wellington, watching the city come alive, I can’t help but feel grateful for the people I’ve met, the places I’ve seen, and the chance to keep doing what I love.
Next Stop: Kuala Lumpur and The Ashes
I now have two weeks in Kuala Lumpur to rest up and enjoy the incredible street food Malaysia has to offer before heading off again. And this time, it’s The Ashes.
I can’t wait to meet both new and old friends on the next leg of this amazing adventure.
All the best,
Gary
