Preparing the Pitch

For the first time this year, we went out for our walk without wearing coats. It felt so good to be out in such balmy weather and, with so many signs of spring around us, it made for a perfect walk.

Here is the groundsman at our local cricket club, which we walk round on our route, preparing the pitch for the new season's play. It's one of the oldest clubs in the country – cricket has been played here on the Green since 1735. It's not quite as rural as the photo would suggest. There's a main road running nearby and when we drive past when a game is in progress I always hope the batsman won't score a six!