We shall miss you, “Dear old thing”
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Henry Blofeld, BBC Test Match Special commentator announces his retirement.
Test Match special will never be quite the same again, that was one’s initial thought on learning of Henry Calthorpe Blofeld’s, affectionately known to the masses as “Blowers” a name handed to him by another of radio’s sports legends, Brian Johnston, impending retirement.
Whenever the commentary was handed over to “Blowers”, we did not require an introduction, his voice was second to none, instantly recognisable. His sharp wittedness, and his ability to bring any subject, even his beloved “red London buses” into the commentary is legendary, in fact anything that came into vision whilst commentating could most probably receive a most eloquent descriptive mention. One his most used phrases is undoubtedly “my dear old thing”, hence for those not so privileged to have tuned in and listened to his commentaries the reason for my title.
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I have often over the years come across him on either the Kings, or Fulham Roads and if one utters a good morning his hat is lifted and he greets as if old friend’s despite the fact the only time we have met was in such passing. Typical old school gentleman.
Quite rightly so, in 2003 he was awarded the OBE, however I for one believe he should have been given a knighthood much earlier than that.
So at the grand age of seventy seven “Sir Henry” has decided to hand the mic over to the younger set.
In his younger days he turned out for Cambridge University, where he played alongside the great Colin Cowdrey and also Keith Miller, the renowned Australian all-rounder. He also played for the Norfolk County side. A bit of an all-rounder, he could bat, bowl and keep wicket.
Apart from his commentating, “Blowers” can also be found entertaining as an after dinner speaker, how one would like to experience that, especially after he has enjoyed a few glasses of Burgundy, of which he has both Red and White varieties in his name.
In addition to his commentating Henry has penned a number of books including, My Dear Old Thing, A Thirst For Life, Cricket and All That, Squeezing the Orange and one particular favourite Cricket On Three Continents.
We shall miss you “Dear Old Thing” but the memories will last a lifetime.
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