Cricket Former Glos star delighted with success of ‘Walkers and Talkers’ project
FORMER Gloucestershire wicketkeeper Andy Brassington is delighted by the response to a new project aimed at providing exercise and sporting chat for supporters.
With the backing of the club’s community department, Brassington has launched ‘Walkers and Talkers,’ a series of weekly meetings, which combine a stroll around the Bristol ground with the opportunity to quiz a celebrity personality.
The get-togethers, held at 10am on Wednesdays, are free to attend and open to anyone.
Once assembled, the group take a walk around the Seat Unique Stadium and then return to a room where Brassington hosts a question-and-answer session with an
invited guest. They have included ex-Gloucestershire players David ‘Syd’ Lawrence and Mark Alleyne, former Bristol Rugby player Bob Hesford, Richard Madley from the TV show Bargain Hunt, and former Bristol City captain Geoff Merrick.
The meetings, including the walk which is optional, last for a couple of hours and include free tea and coffee, courtesy of Brassington’s company ‘Finders Keepers.’ Attendances have been growing by the week.
He said: “The idea originated during lockdown when I decided to get in touch with a lot of fellow exGloucestershire players that I knew to make sure we kept in contact at a difficult time.
“It was clear that some were struggling more than others and one or two who were getting on a bit were finding life hard.
“I suggested a group of us met up on the Downs in Bristol for an outdoor coffee and a walk. It started with just a couple of us, but grew from there and we really enjoyed walking, while talking sport.
“Then I started to think it would be nice to open the idea up for others to join in. How good would it be for people who watched the former professionals play to have the chance to talk to them?
“That’s where the idea was born, but because of lockdown it took a couple of years to reach fruition.
“Once people started to feel more comfortable about venturing out, I approached Gloucestershire and suggested we started the group at the ground through their community department. It’s all about getting people out, doing a little bit of exercise and reminiscing about sport in a relaxed environment.
“I start the ball rolling when interviewing the guest, but then it is thrown open and we encourage the audience to get involved with questions of their own.
“Each week so far, we have had 50 minutes of chat and every session has flown past. We finish each meeting by midday.
“During the walk, the club museum is opened up and anyone can pay a visit.
“There is no payment involved whatsoever for anything.
“The feedback I have received has been great. And when I walk home from the meetings I feel a great sense of satisfaction at putting something back into the local community.”
Next week’s special guest is another ex-Gloucestershire star and former chairman of the England selectors, David Graveney.