Are you ready, dear readers, to embark on a wild and wacky journey back in time to discover the peculiar beginnings of that oh-so-spooky holiday we know and love today? Buckle up, because we’re about to dive into the fantastic tale of Halloween!

Once Upon a Time in Ancient Celtic Land: Samhain Spectacles

Our story begins in the mists of ancient Celtic lands, where a quirky celebration known as Samhain (pronounced SOW-in) was all the rage. Held on the last day of October, this annual shindig was a bit like a Pritchard family reunion. Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the start of winter, and the Celts took this moment to party with a twist.

Picture this: Celts lighting giant bonfires, throwing on some outlandish costumes, and dancing like nobody’s business. No not a regular Wednesday night in the Rotunda. It wasn’t just an excuse either to boogie down; the Celts believed that during Samhain, the veil between the living and the spirit world was at its thinnest. So, they’d leave out treats to appease the wandering spirits. Trick or treat, anyone?

Roman Interference: Pomona’s Crazy Apple Party – what have the Romans ever done for us?

Fast forward to the Roman invasion of Celtic territory, and wouldn’t you know it, they brought their own shindigs to the party! The Romans fused their autumn festival with Samhain, adding a dash of their own traditions. One such Roman addition was the celebration of Pomona, the goddess of fruit and trees. Bloody People’s Front of Judea!

The Celts already had a thing for apples, but now, thanks to the Romans, they took it to the next level. We’re talking about apple-bobbing parties, apple-related divination, and apple-themed pranks! Oh, and the apple-wrapped-in-a-sheet game? That’s Pomona’s mischievous legacy.

Medieval Mix-Up: Christian Saints Meet Spooky Spirits

As history roller-coastered through the medieval ages, Christian influences began to make their mark. All Saints’ Day, a Christian holiday celebrating all the saints, was established in the 8th century, moving from its original date in May to November 1st. But there was a twist! All Saints’ Day was preceded by All Hallows’ Eve, or Hallowe’en for short. It’s as if Samhain, the Celtic Halloween, and All Saints’ Day had a fabulous costume party and became the spooky holiday we know today.

Pumpkin Pandemonium: America Adds Its Flavour

Now, let’s jump across the pond and land in ol’ U.S. of A the land of the “free” and home of the whopper. The colonists brought their diverse Halloween traditions, and it’s here that the pumpkin took center stage. Jack-o’-lanterns, carved from pumpkins, became the symbol of Halloween, thanks to the Irish immigrants who adapted their tradition of carving turnips into these eerie faces.

Modern-Day Madness: Halloween as We Know It

So, there you have it, folks! Halloween, that delightful blend of Celtic spookiness, Roman apples, Christian saints, and American pumpkins, has evolved into the beloved, eccentric holiday we celebrate today. Whether you’re donning a crazy costume, carving a pumpkin, or snacking on sweets, remember the wild and wacky history that brought us this festive frenzy. Happy Halloween! 🎃👻

Now that we’ve taken a whirlwind journey through the enchanting history of Halloween, it’s time to shift gears and venture into the realm of sports. But hold onto your witches’ hats, because in the spirit of the unexpected, we’re about to dive into a cricket match that left spectators in awe and disbelief. So, from the world of ghouls and goblins to the cricket pitch also full of ghouls and goblins, let’s explore the enthralling tale of an extraordinary cricket match that will have you on the edge of your seat!

Storm Ciaran was yet to fully hit. A thatched house in Tewkesbury and it’s proud Snail owner and occupier had his buckets at the ready. It certainly was the calm before the storm, as AVD won yet another toss. He really is a master tosser isn’t he dear readers.  For all his flipping of coin prowess though, the after thought and decision making is still somewhat to be desired. 

Fran from behind, yelled “Bowl, we’re bowling”. And thus the Bays took to the field or indoor sports hall to be more precise.  Bays were going into today’s match up Vs the Civil Servants and the Bays are in fine form. 3 wins from their first 3 games and sitting very prettily on top of the Div 3 table. A table with as much prestige and history as The All Priests over 75 indoor challenge match….. against Rugged island.

One change to the line up this week. Ajit The Singh coming in for Crazy Tap Dancer Horner.  Old man Tom to open the bowling, fresh of a very boozy 33rd birthday week.  He thanks all who came to the Rotunda last week.  Old man Fran behind the stumps, also fresh of a boozy 33rd week (Well not for Fran, but for his wife) also thanks everyone who came last week.

Tom and fellow opening bowler Adi, started off strong. A mainstay of the bays bowling attack, and they certainly enjoyed their opening spells today. After 4 overs the Civil Servants were 17-1. That wicket coming from a run out from Gus Guthrie.  Pressure was building on the openers, which led to a very risky – neigh suicidal decision to run for a 3.  And Gus reaped the reward by running out the non striker bat with ease.  That’s what tight bowling can do.

Bowling changes for the crucial middle overs. And Bays bowling depth today was on full display. So much depth that AVD decided he wasn’t needed.  Gus and Ajit were instrumental in the middle overs.  Going for only 13 runs between them in the next 6 overs.  Both sporting a maiden each (which is practically unheard of indoors) Gus 8-1 including a very nice caught and bowled.  And Ajit 5-2. One hit to Tom for an easy catch at mid off, and the other a very memorable stumping.

So memorable that it’s worth mentioning in copious amounts of detail.  Ajit bowling a good back of a length line which was causing the CS batters problems. The batter; A (possibly Alan) Sugar opted to advance down the wicket to try and get to the bounce, as the CS displayed fine front foot drives throughout their innings. 

However, Ajit dropped it a little shorter, and Sugar (His Lordship) missed and the ball went through to Fran standing up behind the stumps. One mighty swipe with ball in hand at the stumps and a big swing and a miss, the stumps remained in tact. Fran decided to contemplate life for a moment, before trying again. Much like the initials on his cricketing apparel a very loud “FS” was muttered by Fran as he embarrassingly flicked the bails off. 

Sugar meanwhile in his attempt to get back also muttered Frans initials very loudly.  He slipped when trying to reach for the crease and ended up sprawled on his back.  He was also seen contemplating life after being dismissed by staring up at the ceiling before trudging off back to the balcony.

After 10 overs the score was 31-4.
Last two overs, and the CS’s had to adopt a more aggressive approach.  10 off Adi’s over. And then 7 off Tom’s. Although Tom did take a wicket, courtesy of a chop on from A Bates (first name not Master) and CS ended their innings on 48-5. 

Tom 3-0-11-1
Adi 3-0-23-0
Gus 3-1-8-1
Ajit 3-1-5-2

Adi and AVD were elected to open the batting. Adi in fine form with the bat this season.  He’s got 25+* each match and was hoping to make it 4 from 4. And AVD also hoping to contribute to the game and make his £7 pound match fee worth it. 

8 off the first over. And 12 off the second. These two were in no mood to hang around.
And then 7 and 13 off the 3rd 4th. 

Adi in blistering form facing only 14 balls bringing up another retiring score of 27* which included 5 fours.  In comes Ajit, and the Bays see it home in the next 5 balls.  Courtesy of Ajit hitting the last two balls for a six and then a four (although it definitely was also a six)

4 wins from 4. With a very nice NRR of 3.79.   Next week Bays face what will most likely be their sternest test with Cheltenham CC coming to play who are second in the league.

Can the Bays make it 5 from 5. Well there’s only one way to find out….. By eagerly and patiently waiting for next week’s match report.

Come on the Bays

Adi: 27  14 balls faced , 5 fours AVD:  14. 10 balls faced, 1 four
Ajit:  11*. 5 balls faced.  1 six 1 four