HOWZAT BETTY?

As a lifelong cricket fan Betty Plant was thrilled to spend the day at Lords cricket ground as part of the celebrations for her 89th birthday this week. Betty, a resident at Bupa’s Heathgrove Lodge Nursing Home in Golders Green, north London was able to watch from the historical splendour of The Long Room as the Marylebone Cricket Club took on a team of minor counties players. As a young girl Betty was taken to Lords by her father, an experience that started her interest in the game, and this continued through her life as her husband was a keen player. Betty said: “I never thought I’d have the opportunity to come here again, it’s been the most wonderful day.” A very special part of the experience was the chance to have a long chat with cricketing legend John Emburey [pictured], himself celebrating his 57th birthday on the day of the visit. Peter Slaney, manager of Bupa’s Heathgrove Lodge, arranged the trip for Betty and accompanied her on the day. He said: “Everyone at Lords has been so friendly and helpful, and have made sure that Betty’s birthday will be one she will remember for a long time. It’s fantastic to see her so at home in this setting and able to keep up an interest she’s had her whole life. Betty’s certainly been able to teach me a few of the finer points of the game!”