TIME FOR A TOP FIELD CHASER BEFORE CHRISTMAS?

It seems like a very long time ago (it was June) when the Top Field gates were thrown open to the crew from Celebrity Antiques Road Trip and we were sworn to secrecy at penalty of who knows what, should any images be leaked into social media! I am hoping that this eleventh hour News release will be tolerated?

It would seem that finally, the day has arrived when Shaun Wallace and Margie Cooper appear on our TV screens with Charlie Horlock, Josh Mollison and Stephen Gleeson, all playing supporting roles on the pitch. Charlie was even pretending that he was on-field player?

We have not been treated to any previews of the footage that will be shown, if indeed any of it does escape the cutting room floor. However, if it is included, it is safe to assume that the three hours spent filming is likely to be contracted into around 4 or 5 minutes maximum on the TV. How exactly they are going to make it look like Shaun wasn’t wearing a shirt and shorts two sizes too small, I will be intrigued to discover? They told me he was a Large so that is what he got!

Anyway the penalty shoot-out (or should I say one question shoot-out?) was a sweaty affair with Shaun’s pate glistening in the afternoon heat. He was at pains to point out that he follows a fitness routine involving a daily dose of 2000 sit-ups, so despite the heat he lasted the session without a problem.

He asked that we retain the Wallace shirt and signed football that we had presented to him earlier and these were aptly used as prizes in our recent Quiz Night raffle. Before departing Shaun lined up for photos with our volunteer ground staff who had marked the pitch and put up the posts for the occasion.

A very nice chap is our Shaun – hopefully he enjoyed the experience as much as we enjoyed his company. Thanks also to Matt Platt from North Herts Museum who suggested the visit to Top Field in the first place, feeling that it would be inappropriate to feature the North Herts Museum’s unique football exhibition without also stopping off at its original home at Top Field.

So, if you have nothing better to do, don’t forget to switch on – Saturday 17 December BBC2 at 5.50pm.

Another moment of fame for the Canaries. What’s next a visit from Monty Don with his fork?

By Mick Docking