Best Teas In The Country?

There can be no doubt that if our on-field performances matched the quality of our teas we would be World Champions! Until now I had thought that this was purely a personally held view. It would seem that there are now others who are similarly minded.

That great British Institution “Test Match Special” is scouring the country to identify the TMS Tea Lady 2002. We have just learnt that our tea ladies have reached the last three in the South East Qualifier which will take place at Lords on Sat 27^th July during the tea break of the 1^st Test v India.

Arlene Piesley and Linda Jones will be hotfooting it to Lords to represent our fabulous team of Tea Ladies. They are required to take a freshly home-baked cake (or similar) and the necessary ingredients for their “special brew” of Tea. 

The Test Match Special crew (Henry Blofeld, Aggers et al) will all be present to taste the goods on offer.  The winner will be decided live on air circa 4pm – don’t forget to tune in! Prior to this, Arlene and Linda will be shown around the Nat West Media Centre, which Trekies like me prefer to look upon as a space ship.

Whilst it is our sincere hope that the Ladies progress further in the competition, the important thing is that they thoroughly enjoy the day. As Blowers might say, “My dear old things, do have a wonderful time”.  

STOP PRESS : - They did it! A Fruit Cake and a Coffee & Walnut Cake did the trick. Indeed, so popular were these cakes that Gatts was caught red handed having sneaked back into the tea room to pig the lot! They now move on to the Oval for the Grand Final which will be judged at the last Test v India on Sat 7th September 2002. Have another great day Ladies - we know you can do it.

WHAT A CATASTROPHE !  Arlene and Linda duly arrived at the Oval at the appointed time armed with two of their mouth watering cakes as instructed by the organisers. What they didn't know was that the organisers had changed the rules and omitted to inform Arlene and Linda! The other two contestants had been asked to provide fully fledged teas, including savoury dishes, for 7 to 15 people. This administrative blunder meant that our ladies were beaten even before the judging began.

Moving the goal posts part way through a competition and not informing one of the teams will ensure their demise. It is to be hoped that those responsible are suitably ashamed of themselves.

None of this can take away from the excellent performance of our ladies. We are proud of them both.