Cassette recording of an episode of the BBC Radio 4 programme 'Down Your Way' hosted by Brian Johnston. The recording took place at Lord's Cricket Ground and was Johnston's last as host of the programme, and features songs selected by Johnston's guests. The recording consists of one side of a cassette.
[0:00-1:30] Johnston introduces the programme by describing areas of the ground, [1:30-6:30] Johnston interviews MCC President M C Cowdrey. Subjects include Cowdrey's first memories of visiting Lord's, Thomas Lord, MCC's administration of cricket, MCC's Bicentenary year, [6:30-8:05] The song 'Underneath the Arches' by Bud Flanagan and Chesney Allen is played on the programme (selected by Cowdrey), [8:05-14:05] Johnston interviews MCC Curator S E A Green in the Memorial Gallery at Lord's. Subjects include the MCC Library, Green's favourite pictures including the Imaginary Cricket Match, Thomas Hope of Amsterdam and Tossing for Innings, the history of the cricket bat, the sparrow killed by a cricket bat, and the Ashes Urn, [14:05-16:15] A song by the English tenor Gervase Elwes is played on the programme (selected by Green), [16:15-20:25] Johnston interviews MCC Secretary Lieutenant Colonel J R Stephenson in his office in the Pavilion. Subjects include MCC Membership, the capacity of Lord's, MCC outmatches, the Indoor School, MCC Young Professionals, MCC Staff, and Stephenson's aims for the role having just been appointed Secretary, [20:25-23:05] The hymn 'Jerusalem is played on the programme (selected by Stephenson), [23:05-27:20] Johnston interviews MCC Head Groundsman Mick Hunt on the outfield at Lord's. Subjects include Hunt's work as groundsman, the slope at Lord's, the pitches at Lord's, pitch preparation, working during rain delays, Hunt's typical day during a Test match and Hunt's allergies to fertiliser, [27:20-29:20] The song 'Our House' by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young is played on the programme (selected by Hunt), [29:20-32:50] Johnston interviews MCC Committee Dining Room Manager Nancy Doyle in the Committee Dining Room. Subjects include Doyle's role on matchdays, the food the players eat during a Test match, presents received by Doyle during her service at Lord's including bats, plates and ties, and the lunches she makes at Lord's, [32:50-35:05] The song 'Bad Habits' by Billy Field is played on the programme (selected by Doyle), [35:05-41:00] Johnston interviews D C S Compton. Subjects include Compton's first visit to Lord's in 1933, working on the ground staff at Lord's, playing for Middlesex at Lord's, playing against Harold Larwood, Compton's performances during the 1947 season and being run out during Leslie Compton's benefit match, scoring a double century against South Africa in 1947 and his favourite performances at Lord's, his memories of working with Johnston on BBC Television, and what Lord's means to him, [41:00-43:35] The song 'My Way' by Frank Sinatra is played on the programme (selected by Compton), [43:35-44:35] Johnston thanks the listeners and his producer and says goodbye.
