A PACKED audience at the Warehouse Theatre in Ilminster was delighted by an evening of amusing anecdotes and reminisces from retired cricket commentator Henry Blofeld.

The evening was organised by Julie Fowler and sponsored by Jane Morgan, and it proved a wonderful night of cricket nostalgia for fans.

Henry Blofeld, 78, famously known as Blowers by his many fans, retired as a BBC Test Match Special radio commentator in September 2017 – bringing to a close a 45-year career.

Proceeds from the evening will go towards Ilminster Cricket Club’s ongoing refurbishment project for the Tony Rice Bar, previously known as The Shed, on the Ilminster Recreation Ground.

Ilminster CC president Stuart Shepherd presented Blofeld with a gift at the end of the evening to thank him for his entertaining trip down memory lane.

Mr Shepherd thanked Blofeld for a “wonderful night of entertainment” and also thanked him for his endless cricket commentaries for Test Match Special on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 5 Live Sports extra.

He added: “It was a very successful evening with a very appreciative audience ranging in ages from 14 to 80 plus.

“All funds raised will go to improve the refurbishment of the Tony Rice Bar and facilities for cricketers of all ages.”

After hanging up his microphone Blofeld, who was well-known for calling his listeners My Dear Old Thing, decided to celebrate by touring the country with his brand new show, 78 Retired, jam-packed with anecdotes from on and off the pitch as well as stories from the Test Match Special box.

Although some may think it will never be the same, Blofeld has every confidence that with the likes of Jonathan Agnew, Graeme Swann and Phil Tufnell in the commentary box Test Match Special is in safe hands for many years to come.

Blofeld spent time after his show at the Warehouse Theatre to sign books of his autobiography, Over and Out, for fans.

Craig Rice, the club’s vice chairman, added: “An excellent evening with all those attending enthralled by Henry’s tales.

“A massive thanks to all the helpers and especially the sponsor of the event Jane.”