AS the chill of winter begins to take hold, what's better for cricket lovers than to settle down in front of a roaring fire and read about their favourite summer sport.

On cue comes a new book to recall the lazy, hazy, sun-kissed days, sitting in the shade of the spreading chestnut tree on the boundary, listening to the thwack of leather on willow and enjoying a cricket tea from a hamper.

Tess Taylor had good reason to start researching the 150 year-old history of Campden Cricket Club. She could trace her family connections back to 1870, beginning with her great great uncle Harry Hartwell and ending with her father, who was a playing member for fifty years (1927-1977) and later president of the club.

Many former players have contributed their memories to her book "One hundred and fifty summers of Campden Cricket Club" and she has trawled the archives of the Evesham Journal for reports of matches, including a notable one against Broadway in August 1860 when Campden showed the "white feather" in protest at the inclusion of a new player who was regarded as a "Don" or university player of a rather higher standard..

The book is full of folklore tales, one involving Harold Haydon (who appears second right in the photograph), a well-known and fearsome cricketer in the 1950's and 60's. Opponent Bill Buckland recalls: "I first came across CCC in 1953/54 in the traditional end of year match of School versus town. I was batting low in the order and the day before had been hit on the chin by a cricket ball, which had not only felled me, but necessitated the insertion of a couple of stitches. The CCC fast bowler was Gordon Keitley and I had taken guard and the bowler was on his way when Harold Haydon, the CCC captain, stopped him and they came and inspected my chin.

"Harold said: 'I think if you get him on the side there is still room for some extra stitches.’ I am told that I executed a perfectly reasonable defensive stroke but my eyes were tight shut before Gordon had reached his delivery stride."

The Cricket Club minute book records that at the first committee meeting after the Second World War, on January 22, 1946, there were "expressions of thankfulness that we had survived the six years world upheaval, and recollections of pre-war cricket activities and cricket". The Evesham Journal then reported in May: "It seemed a miracle that the old Campden Cricket Club ground on the Paxford Road should once again assume its idyllic aspect of pre-war years. Yet it did today when, in ideal sunny weather, it opened the 1946 season with a match against its old neighbours and rivals Ebrington. Both teams provided a game of constant interest for the many spectators and supporters. It was played with real sportsmanship throughout, showing a promise of better things to come. Campden scored 90, Ebrington 71."

This fascinating book, which will be a great Christmas present for cricket lovers around the area, will be on sale from 11.30 am-1pm on Saturday, December 10 in the Court Room of the Old Police Station, High Street, Chipping Campden and thereafter from Tess Taylor 01386-840471 or taylortess@yahoo.com. Price £10. All proceeds from the sale of the book will go to the Chipping Campden Cricket Club's new pavilion fund.