Launch event for Professor Clem Seecharan’s new book for Hansib publications, London, 18 April 2026
I attended an excellent launch event – From Pitch to Pour: Guyanese Cricket and Rum – organised by Guyana Speaks (UK). To celebrate the publication of Professor Clem Seecharan’s Hand in Hand: History of Cricket in Guyana, 1915 to 1923 (Volume 3): No Silver Lining Yet, published by Hansib publications, and John Mair’s On the Road to El Dorado – The History of Rum in Guyana. The event was held at Longfield Hall, London, SE5.
Hand in Hand: History of Cricket in Guyana, 1915 to 1923, by Professor Clem Seecharan, is the third volume of a major study of the social history of cricket in Guyana. Clem is an Emeritus Professor of History at London Metropolitan University.
The event featured delicious Guyanese food from Fay Gomes, El Dorado rum available at trade prices, a guided rum tasting session, and an ‘in conversation’ session with Professor Clem Seecharan presented by Simon Lister – author of Worrell: The Brief But Brilliant Life of a Caribbean Cricket Pioneer, Fire in Babylon: How the West Indies Cricket Team Brought a People to its Feet, and Supercat: The Authorised Biography of Clive Lloyd.
Professor Clem Seecharan and Simon Lister were contributors to They Gave the Crowd Plenty Fun and 1973 and Me, where Simon also wrote the book’s foreword.
Rod Westmaas from Guyana Speaks said, ‘Clem Seecharan is a wonderful presenter and he draws people in like a magnet. So I’m always thrilled to have him at one of our Guyana Speaks events’.
Film premiere – Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story, London, 27 March 2026
I had a wonderful evening at the film premiere for Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story at Sadler’s Wells East theatre, London. Transforming the Beautiful Game is a film documentary directed by Dan Egan of Degan Media.
The film reflects on Clyde Best’s extraordinary life and career, as a ground breaking black footballer in England, with a focus on the challenges he faced on and off the field. I contributed to the film as one of the interviewees.
Clyde Best was born and raised in Bermuda and came to England to join West Ham United as a 17-year-old. When he arrived in England in 1968, it was his first time away from the Caribbean. By the end of his time at West Ham (1968 to 1976), Clyde achieved iconic status as one of the first black football stars seen regularly on British television.
During the film premiere I was delighted to meet Clyde, Ade Coker (West Ham, 1971 – 1975), Brian Dear (West Ham, 1962 – 1969 and 1970), Dan Egan (director), Nelson Tracey (directing producer), Jessie Curry (event producer) and many more.
Clyde was an important contributor to 1973 and Me, where he shared his passion for cricket and reflected on his roots in Barbados and Guyana. Clyde’s father was keen for him to become a professional cricketer and introduced Clyde to Everton Weekes – a West Indian cricket legend – during his first trip to Barbados in 1966.
Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story, 12 March 2026
I contributed to the film, Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story, as an interviewee. Transforming the Beautiful Game is a documentary directed by Dan Egan of Degan Media.
Clyde Best was born and raised in Bermuda and joined West Ham United as a 17-year-old in 1968. When he arrived in England, it was his first time away from the Caribbean. During his time at West Ham he became a pioneering black professional football star player in early 1970s England. Clyde went on to become a legend of the North American Soccer League (NASL).
The film reflects on Clyde’s life and career, with a focus on the challenges he faced on and off the field.
I also interviewed Clyde for my second book, 1973 and Me. Where he talked about his connection to cricket while living in England, his family roots in Barbados and Guyana, and his career at West Ham.
There is a film premiere season showing Transforming the Beautiful Game from Wednesday 25 March to Saturday 28 March at Sadler’s Wells East, 101 Carpenters Road, London, E20 2AR.
Meeting Susan Low for book number three for Hansib publications, 16 January 2026
I enjoyed another excellent writer meet-up with Susan Low. Sharing more ideas and inspiration.
Susan has worked as a food, drink and travel writer for BBC, delicious magazine, Waitrose Food and others. She is a copy editor and proofreader for book publishers and a local expert for Context Travel.
Susan has contributed one of her articles about Venice for my next book – called Seen and Heard – for Hansib publications. Seen and Heard is scheduled to be published in 2026.
Seen and Heard is a collection of conversations, essays, experiences, reflections and reviews. Split into five chapters – Film and television, Music, Sport, Travel and Letters.
Seen and Heard will cover a broad range of approaches and perspectives – including autobiographical recollection, faith, history, humour, performance, politics, self-discovery and social identity.