A Day of Cricket and Conversation at Riverstone Fulham

With the recent England vs. Sri Lanka Test match providing a thrilling backdrop, Riverstone Fulham had the pleasure of hosting an exclusive afternoon of "Cricket & Conversation," a memorable event that brought together the world of sports with a spirit of shared enthusiasm.

The event was graced by former England cricketer and Surrey captain Adam Hollioake, alongside renowned sports journalist and author Mihir Bose. The conversation, expertly hosted by former BBC broadcaster Humphrey Hawksley, offered our guests unique glimpse into the world of cricket and beyond.

From the Field

Hollioake shared his inspiring journey from his early days in Australia, where he began with Australian Rules Football, to becoming a celebrated England cricketer and Surrey captain. His career took him to diverse places, including coaching in challenging environments like Afghanistan, showing the deep bonds that sports can forge. Reflecting on the joy and excitement that defined his sporting career, Hollioake also shared stories of how politics sometimes intersected with sports, and how players often strive to separate themselves from political conflicts, and importance of focusing on the game despite the external pressures.

He spoke movingly of his late brother, Ben, who also played for England. After Ben’s passing, Hollioake established the Ben Hollioake Fund to support for CHASE hospice care for children Shooting Star Children's Hospices. His dedication continued with an extraordinary journey in 2003, walking from Edinburgh to Brighton, sailing the English Channel, cycling to Gibraltar, and rowing to Tangiers, raising significant funds for the Chase Charity along the way.

The Universal Language of Sport

Mihir Bose brought a rich historical perspective to the discussion, drawing from his extensive journalistic career, which evolved from business journalism into investigative sports reporting in the 1990s. He emphasised how sport transcends cultural boundaries, a theme he passionately explored throughout his career. He remarked that while music and literature reflect specific cultures—like how understanding Shakespeare requires some knowledge of English culture—sports like football and cricket have a universal language. "If you know the offside rule," Bose noted, "you understand the game, regardless of where you're from." This universality allows sports to connect people across different backgrounds in a way that other cultural expressions might not.

Bose also touched on the challenges journalists face when critiquing sports, noting how close ties with current players can sometimes limit the depth of their analysis. Despite this, he acknowledged the respect and authority that former athletes bring to their commentary. He also shared stories from his time growing up in India, where cricket became a bridge to English culture.

Afternoon Tea at Maria G’s

Following the lively discussions, our guests gathered for a traditional cricket afternoon tea at Maria G’s, our neighbourhood restaurant and bar. Adam, Mihir, and Humphrey joined in the camaraderie, sharing stories and perhaps a few cricketing tips over a perfectly curated menu, rounding off a memorable day.

The recent "Cricket & Conversation" event reflects our commitment to offering residents and guests unique and enriching experiences that truly enhance life at Riverstone. 

When you become a Riverstone Resident, you become part of The Riverstone Club, and these ‘in-conversation’ events are just one of many we host.

Explore more about The Club here: Riverstone Experience | Riverstone Living

Click here to explore our upcoming events: Events (riverstoneliving.com)