Almanac Lunches: An afternoon with sporting royalty, Ken Piesse
What a pleasure to attend another cracking Footy Almanac Lunch on Friday with Melbourne sporting royalty Ken Piesse as the special guest speaker recalling his sixty years of as a cricket and football journalist so superbly revealed in his most recent book, Living the Dream: 60 Years In Cricket & Football.
It really was a special day shared in the intimate surroundings of the upstairs meeting room at the All Nations Hotel in Richmond with an enthusiastic gathering of like minded souls. There, seated at a long table set for lunch, Ken enthralled us with many fantastic stories, anecdotes, and musings from a life in sports writing and beyond.
Ken Piesse in full flight
Ken was in his element. It was clear to see from the love and enjoyment expressed so resolutely on his face while telling such wonderful stories that here was a person profoundly committed to a life of letters, a life of extolling the virtues of sport and its participants from a cricketing and football perspective. His depth of knowledge of players, teams, matches, events, and anecdotes were all stimulatingly recounted in response to Flynny’s in-depth and erudite questioning, and questions from the floor. It was certainly a privilege to hear Ken entertain all with his amazing stories. His latest book (his 89th!) ‘Living the Dream contains many of the stories told and can be purchased here.
Master of Ceremony Peter Flynn and fellow Almanacker stalwart Keiran Croker
Col with his former cricket coach at Kew CC, Ken Davis
I chatted with Ken Davis, who was my cricket coach at Kew CC when I played there in the early 70s and it was terrific to see him again after 50 odd years. Ken also shared stories about his brother Barry, and his time working at Geelong FC especially with Gary Ablett. Ken has written a terrific biography of Barry and you can read my review of the book here.
Allan Barden and Ken Davis
Burkie, Keiran Croker, Flynny
The afternoon ended far too soon.
Copies of Living the Dream can be ordered by emailing Ken: [email protected]
More from Col Ritchie can be read Here
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About Colin Ritchie
Retired teacher who enjoys following the Bombers, listening to music especially Bob Dylan, reading, and swimming.
Very sorry to miss this. Thanks to PJF for hosting, and of course for Ken who has many a story to tell as his book shows very clearly.
Thanks for this, Col.
I was very disappointed to miss this due to work commitments.
Yes wanted to be there too but was out of town for the weekend. Glad it went well.
Congratulations to Ken and the crew. Ken has always been a wonderful supporter of fellow writers as well as creating his own much admired work.