Not much of a welcome

A few months ago I received in the post two vouchers entitling the bearer to attend, free of charge, a day's play at Headingley, the home of Yorkshire County Cricket Club. There were only certain days during the cricket season when the vouchers were valid. Because of various other commitments, I hadn't been able to take advantage of the offer until yesterday. In fact, yesterday was the final day on which I could use the voucher, so I took the opportunity to travel up to Headingley along with Eric, a friend from church. I have been reflecting on our experience of the day...

When we arrived at the ground we showed our tickets and went through the turnstiles. Metal barriers prevented entrance to the first large stand we came to. It was clear that we were not allowed to use that stand, but no explanation was apparent, and no directions were given to where we should go. We walked along that stand and found another stand where we were able to sit; we chose a spot underneath an overhanging balcony, as rain had been forecast!

Play had been due to start at 10.30am but when that time arrived there was no sign of the players. A little while later we heard the voice of the pa announcer. No word of welcome, no explanation as to why the match was late in starting. If you have ever heard the current West Ham United FC manager, Avram Grant, give an interview, you might be surprised to learn that the pa announcer at Headingley made even Avram sound enthusiastic! After a while, the announcer told us that lunches would be available at a certain part of the ground, but no directions were given for the benefit of the uninitiated.

After a while Eric offered to go for a cup of coffee for us. He asked a steward for directions, but the steward seemed uncertain. Eric ended up having to do a complete tour of the ground in search of the elusive refreshments stand!

The capacity of the Headingley ground is around 17,000. There was probably just a few 100 people there yesterday. I often hear cricket officials bemoan the low attendances at county cricket matches. I have to say that if the level of welcome we received (NOT) yesterday is a measure of the normal situation, I am not surprised. Everything was geared towards the long-term cricket lover who knows their way around. The first time visitor was ignored - maybe they don't expect first time visitors!

Sunday 26 September is "Back-to-Church-Sunday"; Christians around the country are being encouraged to invite friends, neighbours, family etc to come with them to church. I think it's a potentially great idea (apparently some 80,000 people did take up the invitation last year), but, having reflected on my Headingley experience, I am sure that if we are to invite people to our churches, we need to be absolutely sure that we are ready to welcome them properly when they come!

And I should say, finally, that despite the total lack of welcome we received at Headingley, it was still a great experience. There's nothing quite like enjoying a good day at the cricket!