REGARDING Harry Mead’s recent lament about the disappearance of cricket from the sporting scene (Echo, April 19), I would urge him to do something about it.

Just because he’s over 60 he can still contribute to the welfare of the game.

Rock up to your local cricket club, say you suffer from depressing, failing sight and hearing but you would like to become an umpire (all the right qualifications).

Grass roots cricket is desperately short of umpires, largely due to the misconception about player behaviour. Not to worry, next season umpires are to be given red and yellow cards to deal with offenders. There is talk that the year after that umpires are to be armed, but I’m sure that is just a rumour.

Anyway at the “interview” state that you still have your grandfather’s white coat that he used to wear when he worked behind the counter at “Boots”. So at least you’ll look the part – rules? You’re a journalist, write your own.

Benefits? Well you will enjoy the amazing modern cricket club tea that puts the Age Concern Christmas party menu to shame.

When the game is over and you await your carer, reflect on the fact that you will have given 22 players a game of cricket (sort of). And that will give you more pleasure than a 50 or five wickets as a player.

So, good luck, but don’t forget to borrow six 10p coins, or six 2p if on pension credits, as there are still usually six balls per over.

HB McLaren, Durham