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Taught to score by a desperate young teacher on a rainy day at primary school, my skills were tested four days later when I was asked to deputise for an absent scorer at my local club.

My Test Match Special predecessor's demise coincided with the end of my six and a half cricket seasons in the Royal Air Force. I suggested to the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳'s Head of Outside Broadcasts that they might be one short, was interviewed within a week and eventually given the coveted job on a three match trial. Found 'not guilty' after four sessions of Test cricket, I was offered a permanent contract. That was 42 summers ago.

As a freelance I have been fortunate that TMS has proved be a splendid shop window. Commissions from newspapers, publishers and speaking agencies have flowed in nicely. I also market my own scoring books in the linear system I developed. Collectors buy copies of my score sheets of Tests and internationals, as well as the radial charts of famous innings I have been lucky enough to record. The ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ website bravely hosts my Ask Bearders blog and has yet to be sued because of my answers.

I have been extremely privileged to have worked alongside such great broadcasters as John Arlott and Brian Johnston. It has certainly been a lot more fun than a proper job.