For the last few weeks I have been visiting family in Texas. One huge advantage of not being in hotels was that I could watch all the England internationals live whilst eating breakfast. At the same time I was receiving text messages keeping me up to date from Compost Corner with current scores in our matches being played at the same time. Whilst it was extremely enjoyable to watch the confirmation that England do indeed seem to have a future as an international side, by far more significant was the news that our boys were struggling to mop up the expected points at home.

I came to the realisation that we in Compost Corner have become professional spectators. Whereas in our playing days we had the opportunity to influence results and lots of opportunities to get rid of frustrations the following week, now we are condemned to stand and watch and suffer the pains of defeats or poor performances. We yearn to make a difference by the simple act of supporting, by encouraging, exhorting, shouting, cheering, booing the ref, anything. We want to help. We are living vicariously through the efforts of “our team” and as we grow older we have no other options.

Our glory days are well behind us but we still derive enormous pleasure from still being part of the club. The relationship we enjoy with the current players is tremendous and there does seem to be affection and respect shown all round. Our old mates that shared our great days at New House Farm and the Queen Anne would be amazed at the club we have become. So despite the impotence we feel as non players now how glad we are that we are still able to take part in some small way.

Of course, not all of our old teammates are still here to enjoy it with us and sadly last week we said goodbye to one of the giants of our past. Joey Barnes was a very good player but so much more than that. Rugby is almost defined by the “characters” that take part and Joey was the ultimate “character”. Incredibly funny, with the sharpest wit of anyone I ever met, even from the bottom of the messiest of rucks Joey could be relied upon to have everyone within earshot splitting their sides with laughter. Loved by us and respected by everyone he played against. Compost Corner Zimmer walk this coming Saturday will, I am sure, be regaled with memories of Joey playing, on tour, just being around. A rare beast who will be mightily missed.