Somerset
A "Jewel in a Shining Sea"
Good days
By Grockle
October 11 2012
Grockles.com - a bit of school flotsam that has become a little more than that to some of us over its 18 season lifespan.
In early 1994 when my 6 Advanced GNVQ ICT students decided they wanted to do the optional module in 'Webpage Design' I did not envisage sitting in bed in Muscat Oman in 2012 writing a frontpage story for the same website on where it has been and where it might go but here we are.
The module required a 5 page site to be designed, uploaded to the internet, managed and monitored for 2 months and then evaluated. The 6 guys were sports fans so we chose to do a sport one. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your pont of view) they were split 50:50 Rovers and City so football was out the window and they all hated the concept of Bristol being in Gloucestershire so we eventually fell on the only other option.... Somerset cricket! So the site was born by default.
So "The Grockles Obsession" came into being (the name taken from the fact that I was a tourist to them parts - hence the Devonian designation - and the only one really stuck on the Somerset idea).
We put up the pages of pictures and a bit of text (it was pretty amateurish) and set up a forum and plonked it on the net to watch what happened. Not a lot did. There were a few entries from posters, a couple of names from the sites past appeared in their first 'nom de plumes' - "Penfold" (not sure what happened to him, prolific in the early days), "Redvers" - good old John Redvers Webber who used to do the scoreboard at Bath and I assume must have gone to the pavilion in the sky by now - hope he's watching the game in the eternal sun and some bloke called "Tim" - wonder whatever happened to him?
After the two month period we evaluated, marked the work and went on to the next module and the site sat on the net collecting dust and not a lot else. I returned to it during the season and added a few stories on games when the urge took me and occasionally someone would post something but we are talking about double figure traffic over months.
1996 and I moved to God's Own County from Bristol with a young family and got a strange offer to be paid for work on something that had partly slipped my mind. Rivals Europe, an American idea for independent sites contacted me to ask whether I was interested in running Grockles' under their banner as the only Somerset site present on the net. The club had no site and except for a semi chat site run by "Pete" (sorry Pete I can't remember your second name though Marsden is sticking in my head) who moved on to Stoke in the mid Noughties there was nothing else. They "logo'd" the site up and gave it its present structure and I became a salaried "webmaster". Fame and infamy at last. Fame because the site took on its "Grockles.com" persona and infamy because it came under the baleful gaze of Mr Peter Anderson as the base for revolution and anarchic activity in relation to Somerset CCC.
more to come......
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Discussion started by Grockles.com , 11/10/2012 07:14
Grockles.com
11/10/2012 07:14
11/10/2012 07:14
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:10:29:15:04:36 by Grockle.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:10:29:15:04:36 by Grockle.
Partly because we need frontpage content and partly because I got nostalgic and we have the time I have started a look back at the period overseen by Grockles.
I'll be adding what I remember of the main points of the last 18 years and would appreciate anyone else's memories of site personalities or events that have been marked here through the 90's, "noughties" and "tens" (what IS this decade called?)
I'll be adding what I remember of the main points of the last 18 years and would appreciate anyone else's memories of site personalities or events that have been marked here through the 90's, "noughties" and "tens" (what IS this decade called?)
I have been trying to remember how I started reading this site; it wasn’t by somebody telling me about it, it must have been by doing a search for Somerset cricket that I stumbled across it.
At first I only read the forum and did not post for quite a while, it took me quite a while to build up the nerve to post (in those days you did not have to be registered to post) although I knew a lot about computers the web was new to me.
For me cricket is a happy marriage between cricket and photography, after a while I started posting photos on here and you all know all about that.
I have just bought a new camera for next season so I have given myself plenty of time to get the hang of it, I am now registered as a professional by Nikon, their idea.
Keep up the good work Grockle we all appreciate all the time you put into it.
At first I only read the forum and did not post for quite a while, it took me quite a while to build up the nerve to post (in those days you did not have to be registered to post) although I knew a lot about computers the web was new to me.
For me cricket is a happy marriage between cricket and photography, after a while I started posting photos on here and you all know all about that.
I have just bought a new camera for next season so I have given myself plenty of time to get the hang of it, I am now registered as a professional by Nikon, their idea.
Keep up the good work Grockle we all appreciate all the time you put into it.
Many thanks for all your efforts. The 'challenging' (a very modern word not known in 1994!) way you monitor the site is very effective. Having joined in the last 4/5 years the chance to swap and chat about things - many being cricket and Somerset in particular - in a friendly but sometimes barbed and sceptical way - fills in some of the days as one approaches one's doteage!!
Keep up the good work Grockle from your lair in Oman!
Happy days!
Keep up the good work Grockle from your lair in Oman!
Happy days!
Fascinating account and I look forward to the next episode. Longstanding Somerset supporter that I am (since June 6th 1953 to be exact), I have only been here a just over a year so am still learning the ropes and the crew. And what a crew, by turns erudite, mutinous, colourful, downright laugh out loud funny, provocative and sometimes derogatory (though not him, I assume).
Trying to be constructively critical I think the interface is showing its age and a bit quirky (just where do you go when you click on Alf’s head? And how do you know?), but one or both descriptions apply to some of the posters too – I assume that this will be taken as a compliment. Oh and pedantic too, did you mean “precious stone set in the silver sea”?
Many thanks for the daily pleasure it brings me.
Trying to be constructively critical I think the interface is showing its age and a bit quirky (just where do you go when you click on Alf’s head? And how do you know?), but one or both descriptions apply to some of the posters too – I assume that this will be taken as a compliment. Oh and pedantic too, did you mean “precious stone set in the silver sea”?
Many thanks for the daily pleasure it brings me.
Yep I'm hoping to get to the picture before the end of the year Casomer. It was a good idea at the time but it wasn't as easy to deal with when at the Minaret. Thinking of other ways to do it.
I tried clicking on BJ's head and found that it echoed...
It's not difficult to guess where I was when I first discovered this wonderful site in the summer of 2003. Like others I think I may just have been making a random search, but the site proved a godsend for me during a very demanding period of my working life. It was also a demanding period for SCCC, with a not universally loved chief executive and inconsistent performance on the field and a sad talking point was the death of a much loved contributor called (I hope my memory does not fail me) Collis, whom sadly I never met.
For me the greatest benefit of joining this wonderful club has been the making of a dozen or so really good friendships which would survive perfectly well if, heaven forfend, this site were not to do so.
Many thanks to Grockles for all his efforts and to so many contributors for their wit and erudition.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:10:11:13:03:17 by Loyal of Lhasa..
It's not difficult to guess where I was when I first discovered this wonderful site in the summer of 2003. Like others I think I may just have been making a random search, but the site proved a godsend for me during a very demanding period of my working life. It was also a demanding period for SCCC, with a not universally loved chief executive and inconsistent performance on the field and a sad talking point was the death of a much loved contributor called (I hope my memory does not fail me) Collis, whom sadly I never met.
For me the greatest benefit of joining this wonderful club has been the making of a dozen or so really good friendships which would survive perfectly well if, heaven forfend, this site were not to do so.
Many thanks to Grockles for all his efforts and to so many contributors for their wit and erudition.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:10:11:13:03:17 by Loyal of Lhasa..
Hugh Collis - aka 'Crouch End Wyvern' was indeed a wonderful contributor to this site, and who alas died at far too early an age.
I was fortunate to have met him many years before 'Grockles' was born.
But as regards the "not universally loved chief executive"; the man could do little wrong in my eyes, which sadly I have not been able to say in respect of one of his successors.
It is just a matter of opinion of course, and I am often in a minority, but hey ho!
I was fortunate to have met him many years before 'Grockles' was born.
But as regards the "not universally loved chief executive"; the man could do little wrong in my eyes, which sadly I have not been able to say in respect of one of his successors.
It is just a matter of opinion of course, and I am often in a minority, but hey ho!
The mention of the 'not universally' liked CEO reminded where I was when joining. Somerset CCC about 5 years ago had a very open-ended blogging spot on their site, where the poster could pose all sorts of questions about the cricket and the cricket politics. It was during Mr Clarke's period as Chairman if I remember and when the questions became too sceptical or enquiring, or perhaps too difficult to answer, the club closed the whole thing down and someone introduced me to Grockle!!
Episode 2 'The Anderson Years' is in production OB. Mr A could be a difficult man to like but he mellowed after his departure which was a little sad. I got to like him more after his time than during it... he was REAL suspiscious of Grockles 
and its motives.
and its motives.
I think I stumbled on the site in about 1998, whilst I was twiddling my thumbs awaiting a final redundancy notice.
14 years, several jobs, another redundancy and a dramatic change of career later, I still derive as much pleasure from this virtual supporters clubroom as ever.
There have been ups and downs, spats and arguments. The passing of Hugh "Crouch End" Collis, has not been our only sad loss. I was fortunate enough to meet David "Congar" Taylor and his lovely wife in Barbados before his innings was closed. And like LoL I have been firtunate enough to forge several real-world friendships with fellow contributors.
And to think some said the world wide web would never acheive anything meaningful!
14 years, several jobs, another redundancy and a dramatic change of career later, I still derive as much pleasure from this virtual supporters clubroom as ever.
There have been ups and downs, spats and arguments. The passing of Hugh "Crouch End" Collis, has not been our only sad loss. I was fortunate enough to meet David "Congar" Taylor and his lovely wife in Barbados before his innings was closed. And like LoL I have been firtunate enough to forge several real-world friendships with fellow contributors.
And to think some said the world wide web would never acheive anything meaningful!
Do you have any records of how long we've been contributors?
I remember a Hazel and a Catherine from many years ago.
I remember a Hazel and a Catherine from many years ago.
Botham registered on the 7th June 2004 I don't know if that was when you first posted.
I don't know where those registration dates come from it has me down as registering on 1 May 2007 and I'm damn sure I've been hanging around with you guys a LOT longer than that!
I appear to have a registration date of 1st May 2007 - I think a change in the system required us all to register at about that time - but I know I made my first posting in July 2003. In a former life we used to have a table of contributors who had made the most postings and at one time I headed that table. Very high on that list was Ned Harding of Melbourne, but he hasn't visited us for a long time now. The table no longer seems to appear and in any event since I retired I have been far too busy to contribute as much as I used to.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
I remember surreptitiously logging on to Grockles whilst I was working at the vet school so that must date me back to 2000 at the latest. I can't remember which tour I first posted match reports here - I do know that my first tour was Pakistan 2000 but my experiences appeared on Mark Ilott's old site.
No records at all before 2002 when we moved from Rival's network to SN as it fell apart becoming the '365' franchise set of sites. We were independent from 1994 until about 1996 - I seem to have May 96 as the move to Rivals.
If you changed your name or log in name or re-registered it will be based on your last registration.
You were certainly posting before we moved to SN Bagpuss and Botham, under another name you were on this site in the 90's. Don't remember Hazel. Catherine was involved with the N19 crowd I think or one of the London based groups.
There was Janet for many years but like many others they move away or move on.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2012:10:12:06:18:21 by Grockle.
If you changed your name or log in name or re-registered it will be based on your last registration.
You were certainly posting before we moved to SN Bagpuss and Botham, under another name you were on this site in the 90's. Don't remember Hazel. Catherine was involved with the N19 crowd I think or one of the London based groups.
There was Janet for many years but like many others they move away or move on.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2012:10:12:06:18:21 by Grockle.
Hazel is the Gloucestershire supporting better half of Dasher Denning. They are still around at some Somerset and England games (and Gloucestershire) and on Twitter, just not posting here that often
Quote:Grockle
There was Janet for many years but like many others they move away or move on.
Janet was, and still is, a true Middlesex supporter who, as I recall, used to appear on this site to goad us about her perception of Somerset 'poaching' Middlesex players. The names of Johnson, Dutch and Laraman spring to mind, as they were brought to Taunton by the then Somerset coach Kevin Shine - himself a former Middlesex player.
I believe that after a severe stroke, she is now wheelchair – bound and has serious health complications.
I am sure that we all wish her well.
A wonderful conduit for Somerset fans worldwide which I discovered randomly - in approx 2006 I think.
So many highlights, arguments, wit & banter shared by a veritable cornucopia of posters, all (well,virtually all !)of whom have the common objective of seeing SCCC succeed.
But whatever happened to the Indian Tractor part man ?!!
Grizzzly
So many highlights, arguments, wit & banter shared by a veritable cornucopia of posters, all (well,virtually all !)of whom have the common objective of seeing SCCC succeed.
But whatever happened to the Indian Tractor part man ?!!
Grizzzly
The Janet I am referring to pre dates the Middlesex version by some way. She was a Lawyer of some kind who had strong West indian contacts and occasionally frequented the Stragglers in her holidays.
She also took up the game for a local ladies team but I haven't seen her at the ground and she hasn't posted for some considerable time so I only assume she has moved on from the county.
I'm afraid I discounted the Middlesex Janet a considerable time ago when she spent time trying to bait people here... sorry to hear about her condition but she was a minor irritant for Grockles and always much more of a MTWD character.
The "Tractor parts guy" has "massive" cred on the basis that he posted a mere once Grizz.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2012:10:12:09:18:04 by Grockle.
She also took up the game for a local ladies team but I haven't seen her at the ground and she hasn't posted for some considerable time so I only assume she has moved on from the county.
I'm afraid I discounted the Middlesex Janet a considerable time ago when she spent time trying to bait people here... sorry to hear about her condition but she was a minor irritant for Grockles and always much more of a MTWD character.
The "Tractor parts guy" has "massive" cred on the basis that he posted a mere once Grizz.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2012:10:12:09:18:04 by Grockle.
Quote:Grizzzly
But whatever happened to the Indian Tractor part man ?!!
He is still trying to locate a jeepwilly, Grizzzly.
Quote:Vishal Goela
Exporters and manufacturers of Tractor Parts from India
Posted by: Vishal Goela (IP Logged)
Date: July 14, 2004 08:24AM
[www.auto-comp.com]
Exporters,Manufacturers and Suppliers of messay ferguson tractor parts india,escorts tractor parts,eicher parts,jeepwillys parts,ford tractor, hindustan,farmtrac, zetor, swaraj tractor parts india.
'gslspares@rediffmail.com'
VISHAL GOELA
GOELA ENGINEERS (OVERSEAS)
3B, GOELA LANE
UNDER HILL ROAD, CIVIL LINES
DELHI 110054
INDIA
Phone : (+91)-9810645100
Fax : (+91)-(11)-23968832
But he has a competitor in Pakistan:-
Quote:ilvas bhatti
tractor parts
Posted by: ilyas bhatti (IP Logged)
Date: September 17, 2004 02:57PM
hi im check your webside its very confirmtable im dealer of tractor parts in pakistan i want join you i hope you help me
Well, you did ask!
Fantastic news CP !
I must have been reading Grockles back in 2004 it seems.
Maybe it was all a ruse. A coded message perhaps from Murali Kartik to SCCC seeking a contract for a few years hence.
(After his antics at Taunton this season, perhaps selling Tractor parts would be a suitable career move for him).
Grizzzly
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:10:12:16:25:38 by Grizzzly.
I must have been reading Grockles back in 2004 it seems.
Maybe it was all a ruse. A coded message perhaps from Murali Kartik to SCCC seeking a contract for a few years hence.
(After his antics at Taunton this season, perhaps selling Tractor parts would be a suitable career move for him).
Grizzzly
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:10:12:16:25:38 by Grizzzly.
Would you buy mechanical parts from that man?
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:10:13:18:45:49 by AGod.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:10:13:18:45:49 by AGod.
... not until delivery was completed.
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Having been away from the site for a week how lovely to come home to your article, Grockle, and all the fascinating reminiscences, many of which I recall.
Oh my Catherine and my Janet long ago!
Oh my Catherine and my Janet long ago!
Are we to expect your memories to be serialised in a Sunday tabloid, Bobstan?
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
LoL
Sixty-six Seasons a Somerset Supporter
Yes, I'm weighing up the offers from a number of comics, LoL.
I await yours.
I await yours.
I am catching up with recent postings and found the article fascinating. I had no idea (or had forgotten) about the genesis of the site.
I find Grockles a great way to keep in touch (especially when I find myself in a distant corner of the globe) with Somerset cricket - which has been my passion for nearly fifty years. However, I agree with a number of other contributors that the best thing about the site is the very good friends I have made through it.
I find Grockles a great way to keep in touch (especially when I find myself in a distant corner of the globe) with Somerset cricket - which has been my passion for nearly fifty years. However, I agree with a number of other contributors that the best thing about the site is the very good friends I have made through it.
I'm sure that had other contributors not found me so objectionable and negative, I too, would have many good friends, but hopefully there's still time.
Hello all
Really enjoyed this thread. Brought back memories of the early 00's when i was a prolific poster and regular attendee down at Taunton. Unfortunately middle aged and London residence seems to have reduced both but 2 quick things:
(i) I've still got my rivals bottle opener
(ii) Catherine N19 was (and to my great pleasure) remains my partner, she'll be chuffed that you remember her (even Botham!)
Really enjoyed this thread. Brought back memories of the early 00's when i was a prolific poster and regular attendee down at Taunton. Unfortunately middle aged and London residence seems to have reduced both but 2 quick things:
(i) I've still got my rivals bottle opener
(ii) Catherine N19 was (and to my great pleasure) remains my partner, she'll be chuffed that you remember her (even Botham!)
Yes an excellent thread and I well remember those days when I contributed the odd cricket report. Although those were in the old days at The Ministry of Agriculture when spending half a day writing a cricket report was quite acceptable(?).
Glad that Andy and Kathrine are still together. Well done to you.
Well done to The Grockle for keeping up for so long. Power to your elbow Paul.
Cheers
Will the Exile
Glad that Andy and Kathrine are still together. Well done to you.
Well done to The Grockle for keeping up for so long. Power to your elbow Paul.
Cheers
Will the Exile
and what a strange cryptic post that is. Good to hear from you again sir and regards to your other half and Will...any time you want to send in reports I'll always be grateful for them
I was merely referring to Catherine being spelled with a 'C', so the couple are 'still' together.
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