JOSEPH Arrowsmith has fond memories of his first time at a Trent Bridge Test match.
It was way back in 1948 and England were taking on an Australian team widely regarded as the greatest to ever visit these shores.
Joseph went to the final day with his father-in-law and saw the legendary Sir Don Bradman – viewed by many as the best player of all time – get out for a duck before the tourists defeated England by eight wickets.
An avid cricket fan, Joseph has been back to Trent Bridge to see England play Test matches on many occasions – and has not missed one since New Zealand came to town in 1983.
"It is a great place to come to watch cricket," said the 86-year-old, of Edwalton. "It was far different in the days when I first came.
"I have been coming as a member since 1983 and have not missed a Test match here since. It is always a good Test match here and always gets a good crowd.
"I remember my first time well, including seeing the great Don Bradman get a duck. There were about 25,000 people in the crowd, some on the grass at the edge of the pitch. You can't do that these days."
Joseph has kept up his impressive record this week, attending England's Test with India.
He says he has many fond memories of times watching Test cricket at Trent Bridge, including witnessing Ashes victories over Australia such as last summer's.
But his best memory is a little surprising.
"My favourite was watching (former England batsman) Graeme Hick score a century against the West Indies in 1995," he said.
"Graeme played for Worcestershire, where I used to be a member, and it was great to see him do well."
Joseph believes the lack of top-quality spin bowlers is one of the big changes that have occurred in cricket since his first time watching 66 years ago.
"England have had a lot of them over the years but they haven't got any in this game," he said.
Despite living in Lancashire, John Rhodes, 71, is a Trent Bridge member who has not missed a Test match there for more than a decade.
"I'd say it has been around 15 years since I have missed one," he said. "I'm a member at Nottinghamshire, Lancashire, Yorkshire and Leicestershire. I love coming to the cricket.
"Trent Bridge is a good ground to see cricket at. There is always a good atmosphere and often England do well here as well."
It is not just the fans who have been attending Trent Bridge Test matches for many years.
Alf Parmar, 58, has been a steward based in the pavilion every year since 1996 – another year when India were the tourists.
He said: "I contacted the people at the ground to see if there were any opportunities and they said yes. So I came down and started work and have been here ever since.
"It is a good job and I enjoy doing it. The supporters always enjoy their cricket, which is what you want."
Alf gets as good a view as anyone when the players head on to and off the pitch.
While he and the members return year after year, many more in the crowd this week have been at the ground for the first time.
Rob Ward, 24, of Gamston, was experiencing his first live cricket there.
He said: "I've been wanting to come to Trent Bridge for years, as I have lived so close. For various reasons, I haven't been but this year I was determined that I would make it.
"It is great to be here. I'm very impressed with the ground. I have had no trouble finding my way around."
Gary Price was also at the ground for the first time, having travelled from Lincoln for the day. The 28-year-old said: "It is good. My first experience has left me wanting to come again."
Having been to other Test match grounds around the country, Nigel Gibbons, 49, made his way from Clacton-on-Sea in Essex with his friends. He was there yesterday, for the second day running.
He said: "I like the look of Trent Bridge. Some of my mates have been up before but this is my first time. I like Nottingham as a whole. We went out on Thursday and found everyone really nice and sociable."
