By Community Correspondent Richard Sharp.

Former West Indies cricket captain Richie Richardson and ace fast bowler Curtly Ambrose called in at Farmers’ City Market in Hampton Hill last Tuesday to officially open Alan Weston’s new fish counter in the store. All three were born and grew up together in Antigua and have stayed close friends ever since. Richie said, “We wanted to help support Alan and Anastasia in this exciting new venture for their company, Fishman Direct. It’s a great concept. Alan is even more passionate about his fresh fish than he is about his cricket! The three of us have shared a lot together over the years, from cricket to reggae and now it’s fish!”

Richie Richardson’s cricketing career was spectacular. He played in 86 matches during his test career with the West Indies team and scored more than 12,000 runs in tests and One Day Internationals. He captained the side on no fewer than 24 times between 1991 and early 1996. Curtly Ambrose’s test cricket career was mightily impressive too! His famous partnership with Courtney Walsh was one of the greatest opening bowling duos of all time with no fewer than 421 wickets taken in 49 test matches.

Richie is over here for the summer season coaching the Thames Ditton Cricket Club and local school teams. Last month Alan Weston and Richie helped organise two international ‘20-20’ matches between the Lashings International XI and Richie Richardson's own International XI, including Curtly Ambrose, Joel Garner and Collis King. The day’s cricket at Giggs Hill Green Thames Ditton on 28th June drew a huge crowd. Alan arranged a 7 day holiday in Antigua as the first prize for the raffle. The event raised £500 for The Shooting Star Children’s Hospice in Hampton.

On Sunday 5th July Richie and Curtly teamed up once again for a match with the Piers Morgan XI playing the Newick Cricket Club Friendly XI at the club’s ground in Sussex. An enthralling match ensued but Piers Morgan’s team lost, by just 3 runs!

After the match Alan, Anastasia and spectators were treated to some great Reggae back at Piers Morgan’s house with Richie on rhythm guitar and Curtly on bass.

Alan Weston said, “It was great to see the guys again, for them to open the new fish counter, to see them play some super cricket and then perform some ‘soleful’ (!) Reggae. Richie is right, I am passionate about fish and am so excited about being able to offer the very best and freshest to our customers in and around Hampton Hill. We only source from ethical suppliers who understand the importance of sustainability. We have developed some great relationships with a number of local fishermen who share our values. We know where all our fish comes from and just how it is caught. We won’t buy fish caught by anything harmful to the marine ecosystem. So, there’s no excuses, try and eat at least two portions of fish per week, one oily fish! It does you good. Take a look at our website http://www.fishmandirect.co.uk or better still, pop in and see us! ”

The Fishman Direct fish counter in Farmers’ City Market 94 – 102 High Street Hampton Hill is open 9am to 6pm Tuesdays to Saturdays (until 7pm on Fridays). Alan’s and his distinctive van (the one with the huge lobster!) can also be found outside Secret Garden greengrocers in Thames Ditton High Street on Saturday mornings. Orders can be placed by phone, e mail or the website for collection or free local home delivery.