A FRAMED photograph of James Maxwell who played for Somerset County Cricket Club at the start of the last century has been presented to the Cricket Museum by his great- grandson Andrew Maxwell, a lifelong supporter who now resides in Shropshire.

Ahead of the Vitality Blast match against Kent, Andrew made the trip to Taunton to present the picture along with some cricketing memorabilia relating to one of his sporting heroes, Brian Rose, who was on hand to receive it.

The original photograph of James, also known as Jimmy, who made 10 first class appearances between 1906-08, had been in the Maxwell family ever since, but last summer after consulting with the rest of the family it was agreed to present it to the SCM so it could be enjoyed by others.

In September last year Andrew travelled to Trent Bridge to watch the Metro Bank Final between Somerset and Glamorgan, and during a rain break took the opportunity to mention the photograph to James Rew. James put Andrew in contact with Mike Unwin at the Cricket Museum, who in turn spoke to Somerset vice chairman Richard Brice who made the link with Brian Rose, the upshot of which was his visit to present the photograph.

In addition to the photograph of his great- grandfather, Andrew also presented the museum with a collection of articles and memorabilia relating to Brian Rose - his hero, who had kindly come along to meet him when he was at the museum.

Andrew Maxwell said: “Brian, the most successful Somerset captain ever, was one of my sporting heroes when growing up. It was extra special to share with him, my first ever experience of watching first class cricket, and what a start it was?

“Brian was playing for England, having been recalled for the third Test match in 1980 at Old Trafford against that feared West Indies foursome of Andy Roberts, Joel Garner, Malcolm Marshall and Michael Holding.

“I told Brian, I didn’t even see Holding’s first ball, before it hit the wicket keeper’s gloves. Brian said something similar regards the first ball he faced from him. But once that had passed, literally, he was on his way, scoring 70 out of an all out total of 150.

“As a 15 year old on a school trip, I had recorded every single ball of that first day’s play in 1980. I was just so happy to share that with Brian along with other items relating to him, and present it to the museum for future generations to enjoy, as I have.

“Sometimes when eventually meeting your life long hero you can be disappointed but not me. A truly great captain and a lovely, quiet unassuming gentleman. I could have chatted for hours with Brian.”

Andrew added: “Many thanks to Mike Unwin from the Somerset Cricket Museum, Richard Brice (for putting me in touch with Brian), Richard Walsh, for sharing my grandfather’s story and of course, Brian, for the joy and pleasure he brought to me as a 15 year old on that June day in 1980 at Old Trafford.”

For those who have never visited the Somerset Cricket Museum it is situated at the Cooper Associates County Ground behind the Ondaatje Pavilion. The museum is open on match days during the intervals and entry is free. To find out more log onto somersetcricketmuseum.com.