Life as a first-time Barmy Army traveller

The Cricketer speak to two cricket fans about what it is like to tour with Barmy Travel for the first time

Steve Comley's introduction to life as a travelling England supporter began in a bit of a blur.

In November 2018, to celebrate retirement, he took his family on holiday to Mexico. Not exactly the holiday destination that cricket fans flock to.

"I was lying on the beach and I got a call from my friend Andy Thompson, who I had worked with for 30 years, and has been a tour manager for Barmy Travel many times.

"He said, 'You won’t believe this, but somebody has just dropped out of a one Test tour to Sri Lanka. Would you be interested?'

"At that point, I would watch cricket on the TV at home but wouldn’t call myself an avid fan. Add to that the potential complications of getting from a beach in Mexico to a cricket stadium in Sri Lanka, to watch a match that was due to start in just three days. It would have been very easy to say no.

"But I spoke to my wife, and she just said 'go'!

"I immediately contacted Andrew Strawford at Barmy Travel and he arranged absolutely everything. I landed in Manchester with my family in the morning and five hours later I was on my way to Sri Lanka!"

England went on to win the first Test at Galle by an emphatic 211 runs, with Ben Foakes stealing the show as the wicketkeeper scored a hundred on debut.

But as well as the undeniable talent of the Surrey gloveman, it was the attitude of the Barmy Army that caught Steve's eye.

"The Barmy Army are renowned for their singing but you don't have to be covered in paint and shouting in the stands all day to enjoy the atmosphere. If you want to have a bit of a sing-song with a beer in hand you can, but if you want to sit with your sunhat on in a peaceful part of the ground you are very welcome to do that as well."

The tropical conditions, thrilling cricket, and hospitable company were enough for Steve to get hooked.

"That was my first experience of Test cricket abroad. The other people on the tour were great, and having got to know quite a few of them I got a real taste for touring."

Steve returned home to England, but not for long.

It took until only February for Steve to reunite with his Barmy Army mates. This time they set sail for the Caribbean to see a much-fancied England take on the West Indies in a three-match Test series.   

This time Steve was part of the original party, rather than a late call-up.

"I booked everything in advance with Barmy Travel. I just said to Andrew [Strawford], these are my dates, these are the games I want to see, and they planned everything for me. Flights, hotels, transfers, tickets, everything.

"The atmosphere was incredible! Although England didn’t live up to their favourites tag, to be there when West Indies bowled us out for 77 and Jason Holder scored his double-hundred in the first Test was amazing. Whether it was England or West Indies batting, it was just brilliant to see great cricket. I was engrossed from the first ball to the last."

Joining Steve for the third Test in St Lucia was Carrie Daly.

It being her first cricket tour, Carrie wasn't quite sure what to expect, especially as she was one of only two women in their particular touring party touring party. But these concerns were alleviated immediately.

"Straight away we all bonded as we all had that connection which is cricket. It was all so relaxed and friendly from the first night when we had a rum punch upon arrival at the hotel," Carrie told The Cricketer.

"When you get to the ground you can feel the energy and the atmosphere starts to bubble. Then the players come out and the clapping starts, and we sing Jerusalem. Wow.

"I have never experienced anything like it, that feeling of being part of something. You are all there for the same reason and it's such a good feeling."

^{Carrie and Alastair Cook}

"I've seen the Barmy Army on TV over the years and heard all sorts of stories, but to actually be there and to be a part of the group was unbelievable," Steve explained.

"Everybody is so friendly, I got to know Billy the Trumpet really well and even Paul Burnham – co-founder of the Barmy Army. He would come over most days and have a chat, he was a lovely chap.

"After the first ball we would sing Jerusalem which was a great way to start the day.

"The whole crowd would applaud and even the players would turn around and give their appreciation. It really created a good connection between us and the team."

And Steve singing wasn't appreciated by just the players.

"A friend of mine was watching at home on TV when his wife came in and asked, 'have you heard from Steve at all?' My friend replied, 'I haven't heard from him, but I've seen him' as I was on TV singing Jerusalem!"

Both Carrie and Steve are planning ahead for when they can be a part of the Barmy Army once more.

"I made some really good friends in the group, and I’m still in touch with them now." Carrie said.

"We live in Cardiff, so if anybody comes down for the World Cup then they are welcome to stay at ours, it’s an open door.

"I decided to go to Cape Town before we left St Lucia. I just want to keep going on all the tours.

"I think it's important that as a woman I felt really well-looked after. I was there with my other half but even if I had been on my own I would have felt very well informed and very supported.

"I had the contact numbers of the tour reps for whatever I needed and the companionship you have with the other members of the group made me feel as if everyone was looking out for each other."

Steve is also well and truly hooked.

"Without a doubt I will go again." He said. "I'm heading to Cape Town this winter and can't wait!"

To find out more about Barmy Travel's South Africa tour packages, visit www.barmytravel.com or call 0203 907 2222