Early in the year of 2006 the Secretary of Folkton & Flixton received a phone call enquiring whether some of our cricketers would like to act as extras on a filming of Heartbeat for a couple of days.

Nine players together with George Bowes as umpire and Terry and Pat Baker set off for Goathland on 6th September 2006 for 2 days of what proved to be an experience never to be forgotten.

First we all met at an area high on the moors where all the film crew and actors were based with their caravans, food wagons/buses and costume department. After getting kitted out in 1960's style clothing we were treated to breakfast. Then we were taken by minibus to the village of Goathland where filming took place on the village cricket ground.

We were introduced to the director who explained that we were allowed to watch whilst not in the filming but must stay out of camera shot and remain quiet.

Watching the rehearsals of each scene before the final take was a real eye opener and the Heartbeat actors were really friendly and welcoming. An added bonus was that Dickie Bird was the other umpire and as the photos show he also was very friendly.There was constant tea and coffee during the day, the minibus took everyone back to base camp for lunch and sandwiches and buns were provided on location for teatime. There was a lot of waiting around for our scenes but luckily the weather was bright and sunny with just a nip in the air.

We all got paid for being extras and as one of our cricketers said 'I could manage this job easier than my own' but then added ' as long as the weather was fine!'