Start of the Season at Edgbaston

Cricket’s not new for me.

I’ve followed the Bears for a few years now — watching games, keeping up with the season, getting to Edgbaston when I can.

What’s new this year is the membership.

This weekend — days two and three of Warwickshire vs Surrey — was the first time it felt like I wasn’t just going to the cricket.

I was part of it.

New Members Weekend

We travelled down on Saturday morning and headed straight to Edgbaston for the new members’ induction.

It was a simple setup — a presentation in one of the lounges, looking out over the ground — but it marked a shift. From occasional visits to something more consistent across the season.

After that, we had a tour of the facilities. Walking through areas you don’t usually see, taking in the details around the ground — it adds something. You notice more once you sit down to watch.

Day Two at Edgbaston

Saturday was day two of the match, and it had a bit more to it than you sometimes get early in the County Championship.

There was intent — more attacking shots, more boundaries than usual, the kind of play that keeps you properly engaged.

The standout was Dan Mousley bringing up a century, which gave the day a real focal point and something to stay locked into.

And alongside that, there’s that early-season feeling — knowing who you’re likely to see more of across the summer. I’m especially looking forward to seeing more of Woakes in this side this year.

We spent most of the day between the Tom Dollery Lounge and the David Heath Suite, watching properly.

Lunch was shepherd’s pie — simple, warm, exactly what fits a long day of cricket.

Saturday night in Birmingham

After play, we headed into Birmingham and checked into The Grand Hotel.

Dinner was smoked salmon and avocado to start, followed by lobster ravioli.

Nothing overcomplicated — just a good end to a full day.

Back Again on Sunday

Sunday was day three.

That point in a county game where things start to take shape — you can see where it’s heading, how the pressure is building.

It felt calmer, but more defined. Less about standout moments, more about how the game was progressing overall.

Back into the same seats, same setup, just picking it back up.

Lunch this time was roast chicken, vegetables and gravy — again, simple and spot on.

Most of the weekend looked like this — sat in, watching the game unfold.

A couple of drinks in the stands, conversations between overs, long spells where nothing dramatic happens — but everything is building.

That’s the part I enjoy.

Not that cricket is slow — just that it gives you time to actually watch it properly.

This wasn’t about trying something new.

It was about committing to something I already enjoy.

Following a match across multiple days, seeing innings build, watching moments like Mousley’s century in context — that’s what makes it.

That’s what the membership really gives you. Not just highlights, but the shape of a game.

And that fits with everything else this year has been about.

Not dipping in and out.

Actually building things into how I spend my time.

Match: Warwickshire vs Surrey, County Championship (Edgbaston, April 2026)

https://edgbaston.com/fixtures/first-xi/warwickshire-vs-surrey-3-april-2026/?_gl=11ypcxzr_upMQ.._gaMTczMzc1MDA5Ni4xNzc1ODE0Nzk0_ga_NE7BBXK3VRczE3NzU4MTQ3OTMkbzEkZzEkdDE3NzU4MTQ4MDMkajUwJGwwJGgw_ga_ZHXWMN2QK2*czE3NzU4MTQ3OTMkbzEkZzEkdDE3NzU4MTQ4MDMkajUwJGwwJGgw