JOHN ARLOTT
Sir-In your issue of August 7 it was reported that Jack Lamason, speaking of John Arlott, "would very much like to know how he produces the turn of phrase which may not tell you anything, yet which is interesting in the extreme." I think John Arlott’s ability to produce picturesque turns of phrase was well established. long before he began to give cricket commentaries. I first met him about 10 years ago when he was beginning to see some of his poems in print. When he later joined the BBC, his work, in one of the Overseas Services, was largely concerned with literary programmes and poetry readings and it seems that his natural gift with words has combined with the reverence for cricket the true Hampshire man to produce a commentator of distinction. I was on the BBC staff myself at the time John Arlott was about to have an interview for a position with the
Corporation, and it is amusing to recall that he felt that his chances of a broadcasting job would be lessened by his now famous "loamy" accent. When I last spoke to him, before leaving to join my New Zealand husband, he expressed himself envious of my new life and added. "Let me know if you hear of any opening for a jobbing poet," I have not been in the best position to look for such an opening, but thousands of cricket fans can rejoice that I never found one!
NOEL SUNLEY
(Hastings).
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/NZLIST19530828.2.12.2
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New Zealand Listener, Volume 29, Issue 737, 28 August 1953, Page 5
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250JOHN ARLOTT New Zealand Listener, Volume 29, Issue 737, 28 August 1953, Page 5
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