While sorting through some newspaper cuttings recently I came across a team photograph of a Guilden Sutton team in the 1964/65 season. At the time they were playing in Section A of the Chester and District League. Alongside the picture was a small paragraph which grabbed my attention. Although it only indirectly references Chester I thought it made a good story.

The team photo included a friend of mine, Pat Bradley, so I asked him if he remembered this incident and he had very distinct memories. At the time Guilden Sutton played in a field on Oxen Lane which itself is just off Wicker Lane.

Pat recalls: “We were just about to start the game when all of a sudden a battered old van came through the gate at the top of the field. Driving the car was Blaster Bates with the farmer sitting besides him.”

Blaster Bates was an explosives and demolition expert from Crewe who became a national “celebrity” in the 1960s and 1970s telling stories about his demolition business. He recorded a number of live albums and was a guest on Parkinson.

“The van pulled up and he came over and said to us: “You can’t start this game I’ve got to blow up an oak tree in the hedge.” The tree was about 30 yards behind one goal and we stood around watching until he said “Get up over the half way line it will carry up to there.” It only took a couple of minutes to set up and then there was a bang and up went the oak tree. Pieces went everywhere and they almost reached us on the halfway line. They were big chunks as well. There were branches all over the place so the referee got us clearing the pitch, Blaster Bates and the farmer said thank you and disappeared and we continued with the game. It all took less than 10 minutes.”

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