Spring is most certainly in the air at the County Ground in Taunton. With the new cricket season just around the corner Gordon the Goose and his two companions Donald and Daffy the mallard ducks are back on the scene.

During the early part of last season Gordon became quite a favourite with the crowds and players alike, and during one game almost became the target of a ball that was destined for the mid-on boundary, much to the amusement to all concerned.

Whether or not it is the same Gordon as last season or one of his offspring it is difficult to tell, but he is back, along with his web-footed companions as bold as ever and reluctant to step aside for either people or vehicles!

Given that the ground is bounded by the River Tone to the north it is hardly surprising that there are ducks and geese.

However I am reliably informed that when Peter Robinson first made the journey down the A38 from Worcestershire to join the Cidermen in 1965 there were many more around the ground.

'Robbo' told me: "When I first came to join Somerset there used to be an open ditch which ran along behind the benches which were on the east side of the ground in front of the old organ works.

"In those days the ball would often go in the ditch and had to be retrieved by the spectators or players, as many of the older members will no doubt remember," said the former Somerset coach.

"I've just discovered it is known as the Stockwell Stream, and flows down under Canon Street before entering the County Ground site under the Jack White Gates. It then flows in front of the cricket shop and then across the car park, and that's why there are so many manhole covers along that section, before it enters the River Tone behind the Colin Atkinson Pavilion.

"In those days there also used to be a well that stored water behind the pavilion, which was used by the greyhound people to water the track. That's why in the 1970s, when we had the drought, the dog track always used to look so green."

© SOMERSET