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Purpose - The aim of this paper is to examine the factors that induced people to follow the 2005 Ashes cricket series on television and to explore the implications of these factors for the marketing of English cricket as a brand. Design/methodology/approach - A total of 427 members of the public who reported that they had watched at least part of the 2005 Ashes series on television were questioned about their motives for having done so. Specific motives were then related to viewing intensity and to an individual's intention to follow cricket in the future. Findings - The study finds that viewers who had been motivated to watch the Ashes series because of cricket's nostalgic associations with England's past were more likely than others to have followed the series intensively and to state that they would continue to be interested in cricket. Patriotic motivations led to short- but not to long-term support. Social pressure, prior involvement with cricket, and several variables identified from a review of the general academic literature in the sports marketing area also exerted significant influences on future intentions to watch cricket. Research limitations/implications - It was not feasible to establish the socio-demographic, cultural and economic backgrounds of individuals who exhibited strong tendencies in relation to the motivations covered by the study. Thus it was not possible to relate these background characteristics to decisions to follow cricket in the longer period. Practical implications - The results suggest that English cricket may indeed be regarded as a brand, and that certain aspects of cricket's brand identity should be incorporated into marketing communications that promote the sport. Originality/value - This was the first empirical study to analyse the factors underlying the highly successful rebranding of English cricket that occurred between 1997 and 2004. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A monthly composite rainfall record for the period 1786–present representative of Manchester, northwest England is presented. The 235-year record ranks as the second-longest instrumental rainfall record available for northern England, and the fifth-longest for the UK, and contributes to a growing network of long homogenous rainfall series. A composite record is constructed, extended, and homogenised, and the record is analysed in terms of annual and seasonal variability, with a focus on extreme wet/dry events. Three primary meteorological stations in Manchester, located within 2 km of one another, form the basis of the reconstruction, with other records identified for infilling and extension based on their longevity, continuity, and proximity to the primary stations. A linear regression analysis is applied to produce a continuous record, and adjustment factors are applied to ensure homogeneity. Record homogeneity is assessed via cross-comparison with long-term records from the region (Carlisle, Chatsworth House and HadNWEP), and the methods are applied to assess relative homogeneity include the double-mass curve and Standard Normal Homogeneity tests. The Manchester record is deemed to be homogenous overall but includes two periods of increased uncertainty: 1786–1819, comprising the earliest observations and greatest number of different stations, and 1883–1911, which encompasses multi-year and multi-decadal drought events of (1883–1885 and 1890–1910) as identified by other long-term meteorological studies. The analysis of the entire record reflects long-term rainfall variability with an increasing, although not significant, trend in annual rainfall observed. Seasonally, a significant increase in winter rainfall is exhibited, in keeping with patterns observed in other regional studies. Seasonal rainfall totals are found to be highly variable at the decadal timescale. Several well-documented extreme wet (e.g., autumn 2000) and dry (e.g., summer 1976) seasons are identified, including historic events (e.g., the floods of summer 1872 and drought of summer 1887) from the less-well documented eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article makes a contribution, based on previously unseen archival materials, to debates about the so‐called 'decline' of black cricket in England. It discusses the historical context of the development of black cricket in the postwar period and presents a case study of the Haringey Cricket College—1984–1997—a black‐led project in and around the deprived areas of Tottenham, north London, which, during the period of its existence, produced more first class cricketers than many of the most expensive, elite 'cricket schools' in England. In so doing, it achieved national and international acclaim. The article goes on to provide detailed evidence regarding the closure of the college, arguing that the college's demise should not be seen simply as part of a wider process of decreasing interest in cricket within England's black communities, but involved active decisions by the cricket establishment not to support the college. The article raises wider questions about when and how it has been possible to be perceived as legitimately black and English in cricketing terms, and how cricket's authorities should respond to these historical problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a significant but unused hydropower potential with head differences below 2.5 m in many countries. Standard turbine types are considered not economical in this situation, since large turbine diameters and extensive civil engineering works are required. In addition, ecological effects need to be considered. Recently, a novel power-conversion mechanism which utilizes hydrostatic force differences was developed at Southampton University. Two different applications were developed: (1) the hydrostatic pressure wheel for head differences between 0.2 and 1 m and (2) the hydrostatic pressure machine for head differences between 1 and 2.5 m. Theoretical analysis and four series of model tests were conducted. Efficiencies ranged from 0.5 to 0.9 for (1) and up to 0.8 for (2). The simplicity of the machines suggests economical advantages, while the slow speed, the continuity of the bed and the large cells promise good ecological characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Here we reprint, and provide background and a commentary on, a recently-rediscovered lecture by Godfrey H. Thomson entitled, “Intelligence and civilisation.” It was delivered at the University of Manchester, UK, on 23rd October, 1936, printed in 1937 in the short-lived Journal of the University of Manchester and as a pamphlet in Edinburgh. It was one in the series of lectures supported by the industrialist and philanthropist Ludwig Mond. The lecture is unusually valuable in that it places the theory, testing and practical application of intelligence against the background of the rise of fascism and its threat to civilisation. The lecture is a candid and accessible ‘confession and contemplation''; the frank thoughts of a person committed to, but critical of, intelligence testing and theory, but convinced of the power and place of intelligence differences in people''s lives and in civilisation. It comes at an important time for Thomson, with regard to three of his major achievements: his Moray House Test series, the Scottish Mental Survey of 1932 (and the Northumbrian testing exercise that preceded it), and the preparation of his book The Factorial Analysis of Human Ability. The understanding of the lecture is enhanced by recently-discovered archive materials on Thomson and his circle. ([Thomson, G.H. (1937a). Intelligence and civilisation: A Ludwig Mond lecture delivered at the University of Manchester on October 23rd, 1936. Journal of the University of Manchester, 1, 18–38], from the Ludwig Mond lecture). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

More than 35 years ago, in the infancy of the globalisation and professionalisation of sport, John Blundell1 published a blueprint for cricket in England and Wales in this journal. His proposals, aimed at giving market forces a greater role, related to player eligibility regulations, the admission of new teams, changing cricket formats and the creation of special games and tours. Most of these proposals were subsequently adopted by the sport's administrators. The consequent benefits derived by the sport, its teams, fans and players have, however, been mixed, and the effects are confounded by the number of changes made and the complex and dynamic nature of the competitive environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]