FORMER Sussex and England Jim Parks is to be the first guest speaker on the Derbyshire Cricket Society's winter programme this year.

The Thursday lunchtime monthly meetings at the County Ground are a regular source of comfort for cricket followers in the winter months and another strong line-up is in store.

Parks will come to Derby on October 16, followed by Caly Barlow's memories of her husband, Eddie, on November 27 and former Zimbabwe international Henry Olonga on December 18 to round off the year.

The first speaker of 2009 will be former BBC Test Match Special producer Peter Baxter on January 29, followed by a Derbyshire CCC forum featuring the head of cricket and captain on February 26 and former Essex and England spin bowler Peter Such on March 26.

Tickets are £14.50 for members and £15.50 for non-members with tickets available from Vic Brownett on Derby 810663.