Bedford cricketing great celebrated in son’s book
Added: (Thu Dec 02 2021)
Pressbox (Press Release) -
Northamptonshire-based training manager Andrew Oakley has spent the past year partnering his father at the wicket.
And the result is a beautifully observed memoir of one of Bedford’s cricketing greats.
It’s Not What You Know… Peter Oakley, Veteran Off-Spinner has already reached number one in the cricket book charts as well as attracting a string of five-star reviews.
Andrew spent much of lockdown delving through the archives as well as enjoying long chats with his 87-year-old father and many of his former cricketing colleagues.
The detailed research and interviews have led to a thoroughly enjoyable account of a man who dedicated much of his life to club and sport.
Andrew believes the biography of his father is much more than just a sporting memoir.
He said: “It’s Not What You Know… Peter Oakley, Veteran Off-Spinner shows how a combination of strong social connections, resilience and a passion for sport, shaped the life journey of my dad – the Bedford cricket legend Peter Oakley.
“It’s very much about getting the message across that making the most of your social network will support your mental wellbeing and enrich your life.
“When people look out for each other, a sense of community is created, and people want to be part of the team.”
With a foreword by former England captain, Alastair Cook, It’s Not What You Know… Peter Oakley, Veteran Off-Spinner is a wonderfully poignant reminder of cricket in the latter half of the 20th century.
And it follows Peter Oakley aka ‘Oakers’ from an exciting teenage prospect being invited to Lords, all the way through to earning his ‘veteran off-spinner’ tag with Bedford Town, his successful coaching career and eventual recent retirement following some memorable years with Bedford School.
Since the publication of It’s Not What You Know… Peter Oakley, Veteran Off-Spinner, it has attracted rave reviews.
The delightful biography has been described as ‘entertaining’, ‘full of interest’ and ‘for cricket lovers everywhere’.
Reviewer Andrew Trueman stated: “Through the eyes of one man, the love and changing times of cricket shines through.”
Andrew’s first book comes many years after he was encouraged at Bedford Modern School to pursue his writing interests.
The 57-year-old father-of-one, who also played for and captained Bedford Town Cricket Club, has enjoyed his own successes as a senior training and development manager.
But he has always harboured a notion to tell his father’s story.
Andrew added: “I was always aware of dad’s wonderful life, and just felt compelled to replay it by engaging him and understanding more about the detail of his enthralling journey.
“I was aware that I could also share some important messages to the reader, linked to the benefits in maintaining a healthy social network.”
For more information visit Amazon and search for Andrew Oakley, where the Kindle and paperback versions of It’s Not What You Know… Peter Oakley, Veteran Off-Spinner, are available.
Notes to the Editor
PublishNation was formed in London in 2011 to provide high quality services to writers at affordable prices.
Since its launch, the company has assisted in the publication of around 2,500 books in a variety of genres for clients throughout the world.
For more details on PublishNation, visit their website at www.publishnation.co.uk