by WENDELL CALLENDER

THERE WAS A TIME when village cricket was played in every little space available by nearly every little boy. The girls at times joined in.

With increased housing development, this is almost a thing of the past. Fortunately a few spaces have been maintained and these are cherished by "boys" of all generations.

One such space is found tucked away to the east of Upper Carter's Gap in Christ Church. Almost a well-kept secret, this secluded area has been dubbed the "Hole" by fellows who grew up on a diet of village cricket.

Even though many of these cricket lovers - or maniacs as some may even refer to them - have gone on to play cricket at various levels in the Barbados Cricket Association competitions, as well as League Cricket locally and in England, the Hole has a special place in their hearts. It is not only about the cricket but more so about the camaraderie and the village spirit that the activity in the Hole and surrounding areas rekindles.

The cricket ground, with its backdrop of dunks trees and banana trees, along with a flock of black belly sheep grazing in the surrounding area, is highly reminiscent of the village life many of us grew up knowing.

From the adjoining Annie's Lime Tree Bar flows the music of a bygone era, now called "oldie goldies", and one senses that an oasis for weary and worn minds has been created in this hallowed space.

Even "Stray", a dog which had wandered into this area and never left, seems very much at peace. He mingles with spectators and players when the matches are in progress, and leads the farmer and his sheep as they head for home in the evening after the cricket matches have come to an end.

The elements of modern-day Barbados mesh quite easily with the cherished nostalgic relics. The presence of amiable CARICOM citizens who peacefully blend with the born and bred sons and daughters of this soil, speaks of the gentle spirit of regionalism in this romantic oasis called the Hole. The bar's owner himself speaks of being born in St Vincent but living here for the last 40 years.

The most recent 20/20 match in the Hole was spectacular, not only for the ball-beating that had the sheep scampering and drivers wishing they had parked their cars farther out of reach, but also for the novelties introduced into the game.

Examples: a cricket fanatic, unable to play the game because of an injury, was selected to umpire - and officiated from a chair at square leg; a player at long-on found the shade of a tree irresistible and resorted to sitting leisurely at chosen intervals.

The impact of modern technology was on show when the usually safe hands of "Short Grass" found themselves divided between holding a cellphone to his ear and catching a swiftly descending ball. As everyone looked on in amusement, the cellphone flipped uncontrollably to the ground, followed by the white ball. "Short Grass" quickly made amends as he gleefully gobbled up two catches, leaving the players and spectators in riveted amazement. "Short Grass" had finally triumphed.

This 20/20 match between Annie's Lime Tree Bar XI and Jones Boys Bar XI was essentially a showcase of some of the key on-field and off-field personalities in the south-eastern end of Christ Church.

Marseta Walcott from Lower Carter's Gap, who recently received the Barbados Service Medal for community service, particularly in Christ Church, was one such personality. She had ensured that there were trophies available for presentation at the end of the match.

At the conclusion of the game, Annie's Lime Tree Bar XI, or "Killer's" team as some called it, had won, but it made no difference. Everyone was a winner. They had a drink at Killer's Bar and then headed to Jones Boys Bar further south of the gap, where rice and stew with "creole" breadfruit was the delicacy of the day.

Despite their other commitments, these folk find time to relax peacefully in the Hole.