THIS week has meant much more than the first match at Bristol.

At the AGM of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club on Thursday I was elected president, a position I am very proud to hold.

My cricketing journey started on top of Sheepscombe Hill and spread through the cricket fields of the Cotswolds.

At Sheepscombe, I batted with J V Smith of rugby fame and Faroukh Engineer of India and I am now vice president of that club - what a thrilling double! For someone, born in the heart of Gloucestershire, with Gloucestershire in his heart there could be no greater honour.

Also elected on Thursday evening was Roger Gibbons, the Acre St archivist. Roger has been working on the county club's heritage for some time and was nominated by members to join the executive board.

Many exciting tasks await him, one of which will be to develop a new museum as the ground nears completion. He is also a vice president of Sheepscombe and the election of both of us show that the county club is truly a county one.

The days of Bristol folk being in the ascendant are no longer with us. This column will be written therefore from the lofty heights of the presidency, but I know the common sense and companionship of county members (and Mrs Light) will keep my feet firmly on the ground.

There was a surreal air about the cricket at Bristol last week. Behind one sightscreen two huge cranes worked busily, behind the other builders scurried in the beginnings of the new pavilion.

The only people who did not seem to notice were the cricketers, play was continuous - they seemed unconcerned. Sadly Northampton won - a result that was not in doubt after the first morning but the young Gloucestershire side did not succumb without a fight.

Winning the toss is always an advantage at Bristol, but not if you decide to bat. Low cloud, a green wicket and hostile and accurate bowling by the Northants bowlers made life difficult for the home team batsmen.

Batting on the second day at Bristol is always easier and the powerful Northants side reached a total of 409 and although A Gidman (87) and Howell (61) fought hard, Gloucestershire were never in a position to win.

They were able to build on an opening 50 by Chris Dent. Defending doggedly on the second evening, and well into the third morning, Chris looked in charge until he tried to leave a ball from left arm bowler Willey.

It rose to hit his bat and then wicket. As the bails fell so did the county's hopes.

There were some highlights in the Gloucestershire performance. The debut of wicket keeper Cameron Herring was outstanding. He scored good runs in both innings (43 + 32), batting with courage and style.

His keeping was first class. A fine future in the game awaits him. Jack Taylor, bold and belligerent with the bat (31 + 48) showed commendable spirit, but with batsmen Klinger, Housego and Marshall each failing twice the home side were always short of runs.

We are all looking forward to the Cheltenham Festival with its appetising mix of four-day cricket and three T20 games. What is only just emerging is chief executive Tom Richardson having to fight to save the Festival.

The ECB wanted to highlight the T20 competition in mid and late July with no championship cricket being played by anyone, anywhere! The indefatigable Tom would not accept this and went into battle with all guns blazing, earning championship fixtures against Worcester and Kent.

Without doubt his efforts saved the Festival from being little more than three days of limited over cricket. "An able man who has taken this club forward," was how ex- Bristol Lord Mayor Bill Martin described Tom.

This surprisingly brief utterance from the Honorary Alderman could not have been more accurate. Injury news from Bristol is not good. All rounder Benny Howell has an injured hand and Liam Norwell has groin problems.

Both are in doubt for the game at Leicester. Craig Miles, Graeme McCarter and possibly spin bowler Ed Young could all find themselves playing. Mrs Light is pressing my flannels.