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The History of
Winchmore Hill Cricket Club
Written by Tony and Jennifer Bath
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Section
Two - Between the Wars
The Ground, Pavilion and much Enterprise - 1919 to 1939
From the early 20s, the continuing story of the Club has been
compiled from Annual Reports and Statements of Account of the
Cricket Club kindly loaned by members.
The four years 1919 to 1922 contain important landmarks in the
Club's development. In addition to the establishment of the two
Winter Sections of Football and Ladies Hockey, thereby completing
the constitution of the four main outdoor playing Sections as they
are today, much attention was given to the ground and to the
improvement of facilities.
Cricket bean again in earnest in the Summer of 1919 with two
elevens, rising to a regular four teams the following year plus a
mid-week side. Tennis flourished with a membership of over 200.
The Football Section was formed in the spring of 1920 and the
Grange Ladies Hockey Club became a Section of the parent Club.
Both new Sections were self-managing. Cricket and Tennis
membership was 338 and rose to 450 in 1921 when membership was
closed.
In the knowledge that the tenancy of the ground was secure, the
Annual General Meeting of November 1920 felt able to consider ways
of planning the ground for the future. The surface of the field
needed improvement whilst the tennis courts required attention,
all of which it was appreciated would take some time to complete
and income would need to be increased. It was decided to raise the
subscription by five shillings (25p) to all Sections and avoid
foreseeable financial difficulties.
In order to provide better dressing accommodation for an ever
increasing membership, it was during the winter of 1921/22 that a
new pavilion was erected. This was opened on 21 April 1922 by the
President accompanied by his daughter. The building itself came
from the wartime Army Camp at Wimbledon and apart from the new
extension of 1974 is still in use today. The overall cost of the
building, its transportation, erection and fitting out was
£1,750. The Club provided £600 towards this figure, the
remainder coming from loans by the President and members. The Club
debt of £1,150 was reduced to £293 by 1932 and finally cleared
in 1937.
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The New
Pavilion 1922 |
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The surface of the ground received much attention from five
Groundsmen in the winter of 1922/23. All playing surfaces for
Cricket and Tennis were in excellent condition and appearance for
the opening of the 1923 season. It may not be realised but the
major equipment was still only horse drawn. The accounts for the
year ending 1922 show Horsekeep included in the repairs to the
mowers and other ground expenses. By the following summer, added
new playing facilities were four new lawn tennis courts with water
supply to them, and five others making seventeen in all. Necessary
materials for the playing of Bowls in a limited form were
provided; also the equipping of a putting green and additional
chairs for the Pavilion.
The detailed story of the playing sections is dealt with
elsewhere, but as with all similar organisations, competent and
painstaking administration behind the scenes is a fundamental part
of its continued success.
In this respect, the Club was fortunate in retaining the services
of Mr. Fred Huson, its pre-war Secretary, who held the offices of
Chairman and Secretary of the parent Club until 1926 when he was
relieved of the former office. He, and Mr. S.M. Spratley as
Honorary Treasurer, gave magnificent service until the outbreak of
the Second World War. In recognition of their massive contribution
to the Club's well-being, both on and off the field, both were
elected Life Members, Mr. Huson in 1931 and Mr. Spratley in 1933.
In the years 1923 and 1924, a complete revision of the Club Rules
saw the introduction of the Fundamental and General Rules and the
provision for Sub Committees to more equally spread the load of
the greatly increased volume of work. Some amendments were
necessary in subsequent years to facilitate easier administration.
It is interesting to record that Cricket and Tennis subscriptions
were £2 5s. (£2.25) in 1927 and by 1933 the Cricket was £2 17s.
6d. (£2.87p) and Tennis £2 12s. 6d. (£2.62) with suitable
reduction for Junior Members.
From 1925 to 1929 continued attention was given to the equipment.
Cricket sightscreens were provided in 1925. A motor mower was
acquired in 1927 for £79 6s. 7d. (£79.33) and a horse was sold
for £12. When, in 1929, the whole 20.5 acres came under the
jurisdiction of the parent Club which, though most acceptable,
meant considerable added effort in preparation by the removal of
tree roots, general levelling and drainage of those portions of
the ground which had hitherto lain idle.
The fiftieth anniversary of the Club was celebrated in October
1929 at a special dinner and dance at the Holborn Restaurant
attended by 200 members and friends.
The early 30s were significant for the advent of three major
contributions to the progress of the Club.
The first was the opening of the licensed bar for the 1932 season,
which from May to September produced profits of £47 17s. 2d
(£47.87p) and were doubled when it was opened for the full year
1932/33. Appreciative thanks were expressed to Mr. S.M. Spratley
and certain outside friends for the very moderate cost of the bar
equipment.
Then in August 1932, Sunday play from 2.00 pm was permitted for
the Lawn Tennis Section and for Cricket from May 1933 for the
first time in the history of the Club. However, play was not
permitted before 2.00 on Saturdays until 1958 and on Sundays until
1961.
Finally, three hard courts were opened for play in June 1933 at a
net cost of £190.
Ground and equipment improvements continued. A third home table
and adequate practice pitches were made available in 1932. A
further pair of sightscreens were provided in 1933 and the
interior of the Pavilion was redecorated throughout. In addition
to the purchase of a horse (£15) and the rebuilding of stables
and sheds, 1934 saw the levelling of the cricket outfield
extending from the front of the Pavilion to the wicket, greatly
improving the appearance of the ground and benefiting both the
Cricket and Ladies Hockey Sections.
In 1935, a portion of the Pavilion was fitted and furnished as a
Lounge with a double roof and a double floor suitably covered,
well lit and warmed by radiators. There was a hatch to the bar
which was situated along the south wall towards the dressing
rooms. This added facility enabled the Club to hold its General
Meetings in its own Pavilion instead of at St. Paul's Institute,
and Highfield Road School.
Features of ground and pavilion improvements in 1936 included
chain link fencing to six grass tennis courts, and drainage of the
ground on the south side of the pavilion in conjunction with the
Football Section. A part of the pavilion and the outside front
veranda were redecorated. A new horse mower was purchased. A
veranda on the south side of the pavilion was being urged in the
interest of those comprising the lower elevens who used the back
wickets. Unfortunately it was to be more than 20 years before this
finally materialised.
The Management Committee in 1937 were exercised by the urgent need
for supervision of the Licensed Bar and the desirability for a
woman's regular held in the Refreshment Section. They were
fortunate in obtaining the combined services of Mr. and Mrs. E.H.
Carter for these duties. In addition, Mr. Carter took over the
position of Head Groundsman with Mr. Cooper, (who had been with
the Club since being appointed in 1911) as his Deputy. These
arrangements were fully justified by the extra revenue which
largely met the additional cost, ensured added comfort and
enjoyment for members and a higher state of ground efficiency.
The Annual General Meeting for the year ending September 1938,
held in March 1939, was to be the last held before the outbreak of
the Second World War in September of that year. Owing to war
restrictions it was not possible to report Seasons 1939 or 1940
until April 1941. Membership excluding the Winter Sections in 1938
was 341 though by 1939 it had dropped to 292 owing to Service and
other calls. The Report for 1938 showed the hard court loan had
been finally paid off and the Club in a healthy financial
position.
A special reference to the social side of the Cub which had been
fostered over the years should be recorded. The Club Dance held
each November attracted upwars of 200.
Afternoon Whist Drives in the Pavilion were well supported. Though
fluctuating in interest and attendance over the years, successful
Saturday evening dances were held in the Pavilion throughout the
Summer Seasons. In May and July 1938, special mention is made of
Concerts given by the Concert Artistes Cricket club in the
Pavilion. Special Efforts supplemented the income from social
activities and at the end of this season the purchase of a motor
roller and a new motor mower were made possible.
A final word concluding this general picture of the period of 20
years between the Wars, should be directed towards the
self-managing winter sections of Football and Women's Hockey.
Throughout the years friendly and cordial relations were
maintained with the parent Club and contacts were close and
constant to their mutual advantage, while each fully retained its
separate and distinct identity.
Cricket - 1919 to 1939
The resumption of Cricket at Ford's Grove in 1919 saw two teams
fielded for a full fixture list. The first game on 3 May was
against old friends and rivals Enfield for both elevens. The First
Team was: Spratley, Knight A.G., Lavers, Bowles, Baker, Edmunds,
McCarthy, Rogers, Follett, North and Steward, most of whom were to
appear later in other capacities for the Cub over many
years. Other games of note that Season were against
Edmonton, Alexandra Park, Northampton Ply and Great Northern
Railway.
By the following summer of 1920, membership had so increased as to
enable four teams to be fielded each Saturday and a mid-week side.
Indeed in 1921 some 130 matches were played and a very large
majority won. This success continued for 1922 and 1923 seasons
with the Club becoming well known over an ever increasing area.
Through the good offices of the President, the first of matches
against an M.C.C. XI was played and won by the Club on 6 August
1921. This feature continued until the 1931 season with the Club
also successful in 1926 and 1931 and only being beaten once in
1930. The other games were high scoring draws some affected by
rain. Mr. F.T. Mann, the Middlesex County Captain and then his
eldest brother Mr. E.J. Mann took regular active parts. It was
unfortunate that this fixture could not be maintained but in 1932
and 1933 the Club Cricket Conference provided an eleven.
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The First XI
v M.C.C. - 6 August 1921
A. Young, L.G. Brown, E.S. Birch, F.G. Lavers, A.W.
Duck, A.G. Knight, H. Tidy (Scorer)
W.H. Heald, J. Chamberlain, F.H. Bowles (Captain), J.W.
Simmons, D. Adams |
During the 20s, membership increased to the extent that five sides
were field by 1924, six by 1928 and for part of the 1930 season
seven elevens.
Fortunately, the weather of 1924, which caused the cancellation of
39 of the 132 matches arranged, considerable improved in 1925,
when 122 of the 142 matches arranged were played. The First XI
played 24, winning 14, losing only three and drawing six. F.G.
Lavers, E.H. Johnson and L. Punchard each had averages of over 40
runs while G.E. Jowett and L. Punchard, both young members, took
over 50 wickets each. The M.C.C., Captained by Mr. E.J. Mann,
seeking heir first victory against the Club, fielded a strong side
and provided one of the fullest and most enjoyable day's cricket
seen on the ground. Batting first, they totalled just over 300
runs for eight wickets, H.A. Milton scoring a century, to which
the Club replied with 245 runs for five wickets, A.G. Knight
delighting with a well hit century and E.H. Johnson contributing
72 not out.
1926 saw the continuance of the influx of promising young members,
a feature which had commenced the previous season, and by 1927
these Juniors became full members enabling the Club to be even
more active. The 1st XI held its own with the leading sides in
London Club cricket. Centuries were scored against the following
Clubs: North London, University College, Hertford, South
Hampstead, Old Bancroftians, Northampton Polytechnic and Upper
Clapton. J.G. Knight headed the batting averages followed by N.C.
Nicholson, F.G. Lavers and G. Deacock. D.V. Chittenden headed the
bowling averages and with L. Punchard bearing the brunt of the 1st
XI attack.
For a very memorable 1928 season, 170 matches were arranged; 142
played, 57 won, 31 lost, 54 drawn and 28 abandoned. Outstanding
was the batting of N.C. Nicholson who scored four centuries - 165
not out v Brondesbury, 132 not out v St. Albans, 108 v Enfield and
106 not out v North London. His great opening partnership with J.G.
Knight (112 not out) against North London of 227 runs without
being separated in one and a half hours left for play, following
the declaration of the Visitors, won the game for the Hill and is
a Club record still to be beaten. Ten other centuries were also
scored. A. Young, Captain of the Club, the regular 1st XI wicket
keeper since the war was invited by the Club Cricket Conference to
keep wicket for them in representative games.
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Winchmore
Hill v North London - 23 June 1928
J.G. Knight (left) and N.C. Nicholson shared an unbroken
opening partnership to beat North London. The runs were
scored in 90 minutes |
The Seasons 1929 and 1930 continued much in the same vein as in
previous years. N.C. Nicholson and J.G. Knight heading the batting
averages for both seasons. They each scored centuries (151 and 117
respectively) in a score of 267-1, in one and three quarter hours,
against Westcliff in 1929. L. Punchard headed the bowling averages
in 1929 but was sadly missed in 1930 through injury when P.G.
Blackwell was the chief wicket taker.
1931 brought a very wet season which played havoc with the
fixtures, 51 being abandoned. The adoption of the larger wicket by
the three senior sides may in part have explained the decline in
the batting generally. Amongst the younger members, extremely good
form was shown with the bat by L.F. Flower, 256 runs for 13
innings and with the ball by A.W.R. Marcus with 55 wickets at a
cost of 9.3. E.C. Boden continued his consistency behind the
stumps and with the bat. The Club's win against the M.C.C. was due
in no small measure to some good bowling by J. Hurst and a
spectacular catch by N.C. Nicholson.
Under the Captaincy of N.C. Nicholson the 1st XI, in 1932,
suffered only one defeat, that with a very depleted side on August
Bank Holiday. The disadvantages of the larger wicket seemed to
have been overcome and the batting reached a much higher standard.
Centuries were scored against Loughton, Highgate, Westcliff and
Hertford. The lower XIs also enjoyed a very successful season.
Evening matches, chiefly against neighbouring schools, were played
by the Junior members.
For the first time in the history of the Club, matches were played
on Sunday afternoons in 1933, which proved most enjoyable to the
members participating and to a large number of friends. Of the 182
arranged matches, 155 were played, 57 won, 39 lost, 58 drawn and
one tied while 27 were abandoned. It is worth recording that many,
who in former days held prominent places in the leading sides,
still served the Club loyally in the lower elevens. Of particular
mention are F.H. Bowles, Captain of the 2nd XI and H. Tidy,
Chairman of the Club and Captain of the 3rd XI.
The Seasons 1934 and 35 undoubtedly proved enjoyable, largely due
to the good weather, and the relevelling of the ground in front of
the pavilion. N.C. Nicholson again aggregated well over 1000 runs
for each season, supported by J. Hurst. In other XIs, centuries
were recorded for R. Haycraft, F.B. Hunter and R.H.J. Ingle.
Successful bowlers for the 1st XI were P.G. Blackwell and F.S.
Varley and for the lower XIs, E.S. Birch, L.F. Flower, A.W.R.
Marcus and G. Watson.
The highlight of 1936 was the honour given to the Club Captain,
N.C. Nicholson, to Captain the C.C.C. 'London Counties' Side
against that of the 'Southern Counties'.
Curtailed membership of 1937 made the Season a most difficult one
to administer. Saturday games for the lower XIs and mid-week
matches were at times impossible to fulfill. In spite of this the
1st XI under its new Captain P.G. Blackwell, lost only eight of
the 23 games played, the 2nd and 2nd "A" elevens each
played 20 games and lost only three and four respectively, the 3rd
XI played 19 games, losing three, while the 3rd "A" XI
played nine games and lost three. Six centuries were scored during
the Season, one of which was by N. Welsford, a promising bat and
outstanding wicket keeper.
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Winchmore
Hill C.C. - Tour, Swanage 1937
Standing: S.S. Pryke, L.F. Flower, H.A. Bennett, P.G.
Blackwell, unknown (Umpires), F. Oyler, N.O. Welsford, J.
Kilbey (part hidden), A.S. Young, K. Haines, H.H. Dupont
Sitting: F.H. Bowles |
What was to be the penultimate Season before the War, saw a check
in the fall of membership, the results were disappointing and by
no means up to the high standard of the Club. The stalwarts of the
past few years, however, made their centuries and took their
wickets.
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The First XI
- 1938
Standing: R. Judson (Scorer), N.O. Weslsford, D.M.
Robertson, J. Leese, F.S. Varley, H.H. Dupont, E.C. Boden,
R. Haycraft (Umpire),
Seated: L. Hancock, H. Sharpen, E.S. Birch, P.G. Blackwell
(Captain), N.C. Nicholson, J. Hurst |
Unfortunately, no report is available for the season 1939.
It has been impossible to record the achievements of the many
players who contributed so much to the continued success and
standing of the Club, both on and off the field, and those, if not
mentioned, are not forgotten.
This Chapter would be incomplete without a reference to Mr. Walter
Sell. Much was done to encourage the younger members from the late
20s onwards, by the formation of a 'Colts' Section for which he
was a most able coach. The Friday evening 'Colts' matches gave
opportunity for those participating to display their capabilities
and gain experience.
The fruits of his energy and encouragement added to the maintenance
of the high standards of cricket then, and succeeding generations
have benefited by the organisation and forward thinking of this
great Club spirited cricketer. He continued to give unbroken
service in this direction until 1951.
Finally, throughout these years a 'Home' Cricket Week was
organised early in the Season and regular tours of Sussex, and
from 1927 onwards, of Hampshire and Dorset, were maintained and
thoroughly enjoyed by those taking part and many friends made.
Tennis - 1919 to 1939
It has already been recorded that a Tennis Section of the
Cricket Club was formed for the 1912 season and functioned until
the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914. There are no
reports or records of Tennis during the war Seasons 1915-18 but as
there was a fixture list for the 1919 Summer Season, it can be
assumed that some tennis must have been played.
During the 20 years between the wars, the Section was very active
without achieving any playing honours.
Every year they entered teams in the Ladies and Gents Middlesex
(Division III) L.T.A. Cups Knockout competition without surviving
further than the early rounds. As the courts were all grass it was
often necessary to give up home advantage in the draw, to Clubs
with hard courts.
Fixtures against neighbouring Clubs, Ladies, Gents and Mixed
Teams, were arranged with varying results. These are referred to
in the local press of the early 20s against the Great Northern
Railway A.A., Enfield, Hazelwood of Palmers Green (until they
purchased some land of the Red Ridge Estate of Ridge Avenue in
1924 where they play today) and Woodberry (probably near Woodberry
Avenue).
The Club Championships were competed for each season in respect of
Ladies and Gents. Handicap tournaments were arranged for the
Doubles events, always with a high entry.
Membership fluctuated very much during these years. Some small
encouragement was given for Season 1925 when the provision of
tennis balls by the Club was instituted.
In the 20s, membership reached over 200 but owing to the lack of
hard courts and no Sunday play being allowed, it dropped
considerably by the early 30s. The situation was remedied to some
extent when Sunday play was permitted in 1932 and the three hard
courts were opened in June 1933. As a result Winter Tennis became
part of the facilities available to members. During the Winter of
1933/34, the grass courts were re-laid, made horizontal and
aligned with the hard courts. A slight increase in membership was
maintained for a couple of years but it did not last, for in the remaining
years to 1939 it was rarely above 100.
Generally speaking it is clear however, that much enjoyment
was derived by all members and the Section always made a valuable
financial contribution as well as taking an active part in all
Tennis and parent Club affairs.
Football - 1920 to 1939
Traditionally, we celebrate the founding of the Football Club in
1920, a self-managing Section of the Cricket Club. However, a
Winchmore Hill Village Football Club was in fact formed in
September 1898 under the Presidency of Mr. W.T. Paulin and had its
ground in Middle Lane (Station Road). Although entirely a separate
organisation, members of the WHVCC played for them. To mention
some - the Duck brothers, H.J. was the goalkeeper, Lowden and
London. They seem to have had their financial difficulties and
even lost their ground in 1903 'in consequence of building
operations', but were able with the help of the President and Vice
Presidents, to overcome their difficulties and secure a new pitch
in Green Lanes near Green Dragon Lane. Here, they erected a fine
pavilion for the 1903/04 Season. They played continuously until
the 1913/14 Season, when they were in the Second Division of the
North London League. It is assumed, in the absence of records
that, in common with other Clubs, they ceased to exist at the
outbreak of the Great War in 1914.
Towards the end of Season 1919/20 pre war cricket members, F.G.
(Bill) Lavers and J. (Jim) Follett, returned to the Club and were
able to interest enough prospective members to field a scratch
side and in fact played seven games (the first of which was
against Latymer Old Boys) on a wandering basis. It was with this
background that a football general meeting was held on 16 May 1920
at St. Paul's Institute, when it was decided upon the constitution
of the Winchmore Hill Football Club and to accept the Cricket
Club's generous offer of a pitch at a rental of £15. This was
situated at the top of the ground to the rear of the pavilion and
was in fact the 1st XI pitch for the next 25 years.
In Season 1920/21 two elevens were run and the Club had 33 playing
and 18 non-playing members. Friendly games, mainly in North London
were arranged with the following results:
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Played |
Won |
Drawn |
Lost |
For |
Against |
| 1st XI |
24 |
17 |
2 |
5 |
87 |
20 |
| 2nd XI |
19 |
11 |
1 |
7 |
65 |
42 |
This excellent performance and a balance
now of £13 after all expenses had been paid were due in
particular to the efforts of Bill Lavers (Chairman and 1st XI
Captain), Jim Follett (Treasurer), George Burgoyne (Secretary) and
Peter Calkin (Committee).
For the following Season 1921/22, having become a self-managing
Section of the Cricket Club, they applied for League status. An
offer to participate in the Northern Suburban League was rejected
but both teams entered the Middlesex County Amateur League and the
1st XI the County Amateur Charity Cup. The 2nd XI had a moderate
Season but the 1st XI won both the League and the Cup. At the
commencement of the Season the Club colours were fixed as white
shirts, blue knickers and Club stockings. Changing arrangements
were Spartan. The Cricket Club's second small pavilion was used by
the Football Club whilst visiting teams were housed in round
corrugated iron sheds. The rent for this season was £25, raised
to £30 the following season at the time of the opening of the new
pavilion.
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The 1st
XI 1921/1922
Winners of the Middlesex County Amateur League (Senior
Section) and Middlesex Charity Cup
Standing: L.G. Brown, W.H. Heald, D. Adams, C.
Phizackerley, H.H. Gower
Seated: J. Follett, F.L. Richards, F.G. Lavers (Captain), H.
Follett, M.I. Chinn |
Season 1922/23 saw the 1st XI entered in 'B' Division of the
Southern Olympian League and the A.F.A. Senior Cup, whilst the 2nd
XI remained in the County Amateur League and entered the A.F.A.
Junior Cup. The loss of three or four of their best players, the
stronger opposition and end of season slackness produced a poor
result. The Club was faced with ten months' notice to quit from
the Parent Club, but fortunately this was soon withdrawn, for in
the next Season the 1st XI won 'B' Division of the Southern
Olympian League and the 2nd XI also improved.
After a bad start, the 1st XI secured 19 points in 16 games in the
Premier Division, S.O.L. in Season 1924/25.
After a moderate season in 1925/26 the Club revived under the
Captaincy of Bill Gower, who was fortunate in the arrival of
excellent players such as Laurie Punchard, Ted Boden and Frank
Smith. In 1926/27 the 1st XI finished 3rd in the S.O.L. which
included Lensbury, Catford Wanderers, London Welsh, Chingford and
Watford Amateurs, and they won the Middlesex A.F.A. Senior Cup.
The 1st XI won the League in 1927/28 and were second in 1928/29
during which year they were also runners-up in the Middlesex
A.F.A. Senior Cup, losing to Broomfield 2-4.
This run of success under Gower and Smith led to the election of
the 1st and 2nd XIs to Division III Senior and Junior of the
Southern Amateur League and to the formation of a 3rd XI which
played on the second pitch (today's main pitch) that now became
necessary.
In 1929/30, their first season in the new competition, the 1st XI
were runners-up and were promoted to Division II, while the 2nd XI
were also promoted when they won Division III Junior Section in
1930/31. With expanding membership, the 3rd XI entered Division
III of the Nemean League in 1930, and a 4th XI was formed,
entering Division V of the same League. The Club continued without
further success in the same competitions for the next few seasons.
The 1st XI competed in the A.F.A. Senior and Middlesex Senior Cups
and the 2nd XI for the Junior Cups. During these seasons much was
done to improve the amenities of the Club. The bar being installed
in the Pavilion brought to the Cricket Club profits which had
previously gone to the 'Green Dragon' and 'Kings Head'. Baths were
given by Stan Pryke and others.
The condition of the playing pitches was of constant concern. In
1930 the 1st XI pitch was made more level though the main hummock
could not be removed and a drainage scheme was carried out in
co-operation with the parent Club. In 1932 a corrugated iron stand
was erected backing on to the New River.
Season 1936/37 saw the Club running five teams. Whereas the first
four sides were in Leagues, the fifth eleven relied on friendlies.
The Club entered the first three sides in their respective A.F.A.
Senior, Junior and Minor Cups while the 1st and 2nd XIs also
entered the Middlesex Senior and Junior Cups. A special feature
was made toward Training for this season on the basis that:
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'a side that trains is
fit not fat,
it last the pace much longer,
lean and keen, it's quickly seen,
it goes from strong to stronger' |
Various items of equipment were
available such a skipping ropes and a medicine ball, whilst two
white balls were available for kicking and heading with the aid of
car headlights. This it was hoped that players would walk through
a 90 minute game regretting the final whistle!
The results of matches in the 1937/38 Season were disappointing
although the keenness of a few at training, and the size and youth
of the playing membership, indicated that the Club was still very
much alive. Rounding off this season, however, a successful and
enjoyable first Easter Tour was arranged. Some 18 members taking
part, playing three matches, against Christchurch, R.A.F. Calshot
and Wimborne.
The last full season before the war, 1938/39, saw a noticeable
improvement in play following the appointment of Mr. Len Thompson
as coach. In their respective Divisions of the S.A.L., the 1st and
2nd XI results were much improved. The 3rd and 4th XIs continued
in the Divisions of the Nemean League. A second successful Easter
Tour was again played in the Bournemouth area.
Finally, it is necessary to refer to the 'Winchmore Hill Football
Chat', a bulletin of 'Results, Reports, League Positions, Social
and not too Personal News'. First published in October 1936 by
George Deacock, with two and sometimes three issues a Season, it
continued for 20 years taking in Cricket, Tennis and Forces News
as well throughout the 1939-45 war years. In 1937 a history of the
first 16 years of the Football Club appeared and, with subsequent
editions, it has been possible to place this history on record. No
doubt today's members will be interested in the following extract
from the 'Chat' of February 1938:
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Club Jottings |
| 1. |
Sausage
and mash was inaugurated at 6pm on January 15th. For three
weeks we have sold out the small number of 15 portions which
is all that we can cook with the present limited utensils.
With members' continued support we hope to convince the
Cricket Club of the need for a Canteen Cooker. |
| 2. |
The new
bath geysers are working most satisfactorily. They enable
the baths to be filled in half the time the old geysers took
and they deliver water at a higher temperature. Hence the
happy spectacle of members waggling well-boiled toes too
hastily thrust into the cauldron. |
Women's Hockey - 1919 to 1939
The first introduction to Ladies' Hockey at Ford's Grove has
already been recorded. This was under the name of 'The Grange
Ladies Hockey Club' which drew a good many of its members from
Bowes Pak and Palmers Green. From a report in the 'Sentinel' of
April 1915 it is said they had just completed their sixth season
which indicates a start of the Club in Season 1909/10. They first
played at Durnsford Road, Bowes Park before coming to Winchmore
Hill just before the Great War. During the war period they hung up
their sticks and concentrated their efforts on concerts for
charity.
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Grange
Ladies Hockey Club - Season 1913/14 |
In the Autumn of 1919 they rented a pitch on the ground at Ford's
Grove from the Cricket Club. In 1921/22 the rent was £25 which
was raised the following year to £30 at the time of the opening
of the new Pavilion, and by 1934/35 it had doubled to £60.
In times when ladies who played hockey were 'different' and were
obliged to play in long skirts, it says a lot for the energy and
enterprise of Mr. L. Faithful, in particular, and of Mrs. G. Wood,
(Honorary Secretary, 1919 until the end of the 1932/33 Season)
that this successful start was made. Mrs. Wood was also Ladies
Captain of the Tennis Section of the Cricket Club in the early
twenties. It should also be noted that the respective husbands of
these two ladies were involved as umpires! Mr. Wood continued as
an umpire until the end of the 1936/37 Season. He raised an
interesting and amusing point in June 1921 with Southern Counties
W.H.A. 'as to whether or not steps ought to be taken to make the
wearing of high heeled boots for Hockey illegal?'!
The Grange Ladies Hockey Club was affiliated to the Middlesex
Women's Hockey Association under than name on 18 October 1920.
Fixtures for two teams were arranged for the season 1920/21 with
the home ground at Ford's Grove. Reports in the local press show
that they had become closely associated with the Cricket Club as
they were shown as 'Winchmore Hill incorporating The Grange L.H.C.'.
In the records of the S.C.W.H.A. it appears that they became The
Winchmore Hill Ladies Hockey Club in the Autumn of 1921 when
seconding in that name the membership of Harrow L.H.C. to that
Association. From the season 1935/36 it was decided that the name
should be changed by the substitution of 'Women's' for 'Ladies'.
They were a self-managing Section of the Cricket Club from October
1921 until September 1939.
Their early success and standing was acknowledged from the start,
for in the 1922/23 Season they provided ground facilities, through
the Cricket Club, for the use of the Middlesex W.H.A. From Season
1925/26 onwards, a third eleven was added and they continued to
advance and strengthen their position, maintaining a vigorous existence
amongst the leading Ladies Hockey Clubs.
The changes in uniform are significant. From ankle length skirts
of pre Great War days, they were raised to calf length in the
early 20s, until in 1931, they adopted tunics and were considering
changing to shorts at the outbreak of the Second World War. From
the commencement, the tie, for which the Club is well known today
(sic), has been part of the uniform except for the eight years
when the tunic was worn.
In 1931, they won the Middlesex Tournament and in the 1932/33
Season the Club received representative honours for Middlesex and
by the mid-thirties also had representatives for Suffolk, the East
Territory as well as for the Civil Service. In 1934/35 they gained
the highest points in the Middlesex Tournament and four members
toured Germany with an Invitation Team, playing matches at
Mannheim, Dusseldorf and Wiesbaden. Their hospitality was returned
two years later when the Club attended the International Section
of the Ramsgate Easter Hockey Festival. At Easter 1936 an
enjoyable tour was arranged in the Matlock area of Derbyshire.
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Winners
of the Middlesex Tournament 1931
Standing: M. Pearce, - Statham, G. Stone, G. Wood
(Umpire), N. White, E. McLean, A. Hawksworth, G. Wood,
Seated: P. Love, - West, M. Whatley (Captain), W. Lammond,
M. Haywood |
A Junior Section, playing on Saturday mornings, was commenced for
Season 1937/38, with coaching for schoolgirls. On numerous
occasions Juniors where chosen to fill in for senior teams.
To record all the opponents over these years would be too long,
but in naming a few, it will be seen that some still appear in
current fixture lists. In the 20s these included Cheshunt, Latymer
Road Old Girls, Barclays Bank, Harrow, Ibis, Cox's Bank, and not
forgetting Dryad, who proposed the Club to membership of the
South, and seconder Northampton Poly. In the 30s, Chiswick,
Atlanta, Wimbledon, Kings College, London were but a few who were
added.
There were many members who obviously worked hard and gave much of
their spare time during this period and their efforts were clearly
rewarded by the success of the Club over a wide area. Mention has
already been made of Mrs. Faithful and Mrs. Wood, but three others
were particularly involved, Miss M. Whatley, Captain 1925 to 1932,
Mrs. G. Bennett (nee Stone) who held several officerships from
1926 to 1936 and Miss M. Swinburne who joined in 1934 and was
Captain from 1936 to 1939.
Unfortunately with the outbreak of war in September 1939, members
were dispersed, some going into the Services, other on war work or
evacuated with their firms, etc. and the Club was unable to
continue.
The War Years - 1939 to 1945
In common with most Clubs, the war caused many changes in the
personnel among officials and members, not the least being the
evacuation of Mr. Fred Huson (Honorary Secretary). This office was
taken over by Mr. O.C. Dupont during 1940. He had a fatherly
interest in Cricket and Tennis, and continued until the Annual
General Meeting of March 1947. The Chairmanship of the Club was
undertaken by Mr. James North who retained this office until the
Annual General Meeting of March 1946. To both these gentlemen the
Club owes a deep debt of gratitude for their indefatigable efforts
throughout the War and almost continuous presence on the Ground.
Mention should also be made of the very able general administrative
assistance given by Mr. J. Jupp, Mr. E.O. Welsford, Mr. F.G.
Bowles and the financial adviser and auditor throughout the war
years, Mr. H.R. Taylor.
A special word of thanks is due to Mr. George Deacock, who, a
pre-war Life Member with close associations both in playing and administration
of the Cricket and football Sections since 1922, continued to
provide the Club with Printing and Stationery.
Within a year of the outbreak of hostilities, no less than 70
members from all Sections were serving in H.M. Forces. By 1942 it
was 122 with 38 serving overseas and by 1944 the total had reached
190 which did not include those evacuated for official or business
reasons. It is fitting to mention those who made the supreme
sacrifice, whether on the battlefield or through any other cause
is immaterial, because it was all in the one great cause.
Throughout the war, many Service and evacuated Members visited the
Club and were not only welcomed with great pleasure, but were
offered games in matches during their leave. The Ground and
Pavilion became a meeting place for serving members to use as
opportunity arose.
As to the Ground itself, improvements to it and the equipment were
impossible to effect. In the Autumn of 1940, the Ground like many
other in North London did not escape damage, for no less than four
large craters stopped all play for a period. Not one of these was
on either of the cricket tables or tennis courts fortunately, but
the debris caused considerable trouble in addition to the filling
up of the craters. Some damage was sustained to the scorebox,
Pavilion and fencing. The Groundsman, Mr. H. Cooper, became ill
during the Winter of 1944/45 and was unable to continue, but not
before, with little assistance, he had done yeoman service under
the direction of Mr. F.H. Bowles. The best possible use was made
of the existing equipment and the results achieved were most
creditable. Temporary repairs to fencing were effected to prevent
the Ground becoming a public park. In the end the work was eased
by the acquisition in 1945 of a three-gang mower with a box
tractor.
Compliments were paid by more than one visiting team, not only on
the standard of the pitches, but also the outfield, and this in
spite of petrol difficulties.
It was found possible to field two and sometimes three cricket XIs
on Saturdays and one XI on Sundays for the duration. The Colts
Section under the expert tuition of Mr. Walter Sell, continued
unabated and went from strength to strength both numerically and
in ability, matches being played on most Friday evenings.
Cricket membership fluctuated from 83 in 1938 down to 39 in 1940
rising to 51 by 1944. Transport difficulties restricted the
fixture list to those Clubs within a radius of less than ten miles
from Winchmore Hill. However, in 1941 seventy-five matches were
played which increased to 98 in Season 1944. Although the standard
of cricket may not have been high, it can be safely asserted that
these Seasons were both enjoyable and successful. The games were
played in the true spirit of cricket and provided healthy exercise
and relaxation for both players and spectators alike. More
important, under war-time conditions was that cricket at the Club
still thrived and augered well for the post-war seasons, despite
he large numbers serving their country and the many calls of
others. 1941 saw the start of the many Charity games organised by
the Cricket Club during the five seasons to 1945. The
organisations to benefit were The Air Raid Distress Fund, The Red
Cross, Colonial Comforts Fund and The Southgate Prisoners of War
Fund, from a total of over £1,200. The Opposition for these games
was provided by Mr. L.W. Newman's X, British Empire XI, London
Counties XI, and West Indies XI. Amongst the notable cricketers
who appeared were H.P. Crabtree (Southgate and Essex), W. Edrich
(Middlesex and England), L.N. Constantine and C.B. Clarke of West
Indies.
Tennis membership halved between 1939 and 1943 and it was feared
that the considerably depleted numbers would reduce the successful
running of the Section. In spite of this, however, the existing
members, supplemented by a good proportion of new members who
accepted the invitation to join for the duration owing to their
Club's ceasing to function temporarily, enable the Section to
continue. Club Tournaments and matches were played without
interruption throughout the war Seasons. One of the major
difficulties of course was the great scarcity of tennis balls, but
with care and reconditioning a supply was maintained.
Of the Winter self-managing Sections, the Women's Hockey Section
found it impossible to continue at the outbreak of war. From 1941
the Ladies of the Thirteen and Nortels Hockey Clubs shared the
tenancy of a pitch to their mutual satisfaction and benefit of the
parent Club's finances. The Football Section succeeded in keeping
their flag flying and there were many members who were 'Flannelled
Fools' and 'Muddied Oafs'.
At a meeting in September 1939 to consider how best to combat the
emergency into which they had been thrown it was resolved 'to
endeavour to carry on as far as is humanly possible'. A quote from
'The Chat' of December 1939 reporting the meeting is significant.
It was decided:
| Firstly |
to provide a game of
Football for our lads who are serving King and Country,
whenever they found themselves on leave. |
| Secondly |
to attempt to fulfill
our obligation to the Parent Club |
| Thirdly |
to provide an
opportunity for our many friends to witness a game, and
share in the amenities of the Cub House, and |
| Lastly |
to keep, if possible,
in existence the structure o which to build a more
flourishing Club when the present emergency is over, and
happier time once more prevail. |
The implementation of the first
resolution was made possible by the co-operation of old friends,
Southgate Wanderers, whose ground in Ladysmith Road, Enfield, had
been commandeered and whose members joined in a body. As a result
the Club was able to run two sides fairly comfortable for the duration.
In Season 1941/42 some 57 matches were played and results were
such that they would wish for nothing better in normal times. By
the next Season only the young and old were available, but in fact
61 games were played.
Season 1944/45 however, saw an increase in membership and the
running of a third eleven. For the second season running, the 1st
XI won the Wood Green and Southgate Hospital Cup.
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The match programme
from the Wood Green & Southgate Hospital Football
Competition, played at Hazelwood Lane Sports Ground on
Saturday 8th April 1944. This programme was found amongst
the effects of the late Alan A. Bacon after his death in
2001.
The Winchmore Hill team is listed as: J.H. Peters, A.
Cooper, P. Manners, N. Wootton, E. Wiseman, E. Ings, V.
Haskell, N. Barber, J.A. Keenan, G. Birch and R. Guettier
(Captain). Winchmore Hill won the match 9-0, with Geoffrey
Birch scoring 3 goals and Noel Barber 2. Other goalscorers
are not known. |
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The Wood Green & Southgate Hospital Cup Winners -
1943-44
From research, the identities in the photograph are back
row, left to right: (Club Official - unknown); (Club
Official - unknown); P. Manners; (unknown); V. Haskell; J.
Peters; (unknown); E. Wiseman; (Club Official - unknown);
(Club Official - unknown); Front row, left to right:
(unknown); A. Cooper; R. Guettier; F. Thompson, E. Ings. Two
of the unknown players in the photograph are G. Birch and N.
Barber, but which is which is not known at present. Can you
help? |
The Wood Green & Southgate Hospital Cup Final was reported in
the Football Chat. "Our last game of the season was staged at
Hazelwood Lane Sports Ground when we met Mayfield on the
Broomfield pitch in the final of the Wood Green Cup. Jim Keenan
was not available and so Geoffrey Birch moved into the centre
forward berth and Frank Thompson was brought in at inside left.
Our opponents were unfortunate in finding us right on top of our
form and we eventually ran out easy winners, 9-0, Birch getting a
hat-trick. Each member of our side played a strong constructive
game and no one falls to be singled out for special mention except
perhaps Noel Barber who netted the all important first goal be
collecting a ball from a goalmouth melee and confidently slipping
it into the corner of the net, well wide of a helpless goalkeeper,
and who shortly after scored a really excellent goal with a hard
left foot drive which again gave the keeper no chance. As may well
be imagined, there were high jinks back at the Club that evening,
at which we were very happy to have the Mayfield players, during
which a modicum of gin was supped from the Cup and much beer from
glasses.
We have thus had a most successful season on the field, but what
is more, the eleven has been composed of a grand set of chaps who
have not only blended thoroughly in the dressing room, which
factor has to no small extent contributed to the playing success,
but also (and this is most important!) in the bar."
In common with the Cricket Club, the footballers arranged Charity
matches. These included successive games with Broomfield in aid of
the crew of H.M.S. Ferndale and the Southgate P.O.W. Relatives
Association Barclays Bank, Royal Netherlands Navy and a British
Empire XI provided the opposition in aid of the above Association
and the British Red Cross.
With the coming of V.E. Day the 'Chat' appropriately reported in
May 1945 that the first three of their tasks set in 1939 had been
accomplished. Six Seasons of war-time football had been played at
Ford's Grove. There remained their final task to guide the Club
through the transitional period and take their place among the
leaders in A.F.A. Football. The resumption of the Southern Amateur
League next Season was anticipated, and it was hoped that many old
players would rejoin and a steady stream of newcomers would
continue.
In the Summer of 1940, it was decided by Members and Friends to
start a 'Club Comforts Fund' for those serving with H.M. Forces
with the object of keeping them in touch with the Club and its
activities. A special Committee was set up consisting of the
Chairman of the parent Club, Mr. North, Mrs. Welsford, Mrs.
Hancock and Mr. Jupp to undertake is administration. Funds were
obtained through various channels, collecting boxes in the
Pavilion, penny a week from Members, fortnightly whist drives,
proceeds from horticultural and flower shows and donations. This
enable periodic parcels of cigarettes, woollen socks and gloves
knitted by members, toilet requisites and greetings cards to be
sent to all Members throughout the war years. A 'Bulletin' and
'The Chat' was also circulated. One particular item was a
directory with addresses of all Members overseas. This gave rise
to many opportunities for Members to get into touch with one
another in distant parts, and often interesting meeting took
place. At the end of five years it was gratifying to record the
beginning of demobilisation though conscription continued, but the
Fund functioned for some two years after the end of hostilities.
Grateful thanks were recorded by returning members, not only for
the 'goody' parcels but for the news from home. Much appreciation
was expressed to the Committee for its work and in particular to Mrs.
O. Hancock, the Honorary Secretary, for her untiring efforts in
obtaining and circulating information and much desired creature
comforts.
Finally, the Social side of the Club was continued with unabated
enthusiasm in spite of blackout difficulties. It was a very rare
occurrence that on a Saturday evening there was 'nothing doing'.
Dances with a small band were held, Concerts and Groundsman's Day
with side shows helped towards success in this direction. The bulk
of this work throughout the war years was undertaken by the ladies
of the Tennis Section who provided refreshments, coping admirably with
food rationing.
To conclude this report on the war-time activities of the Club it
must be said that it is impossible to mention everyone, but to all
officers and Members of all Sections who gave their time and help
in these difficult days, the Club is indeed grateful.
Back to History
Back to The Early Years
Forward to Post War to
Centenary
[page updated 26 February 2002]
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