ANECDOTES 1922-1923

13/7/1922

BATH RUGGER NIGHT

CONCERT AND DANCE AT GARDENS

AN ENJOYABLE ENTERTAINMENT

Around 2000 people attended an open air concert arranged by the Bath and District Supporters’ Club, held in Sydney Gardens on a somewhat chilly evening.

The Concert was followed by a ‘flannel dance’, and the Garden’s entrance was illuminated with paper lanterns and coloured lamps. Miss Hilda Blake was the principle singer, and she received a large bouquet, decked in Bath colours, presented by little Miss Joan Banks. There were entertaining contributions from the ‘Bath Society of Gleemen.’ The Band of the 2^nd Battalion Suffolk Regiment played a number of selections.

There were several humorous diversions.

MANCOM 25/7/1922

Agreed that St. James Prize Band to perform at home matches.

County written for copy of amended Rules of the Union.

Major Timmins kindly offered the use of the Riding School and Gymnasium at the Drill Hall for Training, and Mr. Roberts announced that Mr. Young had again placed his field at the disposal of the Club for training, which would commence during the week.

MANCOM 1/8/1922

The Rules drawn up and to be submitted to a general meeting on 14^th August 1922.

Resolved ”The Committee having considered the present Rules of the Somerset County as submitted by the County Secretary, beg to inform members of the Club they recommend that the Bath Club does not at present re-affiliate to the Somerset County R.F.U., but they wish to state as far as they are concerned that if the Somerset authority will recognise the principle of Rugby Union player being a free agent they are quite willing to again affiliate to the County body.”

The Secretary was instructed to write the Rec. Ground Co. asking: –

1. If sheeting can be erected to stop views from North Parade Bridge, the Grand Parade and Johnstone Street.
2. If the Company offer any objection to the erection of more flower pot stands.
3. If the Company were willing to pay for the painting of their portion of the Stand.

From CHRONICLE REPORT 12/8/1922

BATH RUGBY CLUB

THE FURTHER GENERAL MEETING

RELATIONS WITH SOMERSET R.U.

It was agreed to convene another General meeting on 14^th August, to consider new rules and the Club’s relationship with Somerset R.F.U.

Rule proposals include the ability for Ladies to pay the ordinary subscription of 12/-, and be thereby entitled to vote at club meetings. The procedure for nominating officials and committees to be defined, and that regular players can vote at the meetings. Another proposal allows for the calling of a special general meeting, on receipt of a requisition signed by at least 40 members. Such requisition to clearly state the object of such meeting, and only that business specified in the requisition, to be discussed at such meetings.

The notice of the meeting stated: “The committee of the Bath Club having considered the present rules of the Somerset County Rugby Union, as submitted by the County secretary, recommend that the Bath Club does not at present re-affiliate to the Somerset County Union, but they wish to state, so far as they are concerned, that if the Somerset authority will recognise the principle of a Rugby Union player being a free agent they are quite willing to again affiliate to the county body.”

Rule 18 stated – No player belonging to an affiliated club of this union selected to play in any county match or county trial match shall take part in a club game or match, or match of any description, except that for which he is selected by the county, under any pretence whatever, unless the previous consent of the Committee of Management shall have been obtained. In the case of wilful infringement of this rule the player (or players) in question, the club for which he shall play, over which the county have jurisdiction, shall be duly dealt with by the Committee of Management under Rule 31. The club or player shall have the right of appeal to the English Rugby Union.

MANCOM 15/8/1922

It was unanimously agreed that the players should wear uniform colours, jerseys, knickers and stockings; blue white and black jerseys and blue nicks. Players choice was for red stockings.

Adapted from CHRONICLE REPORT 19/8/1922

PRACTICE GAMES

FURTHER GROUND IMPROVEMENTS

After a preliminary scrum practice, the previous Friday, there was a full turnout on Tuesday 15^th August. Among the 1^st XV players in attendance were:- captain H Vowles, vice captain L J Richardson, H J Comm, Harry Richardson, J Russell, N J Blake, C Carruthers, G Woodward, Dr. F A Meine, L W Bisgrove, L Humphries, J Pope, plus the ‘A’ XV skipper A E Anderson, G E Blake, P Chapman, H Slade, E G Northway, A Hole, G Sanders, J Dobson, Reg West, S Horwood, A Wright, H Brooks etc.

Additionally, Norman Skeates, W S Hopper (Barnstaple), J Sheppard (younger brother W H Sheppard), and Parfitt (junior), and many more newcomers. Due non-availability of the ground, no trial would be held, and the first teams would be picked on known ability.

GROUND IMPROVEMENTS

The flowerpot stand would be extended to three times its previous length. At the northern end, the grass bank would be terraced. A galvanised canopy would extend for the full length of the grand stand, and the whole stand would be painted. A new score board would be in place by the first home match v Newton Abbot.

There were to be Numbered, Reserved Stand seats.

MANCOM 22/8/1922

Work on new flower pot stands to be carried out. Terracing of the bank to the North of the Grand Stand be carried out with destructer blocks, at an estimated cost of £35.

Letter from Somerset County Union: “If any (player) reason or expression of regret for not playing for the County has been received from any player, he has, in the past invariably been excused, and the player has only been barred from playing elsewhere when a curt ‘unable’ with no reason given, has been received from such player.”

Bath Sec instructed to reply “that such a statement was not in accordance with cases which have come under the notice of members of the Bath Committee.”

BATH FOOTBALL HERALD 26^th August 1922, carried an article stating that Welsh Rugby was not disturbed by secessions to Northern Union. Among the first class Welsh clubs, only Bowen (Swansea) and Ring (Aberavon) had turned professional. The remainder were from second class clubs. The decline was put down to less money being offered.

LOOKING GOOD!

Bath looked forward to a good season. The Junior clubs had grown in strength and numbers, the Bath Combination had become a splendid organisation, doing very useful work; the Bath Referees’ Society had gained national recognition, and there was a strong Bath and District Rugby Supporters’ Club.

MANCOM 29/8/1922

Letter from Rec. Gd. Co. that the Ground would be available for the first match on Sept. 9^th., but that the Pavilion could not be used until Sept. 15^th. Meanwhile players to change for training at St. Mary’s Church House. On Sat 9^th. Both teams to change at Baths.

23/9/1922 An Official Match Programme produced and circulated by the Supporters’ Club at 2d a copy from this day.

MANCOM 26/9/1922

Motion that flags be put on top of goalposts was favourably received.

Secretary wrote to Mr G Brooke of 11 Stanley Road, that the Committee had no power to grant him permission to sell chocolates on the Recreation Ground.

CHRONICLE 7/10/1922

Report on Richard Meister’s wedding. The former brilliant three-quarter and captain was married at St. Mary’s, Bathwick. “Dick” Meister was a product of the Oldfield Park Club, and played for Bath over seven seasons, and was remembered as one of the Club’s finest tacklers. He had frequent Somerset games, and played against the first New Zealand Tourists.  Gallagher, the New Zealand captain, was so impressed, that in his book, “How to Play Rugby Football,” he cited Meister’s method, as an illustration of how an opponent should be tackled.

BATH FOOTBALL HERALD 28^th October 1922, reported that the Bath Rugby Supporters’ Club had booked the Palace Theatre for a big Bohemian concert on Saturday, 18^th November. Admission 1/3 to all parts. The London Welsh team and County Officials would be invited.

BATH RUGBY SUPPORTERS’ PROGRAMME

A Tribute

Mr. Cecil Basden, sir,

Congratulations to you

On the issue of the Programme,

You deserve them, yes, you do.

The good old Bath Football Club

In Rugger leads the way,

And your latest innovation

Is the topic of the day.

Your task accomplished full and well,

No CONSIquences fearing,

Are pleasing, sir, to everyone,

And to Supporters cheering.

‘Tis good to know your friends approve,

You know just what I MEINE,

For every sport appreciates,

Spectators all are keen.

Some of our results have shown

The nature of a bomb,

CHADDOCK he has laid the train,

The fuse was lit by COMMN.

Of course I must make mention of

The Captain, Harry VOWLES,

Who with the rest makes ROYAL scores

Without the aid of fouls.

The players in our team are great,

There’s PITMAN and CARRUTHERS,

SHEPPARD, MANNINGS, DOBSON, BLAKE,

GIBBS, ANDERSON, and others.

For each Tom, Dick, or RICHARD-SON.

All do their level best

To uphold their reputation

With energy and zest.

You ask how long is a piece of string,

Now do not laugh or scoff.

‘Tis the same length as a coil of wire

When it’s had a bit cut off.

Good Luck, Success, and Happiness,

I wish you once again,

Also to members of the club,

And now beg to remain

A SUPPORTER.

BATH SPORTS HERALD 11^th November 1922

“In this season’s ‘Rugby Football Note Book,’ on ‘Hints on Captaincy,’ A D Stoop says, “Try to win your matches in the first five minutes.” It is doubtful if Captain Joe Richardson had read this, but anyhow, he carried it out, for after Mannings had dribbled well – exceptionally well, I should have said – the Bath captain had scored, and Woodward had converted, before Mr. Clark Williams, the Liberal candidate – at the time of writing, I do not know whether he is now the M.P. – had resumed his seat in the stand.”

The Rugby Game and How to Play It  was published.

“The Rugby Union secretary tells us that the Greeks played football, and that the Romans did as well. Both Henry II. And James I. forbade it owing to roughness. Running with the ball was not legalised at Rugby School until 1841-42.”

DEATHS FROM EXHAUSTION

“One of the earliest county matches was played between Norfolk and Suffolk at the end of the 18^th century and lasted all day. Suffolk won, and subsequently many players died from exhaustion.”

FOOTBALLERS SERVICE

“Oldfield Park Baptist Chapel should be packed to-morrow afternoon, when there is to be a service for footballers under the auspices of the Oldfield Park Brotherhood, whose members are all denominations, so that Nonconformists and Church of England members are welcomed.”

LUCKY PROGRAMME

For the Exmouth match, the official programme contained a photograph of the Bath team that defeated Cross Keys. It was the first occasion that the programme was numbered. The holder of the lucky number programme was the recipient of a gift to the value of £1 1s.

The Mayor had gifted the Club with two “beautiful” books, to aid Unemployment Fund Efforts. Deserving cases could apply to Mr. W E Banks of 11 Pulteney Bridge, for “help” tickets to gain admission to matches.

Letter from Bath Football Club.

(To the Editor of “The Football Herald.”)

Sir The Bath Football Club Committee would be greatly obliged if you would publish the enclosed letter from the Bath Football Club to the promoter of the proposed Sports’ Club in Bath.

Yours faithfully, E.F. SIMPKINS.                 Bath: Dec. 8. 1922

(COPY)

Dear Sir,- I beg to inform you that my committee have come to the following decision:-

“That it is not within their province to pledge the club to lend support to the formation of such a club as you propose.

It is our opinion that it is more a question of individual membership than that of a club.”

Yours respectfully,

1. F. SIMPKINS,

Hon, Secretary.                       Bath; Nov. 26, 1922.

27/1/1923 MOUNTAIN ASH

TEAM GOES DOWN A MINE

“Bath arrived just after two, and spent the time in going down a coal mine. Bisgrove, Carruthers and Considine being very interested in all they saw.

Pope seemed to know the most about it and said some years ago he was a miner.

No one got a job, although Woodward tried hard.”

MANCOM 6/2/1923

Letter to County Committee protesting at the staging of County Semi Final on a Saturday. (17^th February.)

Reply from County: “I have your letter of the 7^th inst. I regret however I cannot worry my Committee with resolutions from an un-affiliated Club.”

Yours very truly, Frank West.

At that time Bath were not affiliated to the County Union and this latest clash would certainly not heal the breach.

CHRONICLE 5/5/1923

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE RUGBY SUPPORTERS’ CLUB

Councillor W F Long, Chairman advised that there had been 19 Committee meetings, membership stood at 452, and there had been several social events, and a profit of £82 on the season.

The Supporters’ Club had taken on the responsibility for producing and circulating match programmes with effect from September 1922.

Successful trips had been organised for away matches.

The Supporters’ Club “considered it in the best interest of Rugby, to affiliate to the Somerset County Union, and, in connection with the Bristol match on February 17^th, 1923, sent a suitable letter to the County Commission, protesting against the arranging of County games when Bath were fulfilling fixtures of this nature, thereby causing a serious clash. It is with much regret that your members have not been able to witness County games in Bath this season.”

Honorarium

“The discussion on the matter of voting an honorarium to the hon. Secretaries and the programme editor was long and spirited, and the motion to give it was carried, by three votes. The old committee, except a few, did not stand again for election, and practically a new committee was elected.”

“Mr C H Hacker said he had much pleasure in moving: ”That they should vote £25 to Mr Cecil Basden, the hon. Secretary, to Mr Curtis £5, and £5 to the assistant editor, Mr H W Vanstone.”

A Grant of £50 had been made to the Mayor’s Unemployment Fund.

Attendance 100.

Adapted from CHRONICLE REPORT 2/6/1923

Success Strengthens Financial Position

SUPLUS INCREASED TO £863

FURTHER GROUND IMPROVMENTS IN PROSPECT

The Annual Meeting was booked for Friday June 15^th. The previous year’s balance of £540 6s 2 1/2d had been increased to £863 4s 7 1/2d. Gate receipts amounted to £2197 11s 8d; Season tickets £657 11s; Guarantees £55 10s 6d; Recreation Ground, half share Police £30 6s 9d; Recreations Ground towards renewals £40; Improving Grand Stand £50; Share of profit on programmes £20 11s 9d; Donations and other receipts £64 12s 3d.

On the Payments side- Recreation Ground Company £451 13s 10d; Entertainment Tax £556 3s 1 1/2d; Jerseys, boots and balls etc £144 0s 1d; Guarantees £204; Police £60 13s 6d; Repainting and renovations £177 11s 8d; New Flowerpot Stands and canopy £140; Donations to Junior Clubs and Schools Union £19 8s 6d; Players’ Insurance £52 6s 6d; Printing, postage and stationery ££16 10s 4d; Travelling expenses £544 5s 4 1/2d; Training expenses £28 1s 6d and Income Tax £21 10s.

The Committee felt that it was pursuing a progressive policy for the benefit of the Club. A substantial proportion of expense had been for improvements to spectator accommodation. Mr A J Taylor was pursuing his proposals for improvements on the North side, which would provide terraced cover for up to 2000 people.