1925-26 ANECDOTES

Football Herald 15^th August 1925 reported on

BATH HALF-BACKS HITCHED!

Mr S G U Considine, of Edward Street, the Bath rugby player, England International, and Somerset County cricketer, married Miss Gladys James, of Pulteney Road, at St. Mary’s, Bathwick on Wednesday 1^st August 1925.

“Great interest had been evinced in this wedding for a considerable period, but few of his sporting friends and admirers were present owing to uncertainty as to the exact time at which the ceremony would take place.”  Mr. H W H Considine, fellow rugby player and brother of the bridegroom, was best man.

Mr Harry Vowles, Bath’s popular scrum-half, of Bellott’s Road, Twerton, married Miss Gladys Doreen Nation, of 17 Brooklyn Road, Larkhall, at St. Saviour’s Church, Larkhall on Saturday 12^th September 1925.

CHRONICLE COMMENT: “Tom Rose, S.G.U., A E Anderson, and Harry Vowles have all married in very quick succession. Who will be the next?”

At the Annual  General Meeting on the 1^st August 1925, Considine was complimented on the way he had led the Club and heartily congratulated upon being capped for England. Most unfortunately, he had sustained a serious injury in his match against France, 13^th April 1925.

The Chairman gave details on negotiations towards the erection of a new stand on the north side of the ground. They were now in a position to go ahead, with a view to completion in time for the Jubilee match on October 15^th. The stand would be 86 feet long by 24 feet deep. There would be ground floor dressing rooms, 6 baths, 4 hot and cold sprays, lavatories etc., committee room, dressing room with bath for referee. On the roof there would be a covered stand to accommodate 800.

CHRONICLE AND HERALD 3/10/1925 (Extracts)

Team Work Lacking.

“The form shown last week was a disappointment to many. A well-known Alderman of the city summed it up thus: “15 good men, but no team” and he was right. What is lacking is team work. Individually the players are good, but there must be concerted action.”

“Seven a side Rugby is to be introduced in London. A series of games are to be played by the leading London clubs for the Middlesex Hospital Restoration Fund. It will be a new thing to London, but has long been a feature of Scottish Rugby. There will be three forwards, two threequarters, a half, and a full-back.”

Not a good season!  Bath had lost the five opening games. ‘UBIQUE’, writing in the Bath programme for the Llanelly game:

“Hope springs eternal in the human breast,

Man never is but always to be blest” – Pope

And continued:  “I doubt if there is any blessing attached to the winning of a match, but we have hoped and still hope for our first victory this season. I feel I must say something to our friends who are taking such a pessimistic view of the prospects this season. Let me admit straight away that I realise we have struck a bad patch so far. These lean times come to every club at intervals, but there is no need to be despondent and unkindly critical.

After identifying significant changes in the playing strength since the previous season, and the requirement of a probationary period for newcomers he continued:

”How are we to regain our prestige, especially among our own supporters, who perhaps are unsympathetically critical?

Intelligent training is my solution.

There is little good obtained by merely punting a ball or attempting dropped goals when training. Too much kicking stiffens the muscles of the thigh.

The forwards realising their weaknesses, should practice packing against another eight, each man having his own appointed position and then a hooker should be trained. There is a lot of craft displayed by some teams in packing. They will pack on the left or right side, according to how they see the intentions and disposition of the opposing pack. These points should be practised and a definite plan of campaign adopted.

The backs have their moves to work out as well as the forwards. A definite understanding between scrum half and stand off half, where the latter should stand, or rather which way he is running to receive the ball, for the stand off half should always take his pass on the run. There are many tricks the three-quarters can practise, including the reverse pass, throwing the ball over the scrum, cross kicking, short punting etc. All this is what I mean by intelligent training. Why should not some of our junior teams train with the premier side? It would be to mutual benefit of all.

Our captain is keen on team work and I am sure if he insists more on the ‘team training’ he will produce players fit to combat the experience of our more seasoned opponents. The younger players must accept the advice and good intentions of those older ones who have profited by a long ‘experience bought,’ which nevertheless is made somewhat easier by ‘experience taught,’ providing the player is willing to be taught.”

“To my pessimistic and despondent supporters I would say:

“Cheerfulness, or joyousness, is the heaven under which everything but poison thrives.” – Richter.

UBIQUE continues:

“At last I discovered the mysteries of Sospan Fach. It appears that about 1897 the Llanelly Club was considerably strengthened by the inclusion of the players of the famous Seaside Stars, among whom were Badger, Cliff Bowen, Ben Davies, Dai Morgan, ‘Fishguard’ Thomas and others. They really inaugurated the stand-off half position, for previously both halves worked the scrum. Interpassing among the backs in what is known as the approved Welsh style, with Ben Davies the pivot as stand-off half, was introduced and great success resulted. The points were piled up each week and after each score players and spectators took to singing the following ditty:”

Mae bys Mary Ann wedi gwiwo

A Dafydd y gwas ddim yn iach

A’r baban bach yn crio

A’r gath wedi scramo Johnny bach.

Sospan fach yn berwi ar y tan

Sospan fach yn berwi ar y tan

A’r gath wedi scramo Johnny bach

Sospan Fach (in translation)

Mary Ann’s finger is gathering

David the servant, is not very well

The little baby is crying

and the cat had scratched little Johnnie.

The little saucepan is boiling on the fire

the little saucepan is boiling on the fire

And the cat has scratched little Johnnie.

This was adopted later as the Scarlet’s War Song.

15/10/1925 Diamond Jubilee Match. Bath v South Western Counties. An ‘All Pay’ match. (Reserved seats 3/-)

Bath Team: H G Slade, W J Gibbs, R Banks, S Watts, J Armour, F Rhymes, J W Colquhonn, H B L Wake, L J Richardson, R S Chaddock, C E Carruthers, C N Mannings, J Dobson, G Woodward, A Morley.

South Western Counties: W F Gaisford (Bart’s and Somerset), H Smith (Barnstaple and Devon), J Hanley (Plymouth and Devon), Reg Pickles (Bristol, and Gloucestershire), S Jago (Plymouth and Cornwall), C Carter (Bristol and Gloucestershire), Dr. Taylor (Gloucester and North), T Voyce (Gloucestershire and England) (Captain), J S Tucker (Bristol, Gloucestershire and England), M Shaw (Bristol and Gloucestershire), A Spriggs (Bridgwater and Somerset), C Gummer (Plymouth and Devon), W Roscolla (Cornwall), E Stanbury (Plymouth and Devon), and  H Rew (Exeter and Devon).

Referee T H Vile (WALES).  Touch Judges:- Corbett and Considine (both England) Bath Lost 3-19

Gibbs scored Bath’s try. At some stages, there was only one team in it – and that was not Bath! However, they defended resolutely against great odds. Western Counties scored 2 goals and 3 tries.

New stand was not ready, but upper part for spectators was made available. When completed a clock in memory of the late George Roberts, so many years the Hon. Treasurer, would be placed at the Pavilion entrance for all to see.

BATH CHRONICLE AND HERALD OCTOBER 16, 1925.

SIXTY YEARS A CLUB

of the city, the late Mr. Martin Wood and the late Mr. T J Gandy being two of them. The latter was the first hon. Secretary, and also held the office of hon. Treasurer for some years, besides being Chairman of the Committee, 1901-1906. He was a good forward. No  minutes

of those days can be found, so it is presumed that none were kept. The players wore dark blue jerseys and red caps. Mr Herbert Perry, who is hale and hearty to-day, and always in the front row of the stand, played back for the club in the sixties. The late Mr Walter Sants, whose death with such tragic suddenness occurred but a few days ago, played from 1868 to 1883, and was also hon. Secretary and hon. Treasurer. His position in the field was quarter back, and afterwards half back. The club started its career under the name of the Bath Rovers, changing later to Bath Wanderers, before finally adopting its present name. Mr T N M Parham during the time he was hon. Treasurer, worked hard to increase the club membership, which was very small, and succeeded in trebling it, a gratifying result, “Tommy” was one of the finest half-backs the club ever had. The late Mr C Hensley and Mr E W Mitchell were both hon. Secretaries in the eighties. A tremendous amount of work was done by the late Mr G A Roberts during the 22 years he was hon. Treasurer, in improving the financial position of the club, and promoting among the players and members that spirit of comradeship which is so essential to the success of sport. His loss to the club some two years ago was greatly deplored. It is very gratifying to know that his memory is to be perpetuated by means of a clock placed in a prominent position in the new north stand. A large photo of “G.A.R.” will be hung inside the building, with a suitable inscription in brass beneath.

BATH’S INTERNATIONALS

It may interest many to know that the following Bath players have been capped for England: Major F B G D’Aguilar, R.E., v Scotland, 1872. H G Fuller, v Scotland 1882-3, and for Ireland v Wales 1883-4. F Soane, v Scotland 1893-4, v Ireland, and Wales 1894-5. Dr. V H M Coates, v Scotland, Ireland, France, South Africa, 1913-14. I J Pitman, v Scotland, 1922-23. S G U Considine, v France, 1924-5.

The club has played on the following grounds in rotation: North Parade Bridge Ground, Claverton Down, Lambridge, Kensington Meadows, Henrietta Park and the Recreation Ground, Pulteney Street.

The above notes have been prepared by Mr J T Piper, who had been hon. Secretary since May 15^th, 1890 and much of the present day success of the club is due to his pioneer work. He has been made a life member of the club, a fitting honour after so many years of service freely given.

The chair at the dinner was occupied by Alderman J H Colmer, J.P., one of the keenest supporters of the club, and he was supported by Capt. Charles T Foxcroft, M.P., Mr W S Donne (ex President of the English R.U. and President of Somerset R.U.), Messrs. T Pearce and J Lello (of the E.R..U.), Mr Frank Soane, Mr W S Growtage (Somerset R.U.), Major T B Timmins, Dr. MacBryan, the ex-Mayor Councillor Charles H Hacker, Mr W F Long, Dr. Beck Cluckie, Mr T Vile (Newport), Mr E S Bostock Smith (Bristol), Mr W J Gibbs, Mr Len Corbett, R.F.A., Farnham, Mr Seymour Butler, and Mr H Lewis (Bristol Talbot B.C., an old Bath player).

Others present included the two XV’s, all the club officials, and the committee, Mr J Pippin (Bridgwater), Dr. Alcock and Mr A Hudson (Gloucester), Messrs Owens, Britton, and Babbage (Bristol), Mr Johnson (Weston-super-Mare), Mr Vickary (Wellington), Messrs. Dando and Oliver (Bath Supporters’ Club), Messrs Young and Davies (Bath Schools R.U.), Mr W Rummings (Bath Referees’ Society), Messrs J H Tarrent and Geo. Brint (Bath Combination), Messrs. ER E Fowles and J W Latham (Bath City F.C.), etc.

The Chairman stated that owing to Capt. Foxcroft having to fulfil another engagement he was going to ask him to speak before he left them (applause).

PLAYED IN DIFFERENT SCRUMS

Capt. Foxcroft said that he thought he had played as much football almost as many in that room. He had had the honour of captaining Rugby and Association teams, and also the Eton game (applause). Some time ago he gave up football scrum and went into another sort of scrum, which also had some excitements peculiar to itself (laughter). But nothing would ever be so exciting to him as getting in between the posts and kicking a goal afterwards (applause). Though some of them might later become Prime Minister, there was nothing so exciting as the thrill of the moment when one scored a try (applause). He hoped that from now onward Bath would repeat and even excel what she had done in the past (applause).

The Chairman read letters regretting inability to be present from the Mayor (Alderman Cedric Chivers), the President (Mr. W Meredith), and the hon. Secretary (Mr. R A Roberts), of the Gloucestershire R.U., Mr H Brice Mundy, and Mr T C Rogerson. The Chairman remarked that he was glad to know that such a good feeling now existed between the Rugby and Association clubs in the city (applause).

BAD FEELING BURIED

Proceeding, Alderman Colmer referred to his connection with the Bath Rugby Club, and said that at one meeting they buried for ever, he hoped, the bad feeling that had existed between the Somerset County Union and the Bath club (applause). They did not have the opportunity last year of congratulating Mr. Donne on the great honour conferred upon him by his election as President of the English Rugby Union. They were delighted to hear that a Somerset man, and such a Somerset man as Mr. Donne (cheers) had held that office. They were very proud of the Bath Rugby Club. It had a long and honoured history (applause). Naturally its fortunes had varied from time to time. At present some people might think that their fortunes were not quite as bright as in the past, but still they were not down-hearted (applause). All clubs had their ups and downs and they were quite sure from the exhibition of football that they saw that afternoon by the Bath club against such an excellent team as the Western Counties, that the Bath Club had nothing to be ashamed of (applause).

1. DONNE’S LOCAL REMINISCENCES.

Mr. Donne proposed the toast of the evening, “The Bath Football Club.” It had been his pleasure, he remarked, to be associated with the Bath Club for very many years. Though he never played against the club on the Recreation ground – he certainly did at Henrietta Park – he had worn out a few pairs of boots on the Recreation Ground in refereeing matches for the club (applause). A better lot to referee he had never experienced. It was a great honour for any club to meet together as they were doing that night, to celebrate the 60^th year of their existence (applause). Very few Rugby football clubs in Great Britain and Ireland could say that they had had a continuous existence for 60 years; and in addition to that the long career of the Bath F.C. was one that any city or any body of sportsmen could look back to with as much pleasure (applause). He looked back for 30 years. He remembered their old friend on his left (“Buster” Soane), who as captain and player, did so much to bring the club into the position it at present held (applause). Coming down to the present year, the club may not have satisfied itself. It was true that they had yet to win a match this season, but what did it matter? (applause). They did not play Rugby football to get a great record – they played Rugby for the great game that it was – (applause) – and if they were having a bad innings just at present moment, they had got to remember there was a future, and he was quite certain that their record in the immediate future would equal those of some of their best records in the past (applause).

SPIRIT OF THE GAME

Many old players would agree with him, Mr Donne continued, that some of their very best and most enjoyable games had been those that they had lost, and so long as they kept that spirit in the game, so long would Rugby be the game it was – the greatest of all British games (applause). He would yield to no one when he said that Rugby football was the best and brightest that a Britisher could play; it was the one game in which a man played for his side and not for himself (applause). Whether they won or lost, so long as they played the game, so long would Rugby football be prominent in the minds of British sportsmen (applause). Referring to the regulations between Somerset County Union and the Bath Club in the past, Mr. Donne said that differences of opinion would occur in the best regulated societies, but their differences were a thing of the past. The County Union could not afford to do without Bath no more than Bath could do without the County Union (applause). His experience in all quarters of Somerset was that he never wished for happier times than he had in the city of Bath (applause).

Mr A H W Taylor, responding to the toast, said that in that day’s match both teams played the game, and the Bath club felt a deep debt of gratitude to the players of the South – Western XV., who had come from all parts to show how the game should be played (applause). He mentioned the names of Mr. Frank Soane and Mr. W F Long, who not only played for Bath in the past, but had continued to support the club in successive years (applause).

“OLD TIMERS” FIRST MATCH

Mr Frank Soane, who was received with cheers, said that he first played for Bath 45 years ago. He recalled that he went to see a Rugger match at Lambridge. Bath were a man short and they asked him to play. He played in his trousers and shirt, and the club were so pleased with his “robust” play that they asked him to play again! (laughter and applause). He remembered on that occasion that the players had an enormous “blow-out” of suet pudding. Perhaps that is why he “caught the eye” of the club! (laughter). Since that time the rules of the game had changed in an extraordinary manner. In his early days they had no referee; they usually picked up an umpire on the ground, and if they did not like his decision they did not take any notice of him! (laughter). In those days it was necessary to kick a goal to win a match. He remembered one occasion when their opponents scored six tries and Bath kicked a goal towards the end and won! (laughter). Talking seriously, M. Soane said they were all very sorry the club had struck a bad patch, but there was nothing to get “pannicky” about (applause). He thought they ought to rely more upon their own young players, and not go “skying” round the country for others. That was the only way to build up a side (applause).

Mr. W J Gibbs (captain of the Bath F. C.) proposed “The Visitors.” He said that now, during a brief period of depression in their club football, was the time for the club’s supporters to assist in every way the efforts of the committee to secure the great revival (applause).

LOCAL TALENT WANTED.

Mr. Len Corbett, in reply, said that he agreed with what Mr. Soane had said about developing local talent. They should look to Bath for their future players. They might have a lean time for a season or two, but then by the process suggested they could get a team second to none in the country (applause). Bristol might be in the same position before long.

Mr. Tom Voyce, who was also asked to respond, gave some personal experiences of the game. He said he had played Rugby ever since he could walk, and he hoped to play it until he was unable to walk! (applause). Rugby was the most wonderful game in the world. The spectators might say it was rough, but the players enjoyed it.

Mr. J W Latham (treasurer of the Bath City Association Club), invited by the Chairman to say a few words, expressed his pleasure at the feeling of good fellowship that now existed between the clubs in the city representing the two football codes. He hoped it would long continue (applause).

CITY CHAIRMAN’S GOOD WISHES.

Mr. R E Fowles (Chairman of Bath City A.F.C.), who was also asked to speak said that he did not think the supporters of both clubs appreciated the good feeling that existed amongst followers of the Rugby Club and the City Club. When he visited the Recreation ground he saw very few supporters of the Association code there, but on the occasions of matches at Lambridge a good many Rugbyites supported them (applause). The Bath Rugby Club was in a wonderful position because it had a fine body of supporters behind it. If the City Club had only 50 per cent. of that support they could flourish exceedingly (applause). Bath City realised that they, too, must depend more on developing local talent. He could not see how it could be carried out this season, but would be next season (applause). On behalf of Bath City F.C. Directors and management he wished every success to the Bath R.F.C. and hoped for a continuation of the support from the Bath Club, that they had always enjoyed.

The health of “The Artistes” was proposed by Mr Harry Bowen and acknowledged by Mr L E C Baker.

Major T B Timmins, an old Bath player, proposed the health of “The Chairman.” As chairman of the Bath Rugby Supporters’ Club he said that the Bath team could not be afraid of losing a few matches (applause). They had got all that was good in Bath behind them – those who knew the game and loved it – and they were a thousand times better than “fair weather” friends (applause).

Mr A H W Taylor proposed the health of Mr J T Piper, who had put in 35 years’ service for the club, and Mr E F Simpkins, who had 20 years’ service to his credit (applause).

Mr Piper, who responded, said that he should continue to support the club as long as he could walk, talk, and sing (laughter and applause).

An excellent programme of music was provided by Mr. L E C Baker, Miss Dorothy Reid, Mr. George R Christopher, Miss Lily Morgan, and Mr. Seymour Butler

TRAINING IMPERATIVE (By “Mascot.”)

“There has been a good deal of crying out about the game Bath played last Saturday against St. Thomas’s Hospital. A follower for the last 30 years describes it as the worst exhibition he has ever seen Bath give. This is surely an exaggeration! Many, many times there have been occasions when they could do nothing right, and probably there always will be.”

“

Mascot” then instanced other occasions of poor performances, and continued:

“It is probable that the Bath play will not reach such a low ebb again this season; in fact, it will be impossible for it to do so. Let’s look on the bright side-we’ve found a good full-back-if nothing else, and I’ve no doubt we shall give Pontypool a good game next week. We may not win, but then perhaps we hardly expect to. And then again-we may!”

The writer then highlighted the advantages of systematic training:  “………and it would be a good thing if some experienced player could take the responsibility of coaching the side. The forwards very badly want scrum practice. It is not a case of running about to get fit, everyone, I suppose, is fit by now. It is a case of scrumming properly, knowing how to pack and how to heel”

Later: “When the new pavilion is ready, things may improve. As regards the attendance of the 1^st XV. at training now, it was never as bad. When Considine was fit he rarely missed an evening, and the same could be said of Harry Richardson. Now that Carruthers has finished, it will be worse than ever.”

————————————-

At least, it was pleasing to read of others’ enthusiasm for the Club at this time:

“Cashnella is keen as mustard. On Tuesday he was in town on sweet pea business, but he got back in time to have his say at a Bath Committee meeting, and was keen enough to make sure that his attendance was registered.”

MANCOM 8/12/25

Mr. Vanstone reported that the Rec. Ground Co. had offered the use of the new Pavilion for the International Trial and on the proposition of M. Davis the offer was accepted.

Furniture required for new pavilion.

A sergeant and 8 constables requested for Trial match.

A GENEROUS GIFT

On the 11^th December it was reported that the £5 proceeds of the gate money at the Bath v Rest of Bath match had been donated to the Combination. It was agreed to divide the amount in 10/- each between ten of the junior clubs of the district.

19^th December 1925. England Trial held at Bath.

BIG PREPARATION EFFORT

In frosty weather, the Bath Club were grateful to Messrs Tucker and Sons, Broad Quay, who supplied and laid twenty tons of straw at a few hours’ notice. Removal commenced at 5a.m., and the ground was cleared, rolled and ready well in time for the match. As a matter of fact, they did not roll for long, as they found that this had the effect of bringing water to the surface.

Bath players acted as Ground Stewards. There was provision for 40 press-men. It was felt that the ground could accommodate 10,000 spectators. Ten minutes from the start there was a double queue extending up William Street. There were special parking arrangements in Henrietta Street, Bathwick Street and Pulteney Road. It was said that 90% of those entering, made a run to secure the best viewpoints. The main aim was to get to seated stands which had been erected on the popular side.

“These quickly filled. Sprinting seemed to be infectious, and it was noticed that one fur-coated lady who must have seen quite sixty summers effected a non-stop trot from the entrance to the popular side. By one o’clock, as the Abbey chimes were playing ‘‘Tom Bowling,’ perhaps the greater part of a thousand spectators had gained their points of advantage.”

There was a steady build up of spectators and there was a final attendance figure of 7500 people to watch the match.

Possibles beat the Probables by 22-14.

Probables team included B S Chantrill (Bristol), A T Voyce (Gloucester), L J Corbett and  J S Tucker (Bristol), and the famed W W Wakefield of Harlequins. Bristol’s M V Shaw played for the Possibles.

The BATH RUGBY SUPPORTERS celebrated the occasion with a Carnival Dance at the Pump Room on the Saturday evening. Among the company of 250, were Messrs. M V Shaw, Stanley Budd, W J Gibbs and many members of the Bath Club.

The Orpheus Dance band performed from the balcony, and the whole evening was enjoyable and well organised.

England Team selection took place at the Pulteney Hotel.

BATH CHRONICLE  AND HERALD 2/1/1926 headlined:-

‘MID SWIRLING WATERS

Bath Lives up to Its Name.

FLOODS IN THE CITY AND ALONG THE AVON VALLEY

New Year’s Day’s Phenomenal Rain

Under paragraph headed:-               IN LAKELAND.

“This morning the water had completely submerged the Spring Gardens Road, which was turned for the nonce into a part of the roaring and swirling torrent we know as the placid Avon. It found outlet into the Recreation Ground, and Ferry Lane. A cascade poured into the ‘Rec’ through the road to the Artcraft Factory, which was cut off, the operatives being rendered idle, and the field itself was soon one sheet of water, with duckboards floating about upon it like rafts without their crews. On the other side of the road the waters swept in two big streams into the North Parade Cricket Ground, flooding it to a depth of several feet, and it was quickly enveloping the ‘circus’ ground. The Tea Pavilion had of course been invaded.”

The worst build up coursed along Ferry Lane into the Dolemeads, where the bulk of the inhabitants stuck to their homes, looking anxiously out at the rising waters from their upper windows.

MANCOM 23/2/1926

Designation resolved: The Pavilion Clock and this Photograph perpetuate the memory of the late Mr. G A Roberts, for upwards of 20 years the indefatigable Hon. Treas. of the Bath Football Club. Erected by Members of the Club as a token of the esteem and gratitude for ungrudging services – 1926.

A SPECTATOR’S OPINIONS

Bath’s plucky fight.

Forming one of the party who visited the Memorial Ground on Saturday, I was asked by them to give a little version of the football played between Bath and Bristol. I may say how proud I felt at the display given by Bath, especially in the first half. The score of 16 points to 6 very much flatters Bristol. I think the score should have read –Bristol, 11pts., Bath 9 pts. -as Chard scored quite a brilliant try, which the referee did not allow. I don’t wish to decry the referee at all, but the try scored by Quick should not have been allowed. Anyway it is over; but I would like to offer my praise to the Bath players on the great game they played. Mind you, Bristol played well, but there was only one team in it in the first half, and it does not fall to the credit of Bristol. Chantrill gave a great display, but so did Harry Slade, and of the two I preferred Slade’s on the day, as he had not so much room to move in as his vis-à-vis. He was loudly applauded.”

The Annual Meeting turned out to be a lively affair. At the outset there was discussion regarding admittance upon exhibition of the Notice Convening and a Membership Card.  Several questions relating to the balance sheet were satisfied by hon. Treasurer – Mr. H W Vanstone.

“Mr. A Bryant said that, in his opinion, the report was most deplorable, both from a financial and a playing point of view. He considered that the position was mainly due to the policy adopted by the Selection Committee. ‘And you can take it as you please,’  he added.”  He claimed that the new lease had been signed without consulting membership: “who had a greater financial stake in the club than the committee, (but)  knew nothing at all about it.” He maintained that a special meeting of members should have been called before committing £1000 to the building of a stand. The Balance Sheet was eventually adopted.

It was resolved that in future, Vice Presidents should contribute at least 10/6 a year in addition to buying his season ticket. The Hon. Treasurer explained that a total of £10 10s had been paid by three Vice Presidents. Amid laughter, Mr Bryant retorted: “And we have 97 vice presidents!”