ANECDOTES 1946-1947

MANCOM 25/6/1946

There was clarification regarding the R A Gerrard Memorial Fun, which was vested in the three Trustees, Messrs. John Daniel, D Crichton-Miller and F C Wills. It was  hoped to found a Scholarship at Taunton School, for boys who showed ability at some sport, not necessarily Rugby Football.

MANCOM 1/7/1946

There was great concern at the state of the playing pitch’ The  Recreation Ground had been written to for their proposals to improve the surface, with possible re-turfing to be considered.

MANCOM 2/8/1946

Hon. Secretary confirmed that after checking through previous Minute Books, he could confirm that a Trust did not exist, and there was therefore no record of Trustees Duties. It was decided to have Mr. Considine prepare the appropriate documentation.

Mr Longrigg had indicated that the rental on the Horse Show Ground would have to be increased to £20. Ex-Schools to pay Bath £10 per annum and Avon R.F.C. £15.

Players subscriptions to be 2/6 initially, and then 1/- per week thereafter.

MANCOM 26/8/1946

Following an apparent clash in Club names, the Hon. Secretary was instructed to write to Bath United A.F.C., “that the 2^nd XV of the Bath Club would continue to be known as Bath United and that any confusion which might arise would now be the responsibility of the Bath United A.F.C.”

18 Clothing Coupons had been received, whereas 14 coupons were needed to kit out each player!

It was decided to appeal to supporters for donations of Coupons.

Foundation of The Memorial Fund  – to Fallen Players.

In conjunction with Bath Combination Rugby, it was decided that “A Memorial Fund be inaugurated, and that all Clubs and Supporters be asked to contribute for the provision of a playing field for Rugby Football”

At the time, it was thought that the Horse Show Ground might be established as a permanent home for Junior Rugby Clubs.

A REVIEW OF THE REES CLAN

Bath Chronicle 31^st August 1946

“Bath last season fielded four players of the name of Rees. I suppose the best known was the Rees who played a good deal during the war at full-back, and at half, and kicked a lot of goals; he also won a decoration for bravery during the Bath blitz.

Then there was Dai Rees, the soldier-winger, who so badly damaged a shoulder last season that he is only now about fit.

Next there is Dai Rees, the Oldfield schoolmaster who figured in the pack, and struck one as a very useful player. Finally, there was the best of all the Rees clan-Don Rees, also in the Army, the best hooker seen in the Bath side for many years.

Do you remember his feat at the Rec against Cardiff? He got the ball back 30 times to Cardiff’s 11. He is now demobbed, and back in Wales, and the forecast is, for Victor Smith, that he will be in the Cardiff team and the Welsh side this season.”

MANCOM 2/9/1946

Old Age Pensioners to have Ground admittance for 6d on presentation of the Pension Book.

Season tickets could be bought on an instalment plan.

THE TRIAL at Stothert & Pitt Ground, Newton-St.-Loe.

Skipper Ian Lumsden, was pleased to welcome around 40 players – who: ” took part in a serious attempt to play rugby…” New forwards, W G Jenkins, W G Howell and S Spence Meighan showed well.

MANCOM 9/9/1946

In view of non-attendance of some voluntary stewards, it was agreed that 4 paid stewards to be employed thus:-

Two at Pulteney Street entrance,

One to check tickets at Pulteney Street entrance

One at Riverside entrance.

Bath had expressed high hopes that Pontypool’s Ken Jones might turn out for Bath. He had taken up a teaching post at Bath Parochial School and was living in Bristol. Unfortunately, the former Welsh sprint Champion, had since promised to assist the Newport Club.

News that Tom Smith had been ‘called-up’ for R.A.F. service.

Adrian Stoop, of Harlequins, was giving up his long-standing Honorary Secretaryship, and visited Bath ‘to take the waters,’ and undergo treatment.

CHRISTOPHER DAYS – and then THE ANGEL

A burgeoning of the true Bath Club Spirit was nurtured at a newly established Club Room in the upstairs bar at the Christopher Hotel. These were wonderful get-togethers, establishing real camaraderie between home team and visitors alike. Someone had donated a piano and a Social Committee was set up to run the Club. It was indeed – a happy meeting place. There was singing and a swap of rugby chat, and always – good fellowship and fun. There’s many a good man ‘got the brewer.’ (became intoxicated)

Newcomers were spellbound by tales of Eskimo Nell and hearty choruses of  ‘Ring the Bell Verger.’

At the end of the season, it was decided to migrate to a larger room at the Angel Hotel.

Few who were there, can ever forget the antics of Messrs. Jim Vaissiere, Bob Ball, Alec Lewis, Cyril Bailey, George Brown and many many others. A re-enactment of the ‘shoot-out’ in the currently popular film – Shane was a highlight. It was Alec Lewis and Jim Vaissiere in the dramatic face-off. Unfortunately, Jim Vaissiere could never get his script right. He constantly answered ‘Lee,’ instead of  Wilson. His comic line related to Wilson & Lee’s local sports shop.

Other Songs to Savour were:

The Camel.          If I were the marrying kind.        I don’t want to be a soldier.

Oh Sir Jasper.     Bread of Heaven.        Cockles and Mussels,    Rose of Tralee,    Three Old Maids,

Ball of Kerrymuir  .  The Wild Rover.    Zulu Warrior.  The Thrashing Machine.  Alluette.  Lydia Pink. Roll me over.  Virgin sturgeon.     O’Reilly’s daughter.    Monk of Great Renown.     Money Rolls in.

Did you ever see?         Sweet Violets.     Old King Cole.   Bye Bye Blackbird.   Barnacle Bill.   Dinah.

Wild West Show.    Roedean School.    Old King Cole.    Music Man.  I’m a Lumberjack. (usually with shouts of  TIMBER!)    and        Sing us another one do……..

There was nothing to equal Eddie Simpkin’s rasping voice launching into – The Three Crows.

The grand finale was nearly always – Good night ladies.

There used to be a rhinoceros head which was often added to the ‘props.’ The spiriting away of trophies was ‘fair game’ in those days, and the old rhino was last seen on the night train to Cardiff!

MANCOM 23/9/1946

Application for a licence to rebuild the North Stand was proceeding.

No No. 13

An announcement that the Bath jerseys were being numbered again, but there would be no number 13.

The Committee voting was 6 in favour and 6 against. Chairman Bill Barber had the casting (13^th) vote, and voted for elimination of number 13, in accordance with precedent.

MANCOM 7/10/1946

£1 received from King Edward’s School. It was agreed to send K.E.S. a further ten tickets.

Mr Ron Ludlow appointed as Honorary Masseur to the Club.

Stimulated by a Bath Chronicle Article 14^th December 1946:_

THE TWOPENNY HOT

Since the Bath Blitz, the players had continued to change and wash in the small circular, and open air Cross Bath at the end of Bath Street. It was known locally as ‘the ‘Twopenny Hot.’ Many a time, they were overlooked by a local nursing establishment! Notwithstanding this, it was natural spring water at a constant temperature, and some thought it worth the long trek from the Recreation Ground. Tea was taken at the nearby Red House Restaurant.

To get to the ground, they walked down York Street, North Parade, down the smelly riverside steps (still smelly to this day), and along Spring Gardens Road to the West Entrance.

“They wear their coats according to the state of the weather, and most of them walk in lounge shoes to save their football studs. They change their boots and leave their coats at a little cricket pavilion on the ground.

The same return trip is necessary after the game; and visiting players love a bathe in the Cross Baths afterwards. So would anyone who had to walk half a mile after playing a game of rugby!”

On bad days, players were mud bespattered and soaked from head to toe, and what was acceptable on the field of play, afterwards, became abhorrent if in biting wind and rain.

“But I am going to say it is a disgrace to the City of Bath that, wet and dirty as they were-and will be again-they should have to walk through the streets to a bath because the dead hand of so-called planning has put on the repair of the north stand and baths.”

“You cannot get a drink of water on the Rec. even if you were fainting. The only thing you can do is to get wet through-and no licence is needed.”

MANCOM 16/12/1946

Committee decision to purchase the temporary West Stand at a figure of £548 in instalments of £100 per month for five months and one instalment of  £48.

BATH’S WET PATCH

Darch had an early tip at goal, but unfortunately for Cardiff, he had to take the kick “from that persistent mud patch in front of the temporary stand which no sort of treatment seems to eliminate.”

There was good work by Hicks and Bailey, but it was Cardiff who took the lead in the ninth minute. Hale and Lovelock featured in a brilliant passing movement, and the latter was able to cross over unchallenged. Stalwart, Bill Tamplin added the extras. This set-back roused Higgins, Bailey and O’Shaughnessy to heroic efforts. More resolute play was rewarded, when Joe Bailey won a terrific race for the ball and Jack Arnold kicked the goal. Bath were level and the game reached new levels of excitement. It was a stirring battle up-front. “Twice the ball all but went over the line by downright force and resource. The first occasion somebody tried to pick it up but the move was blotted out. Then the ball slewed into touch. Cardiff were penalised – Bailey took the kick – it was wide out- but the ball soared wide of the near upright.” Cardiff stormed forward. “But the foray was as brief as it was bright and back came Bath full of ginger and spice.” Bath commenced to dictate the run of play and gave Cardiff one of the hardest games they could have encountered for many a day.

“The forwards as a whole were magnificent and Charles Burrough revelled in the fray. His grey hairs belie his amazing vitality.” Both Higgins and Jenkins were outstanding. Bath took the lead in the 30^th minute of the second half: “Risk slipped away, deceived the defence by his running, and passed to Kyrke, who scored in the corner.” Next, Jack Arnold dived over

MANCOM 27/1/1947

Congratulations to the Schools Union with three boys in International Trial.

29^th January 1947

Bath shivered in 20 degrees of frost.

There followed a prolonged period of inactivity. Optimistically, teams were selected, only to be followed by cancellations, which were to continue well into March.

1^ST MARCH 1947.

Playwright and author Arnold Ridley put forward plans for an Easter Rugby Festival, possibly with games between Public Schools XV’s from Bath and Bristol and local clubs, North and South of the River.

Cardiff made a last desperate assault towards the Bath line, and Joe Bailey went down injured. Ambulance men commenced to lead him off, but he turned tail – to re-join the fray in the last desperate seconds.

Ten years were to pass for the next win against Cardiff on the Rec.

There was an upset with Combe Down R.F.C. On the previous Saturday, Bath had been short, and the local club was asked to supply players for the United. The Bath Club’s request had been met with “a most rude and unsatisfactory response.” Combe Down to be written expressing concern regarding their attitude, especially in the light that Bath had hosted, and been particularly helpful to ensure the success of the Combe Down Jubilee match.

MANCOM 28/4/1947

Mr. P C Cooper of 127 Wellsway thanked for his kindness in supplying lemons for the team.