1947-1948 ANECDOTES

1947-1948 ANECDOTES

Teams to change at the Cross Baths. Teas to be arranged at the Old Red House.
Club looking at possibilities for a canvas screen, to be drawn on match days at the end of Johnstone Street.

MANCOM 1/9/1947
Old Age Pensioners to be allowed in free at the discretion of the gate officials.

6/9/1947 Admiralty (Bath) and the School of Infantry, Warminster were newcomers to the Bath Combination.
The school leaving age had been raised to 15 and an improvement in standards and numbers of participants was anticipated.
The ‘five day’ week, meant that an increasing number of teachers and ex-players would be available to coach junior sides. There was still difficulty in kitting out players. Even if funds were healthy, there was a problem in obtaining sufficient clothing coupons.

KEEP STUK!
MANCOM 15/9/1947
There had been a leakage of information from Committee meetings. Resolved: “That the Committee views with concern the leakages of Committee Business which continue to take place and if such persist, and the names of offenders become known, they will be named in Committee and suitable action will follow.”

PORTER AND LEEK
It was interesting to note that both the Bath wingers, Cyril Porter and Haydn Leek, were products of King Edward’s School. Bridgwater rallied briefly with a converted try. Next, there was a roar of applause as Bowell ran 40 yards to score a magnificent try after spread-eagling the Bridgwater defence.
Up stepped Cyril Porter and the try was converted – indeed the first kicking success in the 1947-48 season. The visitors then managed a second try, but 5 minutes later, that man Porter kicked another penalty and only a minute later, crowned his outstanding performance with a final try.

MANCOM 3/11/1947
It reported on yet another leakage of committee affairs.
Mr Cutler reported that the re-furbished Christopher Hotel would welcome back the Bath Club. The Hotel would make a donation to Club Funds; E.I.P.A. or draught Worthington would be served; the room would be available for Committee meetings. It was decided by 12 votes to 1 that the Clubroom would be moved to the Christopher as soon as possible.
On away matches, there was a problem with certain coach drivers, who insisted on return to their garage by 8pm.

Hon. Secretary Len Bisgrove’s letter 3/11/1947:
“Dear Tom,
I want you to come along with us on Saturday if you are fit.
I am scared stiff about Lumsden. He is travelling on the 11a.m. train from Paddington, Exeter 2.20pm. This gives him 40 minutes. If the train is held up, then we are in the soup, hence I want a good reserve in readiness.”
8/11/1947 – THE NORTH STAND
Shortages of labour and materials meant a further delay to the rebuilding of the North Stand. It was as well to reflect that 5 1/2 years had elapsed since the Bath Blitz had reduced both stands to twisted metal and rubble. The new North Stand would accommodate 400 sitting and 600 standing. Most importantly, it would provide shelter from wind and rain. It would mean a ‘goodbye’ to the Cross Baths and the walk from the Rec. to Bath Street. However, there would be many who would miss the after-match swim in the warm spring waters.

MANCOM 10/11/1947
Mr Jones outlined detail of a scheme to collect for the Sportsmen’s Wedding Gift to H R H Princess Elizabeth.
At the next meeting Mr Tolman proposed to take this collection at the forthcoming Gloucester match. The proposition failed by 7 votes to five. Mr J F B Jones thereupon intimated that he could no longer sit as Chairman of the Committee and left the meeting.
ROYAL DISSENT
Under ‘Other Business’, the Honorary Secretary again took up the Mayor’s appeal for a collection for the H.R.H. wedding gift. He pointed out that Mr Jones had acted on behalf of the Club, and he felt sure that the majority of members would support the collection. A proposal for a grant from Club funds was defeated and a proposal for a voluntary collection at the ground at the Gloucester game was carried. There were six dissenters.
In the event, £8 6s. 3d was collected and gratefully acknowledged by the Town Clerk.

MANCOM 1/12/1947

JOB AD
Ministry of Labour and National Service requested permission to broadcast on the loudspeakers five minutes previous to the London Scottish kick-off. The aim was to recruit volunteers for the Coal Industry.
A supplementary license for modifications to the North Stand was refused

LETTER OF PROTEST
Days later, there were disturbing reports regarding the standard of refereeing at the Llanelly match. There were allegations of biased decisions in favour of the home side. Both Mr Davies and Charles Burrough spoke in support of the players, and their reactions to grossly unfair decisions, and over robust play by the Llanelly team, after Bath were leading at half time. The Bath captain G A Reid, together with W G Jenkins and Allan Todd were reported as disgusted, and it was decided to send a letter of protest to the Llanelly Club and the Welsh Referees Society. In the Society letter, reference was made to possible intimidation of the Referee. (Llanelli’s reply agreed with Bath, and they in turn, had written to the Welsh Union – who were responsible for appointing referees).

It was reported that R S Chaddock had taken up refereeing.
Treasurer, Charles Burrough reported that as he had been unable to obtain petrol for his car, he would have to use taxis to move money to and from the ground.
Mr. Slade asked the Club to consider running a Colts side next season.

Malcolm Spark Reflects:-
Out of pocket expenses.

“In 1948 Bath played old Cranleighans in London in a morning match. The Club treated us to tickets to the England v Australia match at Twickenham in the afternoon. After the final whistle, the late Harry Davies Hon. Team Secretary, called us on to the pitch and gave us half a crown to pay our tube fares to Paddington and for something to eat. The following week the club received a letter from the R.F.U. saying it had been reported that money had been handed out to players and demanded an explanation!”

MANCOM 5/1/1948
Skipper Hicks to write to players requesting that they all turn up to training. It was proposed to write to Junior players to invite them to train with the Club.
Mr Bailey outlined the dreadful conditions prevailing regarding bathing accommodation for Junior players. It was decided to write to the Spa Director in the hope that the Cross Baths could be made available to sides visiting Bath to play Junior Clubs.
Schools Union contacted regarding possible Colts XV for the following season.

MANCOM 12/1/1948
Following shortages of voluntary help through illness, it was decided to engage two further paid stewards.
Future policy was discussed in depth, and the need to introduce younger players, even if it was at the expense of results. Following a letter from Mr. Fiddes on behalf of Bath Ex-Schools, it was decided to restore the Colts XV as part of, and funded by the Club. Fixtures to be sought with Downside, Monkton Combe, Kingswood and Prior Park. The Avon Club to be given notice and Lambridge reserved for the Ex-Schools and Colts jointly. Liaison to be effected between the Ex-Schools and the Bath Selection Committee. Mr. Hancock felt that Junior Clubs should be encouraged to run 2nd XV’s wherever possible.
A London Welsh player had been sent off on Saturday. The Committee decided to send a letter expressing regret and expressing the hope that the incident did not effect the good relationships existing between the two clubs. ( London Welsh replied, assuring continued friendship between the clubs.)
T. Hicks to be thanked for excellent arrangements, which enabled the players to attend the England v Wallabies international.

MANCOM 19/1/1948
North Stand ready for use, but need for inspection before public opening. A 6d transfer would be charged.

Following a refusal to allow Junior clubs use of the Cross Baths, the Club would follow up the Council’s suggestion of procuring a hut, which the Parks Department might erect on the Corporation Playing Fields. A sub Committee to meet with the Combination Officials.

Bath Old Edwardians given approval to stage a Memorial Fund Match on the Rec., v Old Sulians on 15th April 1948. (Provided free of charge)

Ladies at away games
“Mr.Wilson depreciated attendance of Ladies at so many away matches, particularly when travelling by coach, and he proposed that in future Ladies be invited to travel in coach trips for certain specified outings only. Mr. Thompson seconded.”
This recommendation was to be tabled for Committee discussion during the following season.

There was a proposal for a Fund to develop better amenities, grounds, training accommodation etc., similar to the effort at Bristol Club.
Mrs Gerrard raised the possibility of arranging fixtures with London clubs on the days of internationals.
Mr Ken Weiss spoke depreciating the issue of beer checks.

MANCOM 2/2/1948

SING US ANOTHER ONE – JUST LIKE THE OTHER ONE.
“Mr Simpkins raised the question of the songs sung by some of the visitors on Saturday. It was resolved that the Clubroom Committee be asked to take appropriate action to see there was no recurrence in future.”

MANCOM 22/3/1948
Mr Harry Slade had attended the Old Sulians Dinner, and although the speeches made were “anything but non-controversial,” he had refrained from comment. (Relationships with Old Su’s had been a bit strained)

FROM HOT TO TEPID
Letter of thanks to Council for their kindness regarding the use of the Cross Baths.
It was necessary for Mr. Davies to secure the requisite form to apply to the Food Office, in order to purchase some soap.
A previous minute had recorded that there was no provision for electricity in the North Stand Committee Room, and Mrs Gerrard “should be asked to endeavour to see that something should be done about the supply of cold water, so as to enable tepid water to flow from the showers.”

AGM 14/6/1948
New Rule: That no member of the Bath Football Club shall hold the office of President of the Club for more than two years consecutively.”
The West Stand was to be reserved for Members Only.
Club to play in Club colours with wide stripes the following season.

Standard of Play
Mr Beazer thought the standard of play was the worst he had seen for many years. Members of the Committee for the past season could not agree.
Mr Hancock observed that all Clubs had suffered as a result of the War and lack of Schools Football in Bath. With one possible exception, all Secondary Schools in Bath would be playing Rugby Football next season.
Mr Kevin O’Shaughnessy felt the club might usefully appoint an efficient Coach, and it was reported that Mr. H.B.Toft (England 1936-1939), an England Selector, who was Head of Bath Technical College, had expressed a desire to join the Club.
Mrs Gerrard was absent through illness, but members paid tribute to her work in connection with the re-building of the North Stand.