HIMLEY CRICKET CLUB - THE FIRST 125 YEARS

FRONT PAGE HIMLEY CRICKET CLUB – THE FIRST 125 YEARS

CONTENTS Introduction

Page 2

The President – J.W. (Joe) Brandrick John Corns OBE, Derek Jones, Ron Harris, Bryan Styles, Carl Brandrick & Les Wilkinson The Early Years, 1883 – 1921

Page 4

The Foundations Are Laid, 1922 – 1944

Pages 14 – 19

The Development Years, 1945 – 1970

Pages 20 – 27

The Competitive Years, 1971 – 1983

Pages 28 – 31

Onwards and Upwards, 1983 – 2008

Pages 32 – 35

The Unsung Heroes

Pages 36 – 39

Junior Cricket

Pages 40 - 42

Club Archives and Records

Pages 43 – 53

Midland Club Cricket Conference Awards Winners

Pages 54 – 67

Himley’s First Class Players

Pages 68 – 86

Himley’s Overseas Players

Pages 87 – 90

General Committee, Past Chairmen & Secretaries

Pages 91 - 92

Past Presidents, Vice Presidents & Club Captains

Pages 93 - 95

125 Year Celebration events and Fixtures

Page 96

Pages 11 – 13

The book is dedicated to the past and present members of Himley Cricket Club who have both contributed and maintained the level of commitment needed to enable the club to enjoy 125 years of success and enjoyment in a wonderful setting

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INTRODUCTION

By Tom Waterhouse When my dear departed pal, Bob Robinson, asked me in 1970 to join Himley Cricket Club, I had no idea of the set up or the standards of the Club on and off the field. I could not have envisaged that 38 years later the whole of my family would still be involved and I would be writing this introduction and the contents for the second time.

The Club has given us so much pleasure and a safe secure base to raise our family and for that we are indebted. I hope that I do justice to the members, past and present in recording our history for posterity. I apologise in advance for any missing names or errors but all of you have been or still are a credit to our great club, the wonderful game. Thank you above all for your commitment and friendship.

Whatever my family and I have contributed to this ethos, association with the Club began when Bob introduced me and I was able in turn to introduce Mick Stocker and David Webb. The picture of them still playing together well into their sixties still adorns the walls of the Club and is reproduced below.

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Milestones have been targeted and achieved, but my personal opinion is that recent achievements against the aims and objectives set are the most remarkable in the Club's history that is recorded in the brochure. That said, none of the goals could have been achieved without foundation, teamwork and effort; the Club has had that in abundance and we will be eternally grateful to everyone who has contributed over many years. Sadly, one of trustees, Ron Piper, who served the club so diligently over so many years, passed away on the 27th May 2008. All who knew him appreciate the extent of his dedication to the cause.

The Book is dedicated to Ron and all those who have played their part.

No better tribute can be paid than that set out in the centenary yearbook by the then president W.S. Bill Simpson; "The greatest satisfaction in becoming an elderly member of Himley CC has been to see men of the following generation continually coming forward to take over the management of the Club with ability and enthusiasm and to see the duties performed to a degree of achievement that has tended to surpass one's own past efforts. It is due to the energies of a succession of devoted committee and officials that the Club can look back from its present sound position to the period during and after the Second World War when its very existence was in jeopardy. Some of us have enjoyed many years at playing, followed by happy association as ex-players. The basic reason is because it is there and available to be joined. May one add that the contribution the Club can make to the healthy activity of cricket in the whole district is also important, if only because a cricket club must find opponents for its fixture list. I feel certain that a continuation of the devoted effort of officials and committees, as produced in the 37 years since the club became fully independent, will ensure its prosperity in the future". How prophetic his words were and these, allied to his generous legacy to the Club at the time of his passing, have indeed matched if not exceeded all expectations. I am sure that Bill Simpson would have agreed.

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THE PRESIDENT J.W. Brandrick (Joe) In his foreword to this book Joe has rightly paid tribute to the work and generosity of Bill Simpson, but the club is also indebted to Joe Brandrick for his contribution to the progress and achievement of our club over nearly 50 years. Joe joined in 1959 having previously played football and cricket in the Birmingham Works F A, Birmingham Business Houses League for Vono Cricket Club and Birmingham League for Dudley Cricket Club.

Joe's personality and energy quickly made him an ideal candidate to ensure that he was involved within the club set up. Throughout his involvement with the club he has readily accepted responsibility. He was club captain from 1966 to 1968, 2nd XI Captain for 11 years, Club Chairman from 1982 to 1994. Joe became President in 1995 and is still in office.

He has chaired the selection committee, been on the bar committee and has carried out umpiring duties, and was, appropriately, treasurer for two years.

His contribution and experience was rewarded when he was elected as a trustee, a position that he is proud of and takes very seriously.

Himley CC 2nd XI the scourge of the Worcestershire League from 1978 to 1982

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Obviously some of these duties were carried out whilst Joe was still playing and he captained very successful second eleven to Worcester Border League Championship Cup wins and success in the Trader, Chronicle and Fordhouses knock-out cups. He has also captained the Midland Club Cricket Conference Representative Team. On the field, whilst being competitive Joe always retained his sense of humour which endeared him to the opposition. This is a trait that still prevails. I mentioned earlier that Joe has paid tribute to Bill Simpson and since 1968 we have had only Bill and Joe as President, both wonderful servants to the Club.

In Joe's case his input has been immeasurable; his generosity and support to the Club in a number of areas both materially and financially over many years must never be forgotten and the Club are indebted to him. Apart from cricket and his love for the club, Joe does have other interests. He has been a director of West Bromwich Albion Football Club for 21 years and is currently the Vice President. He also co-ordinates the Old Players Association and cherishes looking after the memorabilia. He is area president of the Gentlemen Songsters choir, and a member of St Michael's Church in Tividale. He was chairman of the Stuart Lampitt Testimonial Committee at Worcestershire County Cricket Club.

Although Joe is his own man he, like most of us, realises that no man is an island and that none of the above could have been achieved without the support of Joy, whose contribution is stated elsewhere. Her patience and commitment have been equally immeasurable and the Club is indebted to Joy. The Brandrick generation is continued through his children and grandchildren. Kevan played for the club from youth to first team and the MCCC. He was on the centenary committee and wrote the 'Himley to Lords 88' book. Carl has remained in a playing and coaching capacity as well as being a prime mover in the finance and resurrection of the youth policy and is a former club captain, and this year has taken on the role of chairman of selectors. Angie and Sharon both retain their interest and involvement through marrying Himley Cricketers and their respective children are now getting involved. As young girls both of these ladies regularly assisted the then Ladies Committee, just to prove that our cricket club is more than playing cricket, whatever the future holds.

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JOHN CORNS OBE, DEREK JONES, RON HARRIS, BRYAN STYLES, CARL BRANDRICK & LES WILKINSON John Corns OBE John joined our Club in 1961 as a social member. He was one of those people who had never played cricket but then displayed a total commitment to our progress by getting involved and in his case over a very long period.

His background in the legal profession quickly meant that the Club used his expertise and he was appointed Honorary Auditor and joined the General Committee. John has held numerous positions including being a member of the bar committee but notably held the position of secretary for 15 years.

During his time as secretary he was solely responsible for contact with the Earl of Dudley and gaining permission to use the Earl's coat of arms on our Club badge, something that was in itself a lengthy process. Older members will know his involvement as a key holder, contact with the licensing authority and his excellent annual reports at the AGM. On the passing of Jose Hickman, John was appointed as a trustee, a position that he both cherishes and treats with respect. He was honoured by the Queen when receiving the OBE for services to local politics and the community. John still manages to come to see some matches despite ailing health and as he was an active member of the Centenary Committee he is thrilled by the continued progress of the Club.

Derek Jones Although born in Buxton, Derbyshire, Derek has spent nearly all of his life here in the Black Country. Born in 1923 he first came to the club as an eleven year old and fielded for the senior players on practice night. The square was protected during the week to allow the Earl of Dudley's animals to graze, as he still owned the ground. He began to score for the team as a teenager and played the occasional game when the team was short.

Both he and Alan Breakwell were then introduced to the game by A E Colwall, the club captain, who was also organiser and choirmaster of St Michael’s Church, Himley. It was here that both Derek and Alan Breakwell sang in the choir. As he developed he became a left arm fast medium seam bowler and in later years he converted with success to left arm spin. In his 6

50's he won a double wicket trophy in partnership with the then Club Captain, Tom Waterhouse.

After playing, Derek continued his association with the Club in a number of positions, predominantly Club Chairman, General Committee, Bar Committee and Entertainments Committee. Derek is a Vice President of our club and still visits the club on occasions and is thrilled to see the progress that we are making. Derek was a committee man who also got involved physically and examples of this are explained in the Ron Harris profile.

Ron Harris Ron Harris joined the Club in 1949 and played in the First Team until he went to South Africa on 1st January 1953. He returned to the Club in 1957.

In 1958 he asked to move down to play in the Second Team and was made Vice Captain and then later became Captain. Ron eventually ceased playing due to having trouble with his eyes, however this did not stop him from putting all of his efforts into affairs off the pitch. He served on the Bar Committee for many years, including the Chairmanship.

He was also on the Entertainment Committee for a very long time again including many years as Chairman. Apart from providing a great social atmosphere Ron's team raised a great deal of money, thus allowing the Club to function. He was on the General Committee at that time and was also an active member of the Centenary Committee. Ron was always prepared to 'get his jacket off' and he and Derek Jones replaced the old central heating boiler in the old clubhouse and he also did most of the running repairs to the clubhouse at that time.

When we had an alarm fitted, the Club could not finance its purchase so Ron paid by personal cheque to allow the key to the alarm to be handed over. When Derek Jones was made Chairman, the Club had little money so Ron and Tom Keith loaned the Club a total of ÂŁ500 to allow us to carry on, a great deal of money in those days.

Looking at our fine new clubhouse today it seems an age ago that Ron did all the cold water plumbing in the old clubhouse. We did not have hot water in those days! Ron is still a regular support of the Club and takes his 7

Vice President role very seriously. That said, the Club take his contributions to the Club equally seriously.

Bryan Styles Bryan joined Himley in 1963 from Smethwick Cricket Club in the Birmingham League. He played for the club until 1983 when he left to play for Netherton and when he ceased playing in 1990, he umpired in the Worcestershire Border League. He returned to the Club in 2000.

What must be recorded is the contribution that he made both on and off the field in those 20 years between 1963 and 1983. As a cricketer, Bryan was a batsman and leg spin bowler. He made two centuries for the Club, against Claverley and Hagley. His best bowling performance was 6 for 58 against Bridgnorth. He was first team Sunday Captain and Vice-Captain of the Club for three years under Alan Breakwell.

Whatever Bryan achieved when playing, and there was much, they pale into insignificance with his efforts and contribution off it. He has been on the Selection Committee, General Committee, and Grounds Committee but his physical input cannot be overstated.

The attention to detail on the maintenance of the old clubhouse, the grounds and its annual manicure, apart from cutting, rolling and annual preparation was all done prior to engaging outside paid help, not to mention the maintenance of both the 'old' net areas.

The same dedication was evident when he returned to the Club. He again took over the co-ordination of the grounds team and went on to the General Committee. Bryan is a Vice President of the Club.

Carl Brandrick Carl was born in 1960 and to all intents and purposes has been a member since then, as he was pushed round the ground in his pram! He began playing as an eight year old and remembers fielding in a second team match at Cannock. Incidentally he must have had the knack as he was always been a fine fielder. Carl played junior cricket at every age group for the club and captained the team. He moved into senior cricket at 13, alongside Ian 8

McPhee and Jamie Beever. He quickly adapted himself to playing at this level and was primarily an opening batsman.

He has hit a number of centuries for the club and played some Sunday first team matches following his elevation to the Saturday first team. Carl cites Jack Breakwell and Tony Willis as his biggest influences at Himley, both from playing and explaining the art of captaincy, especially as the demands and standards increased. As a result of the input of his mentors and his own determination and will to win, Carl has captained senior teams at every level, including being club captain and leader of the second team when they were promoted to the B & D PCC. Carl’s major strength as a batsman was his high level of concentration and was a difficult man to get out. He says he was the sheet anchor, but there was a little more to him than that as his scores over the years have shown.

Off the field, Carl was a prime mover in the development of the ground and clubhouse. When he was on the general committee he was asked to explore any opportunities for grants and external funding. Initially that involved plans and proposals to include his other club Ounsdale Football Club, as we had to show multi-sport options. Ounsdale do not use our facility nowadays, but Kewford Eagles still do. Carl initialled the documents for the then Sports Council and then the Lottery Fund. Although we were just the third club nationally to submit a bid we were turned down and asked to resubmit.

Mike Carey was then our case officer for the sport advisory council but following reorganisation, he left and became a self-employed consultant who the Club engaged to resubmit our new proposal and this time it was accepted.

Carl is still playing in our 125th year and is our longest serving playing member and is the only member to have captained every team at every level. He is a Level 2 ECB Coach and is still active and this year has been appointed selection committee chairman.

Les Wilkinson Leslie was born on 10th July 1908 and lived at his parents' public house, "The Green Man" which was opposite to St Edmunds Church, Dudley. He became a server here and ("just to make the numbers up" he says) a choir 9

boy. He attended Dudley Grammar School, played water polo for Dudley Swimming Club where he met and married Mary Campbell Smith, who was the club and country freestyle and diving champion. He also occasionally played rugby for Dudley Kingswinford.

Leslie joined Himley CC about 1937, re-joined upon his demobilisation after the war and became match secretary and 2nd team captain until he moved to Somerset in 1956. His daughter, Pat, was the 2nd team scorer for several years until she was selected for Worcestershire Ladies Cricket Team.

Pat also played hockey for Dudley High School, joined Tettenhall Ladies in 1954 and was soon elected for the Staffordshire Ladies team. Pat recalls that she played against Rachel Heyhoe-Flint at school hockey, but was in the same team with her in club and county hockey. In cricket it was always against her as Rachel played for Staffordshire. One day, Leslie took Pat to a hockey match against Wolverhampton Ladies at the Race Course and neither team had an umpire. Someone produced a whistle, handed it to Leslie and a hockey umpire was born. After moving to Wellington, Somerset, Leslie qualified as a "B" umpire able to umpire at county match level. Pat played hockey for Taunton Ladies and Sunday mixed for Culme (Devon). She played cricket for Somerset and West of England, as opening bat, whilst also playing netball (briefly) for Somerset. Leslie continued his umpiring career officiating for Taunton Ladies, Culme Hockey Club, and Somerset Ladies until 1972. He also umpired for Milverton Cricket Club until 1965. Leslie is our oldest surviving ex-player and member and he and his wife Mary are still together and live in Exmouth.

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THE EARLY YEARS 1883 to 1921 Although old stationery quotes 24th August 1883 as the exact date of its founding, the Club unfortunately possesses no records of the early years.

Although this appears a strange time to start a cricket club, this gives support to a view existing when Bill Simpson joined the Club in 1929 that cricket was played regularly at Himley before 1883. Other members report having heard old players make remarks which confirm this view. A possible connection is the death in 1992 of the Dowager Lady Ward who had lived in seclusion at Himley Hall for many years. Any Himley players would have seen cricketers like W G Grace coming regularly to neighbouring Enville as members of "All England" teams raised by the Earl of Stamford. The changed circumstances may have enabled the Himley players to obtain Lord Dudley's consent to form a properly constituted club at Himley. However, there is no reason to query the stated date of the Club's official foundation, since this is when Lord Dudley became its Patron.

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What is certain is that the present field has always been the Club's ground.

The ground was never wholly developed or levelled for cricket and there is no tradition of the Dudley family playing regularly. Witley Court had become their main residence and Himley Hall was the Dower House until the return of the family in 1922. The late Earl of Dudley did play on occasions for Himley, the last occasion being in 1928. With the Earl of Dudley providing the ground rent free, but also regulating cricket activity, the Club's first sixty years were comparatively uneventful, on the basis of one Saturday XI. It is sad that we are not able to record happenings either on or off the cricket field in the very early days due to the lack of records, although years ago the late A E (Dick) Colwell, who was a club stalwart between the wars, was of the opinion that minute books were discarded shortly after being completed and it is doubtful if any records at all were kept in the early days of the club. We do know that the original pavilion was given to the Club by Mr Francis Grazebrook in about 1890 and at that time it must have been the envy of many village cricket clubs.

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It was an impressive building guarded by a wonderful elm tree that stood some twenty yards away. The elm had to be felled due to disease in 1975 and its trunk rings indicated an age of around 450 years. Two large boarded doors opened inwards, to rest up against one side of each dressing room.

Ahead were some rather steep stairs which led to the score box up above.

One opened the sliding shutters of the score box to obtain a wonderful view of the pitch and the field. The dressing rooms were on either side of the pavilion entrance. The pavilion gave wonderful service to the club until it was replaced in 1960 and must have held many happy memories of the early years of the cricket club.

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THE FOUNDATIONS ARE LAID 1922 to 1944 It would be reasonable to assume that in the very early years of our club most of the teams were made up of men living in Himley and the grounds of the Himley Estate. However, they must also have originated from Gornal, Wombourne, Swindon, Wall Heath and Kingswinford. A few old photographs of teams in the early 1900's tend to confirm this assumption.

Not all of the players on these photographs are identified, but there are names such as Brookes, Ison, Evans, Wilkes, Braid and Powell, well known Himley families whom the original owners of these old photographs knew quite well. Perhaps some of the un-named players were outsiders who moved on after brief membership. Certainly some of these families are represented in the earliest minute book that the Club possesses, that for the year 1922.

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Although no mention is made of the players' subscriptions in 1923, village boys and friends were admitted as members on payment of 2 shillings (10 pence). At this time, and for many years afterwards, the Himley Women's Institute assisted the Club by co-operating with the Club in running whist drives and dances, tickets Is. 6d each, including refreshments. In the late 1920's and up to 1941 the subscription was 10s. 6d. During the early part of the 1920's, teas taken during matches were left in the hands of Mrs. H Wells (and later of Mrs. Evans) who prepared sandwiches and cakes at home, made the tea in an urn and carried the provisions and crockery, usually in a washing basket, to the pavilion ready to sell and serve at 5.00 p.m. For a few years before the 1939 war until 1948 Mrs. Breakwell was the good lady who looked after our teas.

Reference to the earliest Fixture Lists available -1925 onwards - shows that the great majority of fixtures were played at home, although the few away fixtures include places as far afield as Bromsgrove and Walsall. In those days few members had their own cars, and transport to an away game meant the expense of a hired coach. Obviously, teams from the Black Country were glad to come to Himley since it offered a trip to a rural ground. In the pre-motor years transport was presumably by a hired horse ‘brake’ and it seems unlikely that horse transport could get a team far on a Saturday afternoon in the time available.

In May 1925 an attempt was made to regularise the method of payment of accounts, whilst in 1926 it is recorded that Mr. Millward was appointed Groundsman at a fee of £10 for the season. It was during 1926 that the late Earl of Dudley, as Viscount Ednam, appeared quite frequently on the team sheet, although in reality he rarely played. In 1928 it was decided that prizes would be awarded for batting and bowling and this was done and the prizes awarded were each to the value of 10shillings, although this innovation did not survive long. It is also recorded at this time, as there was a reluctance for players to attend practices, that a notice was put in the pavilion that attendance at practice would be taken into account when the teams were selected. During the 1928 season the playing area was fenced and the Club also agreed to do for teas for the Umpires.

The fencing was due to a demand by the farmer renting the field from Lord Dudley that the club should refund part of the rent that he had to pay.

Owen Grazebrook, Club President, approached Lord Dudley's Agent, who authorised the construction of a fence that reserved about one third of the 15

field for cricket (in the summer only) in the form of a rectangle based on the hedge on the north side. Previously the team had shared the outfield with the cattle, around a small square protected by ropes and iron posts, removable before matches started. This little square had been properly levelled in about 1920 but roping-off was discontinued, as the fence of course, kept the cattle out of the cricket area - except when someone left the gate open. The fence rope was also too high up the field to be central for the reduced playing area. One raised corner remained through the 1930's as a reminder of the levelling and some of the metal sockets for the post must still exist under our present surface. During the 1920's reference is often made to the difficulty in obtaining a pony to pull the mowers.

Nothing further was said about the Club paying rent, but matches in April and September could only be played subject to the farmer's consent.

On the 23rd April one of the most significant events for the future of the Club was recorded when Mr. W Simpson was elected a member of Himley Cricket Club. It is doubtful that the secretary who wrote the minutes could possibly have known that Bill Simpson would serve the Club so nobly as Assistant Secretary, Secretary, Captain and would go on to serve the Club as President in our centenary year, which was his 54th year with the Club, a truly remarkable association.

By the early 1930's the club membership had changed appreciably, although it must be pointed out that one man appears virtually throughout the whole of the period under review, namely the late A E (Dick) Colwell. He joined in 1912 and appears on a 1913 team photograph, and between the wars his name was synonymous with Himley Cricket Club. During his period with the club he gave sterling service and although the early facts are not available, he became Secretary in 1913 and held senior office in the club until 1938, then, during the 1939 - 1945 war, he returned as Captain for three seasons, Vice-Captain for one and Club Captain on nine occasions.

During this period Fred Brookes was Match Secretary throughout the 1920's and until 1933. He was also Captain in 1928 and 1933 and served as Vice Captain on many occasions between 1927 and 1946. Club records available show that since 1922, apart from 'Los' Wilkes in 1934, Fred was the only Himley resident to captain the Club up until the mid-60's.

It is interesting to note that during 1932 the club was able to acquire canvas sheets and poles for sightscreens at a cost of 9 shillings. The following year it was agreed to appoint three Umpires for the season and an Umpire and 16

Scorer were allowed to travel free to away matches. Due to the austerity of the time, our 50th anniversary in 1933 received no recognition apart from the annual dinner. During 1934, following the resignation of Dick Colwell from the Secretary's job, Bill Simpson took over this position.

It was in 1938 that Harry Higginson officially joined the Club to join forces with such players as Dick Colwell, Bill Simpson, Jim Keyte, Wilf Ison, Max Hill and the Reverends Shallcross and Larkin, among others. Mr. George Breakwell was now the Groundsman. It was also mentioned in records that during 1938, workmen on the Earl of Dudley's estate were to be admitted to the club at an annual subscription of 2s. 6d and that residents of Himley Village would be given special treatment in regard to reduced subscriptions.

At this time, repairs and improvements to the square were shelved, again for cost reasons, although expert groundsmen from Stourbridge and Brierley Hill Cricket Clubs visited and gave advice on treatment necessary for the square and the club looked at the possibility of purchasing its first mower. The then President, Mr. O Grazebrook, opened the mower fund with a ÂŁ10 donation and during 1938 the first Ground Committee was formed. Authorisation for the purchase of the mower was given at a meeting held on 9th December 1938 for delivery on 1st March 1939. A thirty inch Dennis machine was bought and gave splendid service for 25 years.

No doubt this particular period is where the true basis and foundation of our Club, as recorded, enabled further development and on the field progress to be made. The first committee meeting held after the beginning of the 1939 to 1945 war was held on 16th October 1939. It was agreed that every attempt should be made to keep the club going during the hostilities.

It was hoped that the field would be grazed and the Earl of Dudley was consulted about its continued use during the war.

The first officials confirmed during the war were elected at the 1940 Annual General Meeting, with Harry Higginson appointed Secretary, Jim Keyte, Treasurer, whilst Max Hill was appointed Captain and Match Secretary. It was during the summer of 1940 that members drifted steadily into the Forces, indeed, Max Hill had resigned the Captaincy and Match Secretary post, and Harry Higginson had joined the R. A.F. As a result Bill Simpson was asked to select the teams for the following Saturday with a brief to 'gather up eleven players from somewhere'. During 1941 the club playing

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membership was decimated but the decision on whether to try to continue cricket was carried, albeit by three votes to two.

During the war years the club survived although there are no records of teams or fixtures during these years. It is likely that the club struggled through the playing season on a week by week basis, with teams picked from players too old for service plus those in reserved occupations. The most regular opponents were teams from R.A.F. Halfpenny Green and various army units. The ground was also loaned at times to the Services and in return we received some help with equipment and petrol, which both became increasingly hard to obtain as the war went on. A great stalwart who helped to keep the Club going through the war was Ray Minors, Club Treasurer from 1941 to 1954. If cricket had been discontinued, the field would almost certainly have been ploughed up for food crops, and that could well have meant the end of the club.

It was during the 1944 Annual General Meeting that the optimism regarding the war situation was perhaps reflected by the motion which was passed to set up an equipment fund which would provide the money for reequipping the Club after the war. The club now had a Pavilion Fund standing at ÂŁ100 and the Equipment Fund was to be built up from voluntary donations at the ground at each match. It was during a meeting held in 1944 that such names as Doug Boyden, Jack Flavell and Ted Breakwell were to first appear in the records of our club, whilst the Annual General Meeting held on 6th March, 1945 records the presence of, amongst others, Mr J G Hickman. Post-war members of Himley C.C. are well aware of his interest in, and generosity towards the Club over the next forty years.

At the AGM in 1945 it was obvious that the club would survive the war years, but who could have foreseen that two years hence the club would be faced with a crisis. This resulted from the Earl of Dudley selling his Himley Estates, which included the club ground. We have been fortunate indeed to have had Joe Hickman's sound advice and practical help throughout the years that have been required to transform the village cricket team into the Club it is today. .

During the summer of 1945, Mr Owen Grazebrook resigned as President and was made a Life Member. Mr Grazebrook's regretted departure from Himley House was occasioned by his inheriting Stourton Castle upon the death of his father Francis. It seems likely that the father and son were the Club's only Presidents from its foundation until 1945 and he was unfailingly 18

helpful over many years. The Annual General Meeting at the end of the 1945 season recorded the possibility of the sale of Himley Hall and park and the secretary was asked to write to the Earl to see if the cricket ground would be sold at some later date and if so, would the club be given the opportunity to purchase. Thoughts at that time were that funds should be raised in an attempt to raise the money which might be necessary to purchase the ground and that the Pavilion Fund would be re-named and the money used to help to purchase the ground. At this meeting Life Membership was given to A E (Dick) Colwell.

In the pre-1946 years the Club required only a simple management structure. There was just one Committee that met on the field every week in summer and selected the teams. There was a Treasurer who held the money and paid the bills and a Match Secretary who arranged the fixtures.

All other responsibilities devolved on the Secretary, including collecting subscriptions, notifying team members by postcard and bringing in reserves as necessary, all equipment matters from buying it to packing the club bag for away matches, liaison with the groundsman and coping with any other problems that might arise. Winter committee meetings were in the Dudley Arms or sometimes the Rectory, since relations with the Rectory were always very cordial. Thus the Captaincy was a sinecure except during the actual matches, since it was regarded mainly as a reward for other services and changed hands at frequent intervals.

One cannot leave this period without mention of the dedication and foresight of the committee members and playing members who had the resolve and foresight to embark on the decision to purchase the ground.

This was a decision that has enabled our Club to flourish.

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THE DEVELOPMENT YEARS 1945 to 1970 It was during 1946 that the club's position in terms of the ground took on precarious proportions. An extraordinary general meeting held on 2nd September 1946 was called to investigate the ‘ground problem’. At this meeting the Secretary was instructed to write to Mr Dudding, the Earl's agent, and offer £400 for the field. A sub-committee was formed comprising of F. H. Grove, J. G. Hickman and W. J. Simpson to explore all possibilities regarding the purchase of the ground. Again, it is important to remember that immediately after the war, members were struggling to provide a home whilst others, barely out of their teens, could not provide any major support.

Lack of funds at that time, or indeed lack of foresight by members, could have meant the demise of this Cricket Club. However, the meeting certainly elected the right people and the club must be ever grateful to the efforts of Francis Grove, Jose Hickman, Bill Simpson and later Eric Freeman, who, at the Annual General Meeting in 1946, were given full powers to negotiate on behalf of the Club whatever price was thought advisable. A reply to our offer of £400 had been received from the auctioneers, hinting that an offer of £100 per acre, i.e. about £650, would be seriously considered. Unfortunately, a majority of the committee would not agree to our offer being increased as they hoped that the ground would be sold very cheaply at an auction.

The Himley Estates were sold by auction in January 1947 and Messrs. Darby and Scriven of Blackheath bought the field as building land for £1,15o, an amount beyond any provision made by the club. Fortunately, the ground was classed as being in a green belt, which meant that the new owners could not undertake any building development. For one season the club used the ground as tenants, for a rental of £35.

At the Annual General Meeting in November 1947 it was reported that the ground was being purchased by a number of members who had advanced money for the purpose and that the Club could gradually reimburse these members and assume ownership of the ground, the eventual cost being £1,587.

What the records do not reveal is the work that Francis Grove undertook to contact our then President, Mr A J Allen, and Vice Presidents and members in order to raise the capital required. Our benefactors were Messrs A J Allen, J N 20

Keyte, R M Minors, O Edwards, G. N. Aylmer, J. G. Hickman, J. Robinson, W J Simpson, F H Grove and P Bridgewater, and this club must be eternally grateful to those enterprising members who never lost resolve in their determination to purchase the ground.

We did receive just one gift from the sale of Himley Estates. There had always been a two-way traffic in loans of mowing and rolling equipment between the club and the Himley Hall gardeners and at the time of the sale the ancient one and a half ton roller, still to be seen on our field, was on loan to the Club. Later, the agent enquired about it and we invited him to take it away. However, he no longer controlled the necessary horsepower and manpower, and the National Coal Board, new owners of the hall, was not interested, so we were told that we could keep it. Fred Brookes used to relate how we had a horse available one summer’s day when the roller was on the field, so he took the horse to the field and proceeded to do some rolling. A heavy shower came on, causing him to stop the horse and clamber inside the roller for shelter. Then a loud clap of thunder startled the horse which bolted off at its top speed, with Fred running as fast as he could inside the roller to stay upright until the weight forced the horse to stop. After horsepower became outdated, the roller's long shafts were shortened to adapt it for manpower. Older players well remember the calls on practice nights for a squad to come and roll the pitch. A squad of eight made the work easy but produced protests that the roller was going too fast to be effective, a squad of six was the ideal number, but with only four it was hard labour.

During these development years, the formation of both Entertainments Committee and Ladies Committee was undertaken, committees which have long since raised funds to enable our Club to progress. During 1948 membership was increased and this enabled two teams to be run. During this time the interest free loans were also repaid over a seven years period.

Whilst the Ladies Committee provided teas during this time, there was no real adequate place to serve them. Under the direction of Les Wilkinson, a tea shed was built adjoining the pavilion and a Calor gas ring was installed, a tea urn was acquired and crockery purchased. At a later date Mr. Hickman provided a large shed that was erected almost under the elm tree. Tressles and tables were also acquired and so sit-down teas became possible, a practice that continued here until the new pavilion was put into use in 1960.

Our Club records from 1945 to 1970 indicate the development of our off the field activities through the formation of committees and also the continuing 21

improvement in the strength of our playing personnel. The latter eventually culminated in major improvements to the wicket and our fixture lists. It was perhaps the year 1948 that marked the end of the village cricket image at Himley, due, primarily, to the purchase of the ground and the efforts required to make this possible. New club rules had to be drawn up and trustees appointed and this was duly done in 1948 together with the arrangement for fielding two teams with a double fixture list.

The Ladies Committee was fully operational at this time with Mesdames Simpson, Matthews, Wilkinson and Higginson as the prime supporters, and the wives of new members assisting one team or another. The General Committee established Sub-Committees both in cricketing and entertainment areas that were to deal with the playing and social sides of the Club respectively. It would be impossible to relate the individual achievements of cricketers during this 25 year period between 1945 and 1970 but clearly, during this time the Club was very fortunate in having some very accomplished players, many who moved on for reasons of improvement to their game to operate at higher levels or those people who, from time to time arrived at the Club and moved on for reasons of business.

The club was fortunate to retain the ‘hard-core’ of long service men who not only performed with great credit on the field but who, together with their families, provided the backbone of what the club is today. Examples of the latter must surely be Alan Breakwell and Harry Higginson who between them captained the club for 22 seasons. With the help of their wives Mary and Ethel, they were able not only to give great service to form the basis of future cricketing development by successes on the field, but also making cricket at Himley a happy event for visitors. The records show that Alan Breakwell was arguably the best batsman that the club has had in the post war years, since he topped the batting averages eleven times in a fifteen year period.

It was during the 1940s that Jack Flavell began to appear in Himley teams, and although he left to join Stourbridge before the start of the 1949 season, it is still fact that he played his early cricket at Himley before reaching the pinnacle of cricketing siuccess in playing for England. The late 1940s also saw the arrival of Eric Hopkinson who was to serve the club for over twenty years, and apart from his great enthusiasm he had an undeniable ability to take wickets. Progress was also made off the field when the Gents and Ladies toilets, at the back of the old pavilion, were covered, much to the delight of all concerned. The field and pavilion still looked very much as it did in 1947 but now we owned it. The 22

enthusiasm was still with us and provided it could be maintained and developed, plans could now go ahead to improve the square and outfield and, perhaps, eventually build a new pavilion. The first job was to make the entrance from the road, since previously Cherry Lane had been the only access.

Once again, we must pay tribute to the donors who had faith in the Club to make the initial purchase and who not a penny in interest. Much of the credit must also go to members of the Entertainments and Ladies Committees who did so much to raise money for the Club and particular emphasis is played in Harry Higginson's review of our Club that Les Wilkinson, Ron Piper and Stan Kelly had worked so hard on the field and were primarily responsible for enlarging the boundaries by hacking away rough grass and levelling off areas.

There were also those members who trudged for miles behind the old Dennis mower while others raked and prepared wickets. We were glad to let off part of the field for grazing and in the winter, Dudley-Kingswinford Rugby Club rented the top part as a spare pitch. The majority of the team would adjourn to the Dudley Arms with wives or girlfriends at the end of each match with thoughts of, perhaps, eventually one day having our own bar on the ground.

It is obviously difficult to select players for mention since it is reasonable to assume that all players selected for Himley CC have given their all, but records and scorebooks do show that people like Arthur Robinson, Derek Jones, Steve Hughes, Derek Bray, Doug Boyden, Bill Robinson, Arthur Proudler, Alan Breakwell, Harry Higginson were regularly performing with merit with either bat or ball. Jack Breakwell’s early cricket was played at Himley before he moved into the Birmingham League to perform so ably for such a long time with Dudley CC. In later years his son, Dennis, played his earliest cricket on our field before moving on to the county cricket scene where he was to perform with great ability for Northamptonshire and Somerset. During the 1950's, two players Derek Bray and Arthur Hale took 10 wickets in an innings. Derek achieved the feat against Wightwick in 1950 when he had figures of 14-4-22-10. Arthur had 11.2-3-16-10 in 1955 against Fordhouses. Both players were presented with the ball suitable mounted.

One of the most promising youngsters ever to arrive at Himley was Ronald Jones. He was selected for some 2nd XI teams in 1952, when only 12. At 15 Ron went along to Worcestershire CC all on his own and was at once engaged on the ground staff. He soon got into Worcestershire Seconds, but after a few seasons had the misfortunate to develop an eyesight deficiency. When it became

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necessary to wear glasses he thought it best to quit professional cricket. Without the eye trouble he might have gone far.

In 1954 the club moved into Sunday cricket for the first time officially and at this time we were not able to employ a Groundsman. Again, a great deal of work was done by members, not only to help on the social side, but also to assist in the preparation of wickets and outfield. We should repeat that by the end of 1954 we had finally repaid the loan for the purchase of the ground. This had been achieved in seven years instead of the twelve originally planned. The club, which for its first sixty years had been fortunate if its finances broke even, now owned its own ground and very few of our opponents could claim to be so fortunate. After a period away from the club, Alan Breakwell returned in 1955 to embark on his highly successful period with the bat which we have previously mentioned.

During 1958 the General Committee frequently discussed plans and costs of a new pavilion. The estimated costs were given between £1,500 and £3,000 and our fund was in the modest hundreds. However, during the 1958/59 winter, the Chairman, Mr W F L Kirby, disclosed that Danks of Netherton would be selling their canteen building in the near future. This soundly built wooden structure had been used by Danks for twenty years, having previously been a tea room at Old Hill. Mr Kirby informed us that it should be possible to take it down, transport it to Himley and re-erect it. We had only to pay for the base and the cost of transport and erection. The pavilion was erected by McAlpines before the beginning of the 1959 season at a cost of £438, but foundations, renewing the roof felting and other repair work brought the total to around £700. The pavilion was eventually brought into use in 1960 by which time water supply and kitchen areas had been fitted, all under the supervision of Ron Harris.

In 1959 our current President, Joe Brandrick, first appeared for this Club and he too is able to point to nearly fifty years of service at all levels of responsibility in the Club, not least his cricketing ability and total family commitment to this club.

Steve Hughes re-joined the club in 1960 to give Trojan service until his retirement and subsequent duties as an umpire, allied to regular Committee work. The regular committee members between 1950 and 1970 in one capacity or another were Bill Simpson, Harry Higginson, Tom Keith, Ray Minors and John Hickman, all of whom enabled our club to control its finances and continue the development which we are proud of today.

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In 1960 our veteran Dennis mower could no longer cope with the larger area that we wanted to use, and we approached various authorities for grants. The grants were forthcoming, with the sound advice that only gang mowers would be adequate for our field. Once we had obtained the gangs we were able to get the whole field mown for the first time ever, though not before hard labour by members in levelling the outer areas of the field, some of which were very rough. 1961 marked the end for the old pavilion which was eventually 'cremated' on Bonfire Night. This must have been a very sad occasion for the older members. Plans were then drawn up for the erection of Ladies and Gents toilets at the rear of the new pavilion and in 1962 the Midland Bank, Old Hill granted a loan to settle the cost of the toilets of £300. The toilet block was duly completed in readiness for the 1962 season. Again, it is significant to point out that loans were received from members totalling £250 and donations £31. This allied to the Club's own finances enabled us to settle the account. These loans were repaid within three years.

One of the major developments came in 1959 with the formation of the Junior Section, started under Bill Simpson and it was 1962 before we were able to have a programme of matches arranged for them. From this 1962 base it is important to relate the work that both Bill Simpson and Harry Abel did, not only to offer the local community youngsters an opportunity to learn cricket at a reputable club, but also the major benefits our club have enjoyed from the provision of a high level of talent on an almost conveyor belt approach. Many of our talented young players have come through this system and more recent successes have been John Hughes, Gary Abel, Gary Marsh, Andrew Shorter, Ian Shorter, Jamie Beever, Kevan Brandrick, Carl Brandrick, John Crawford, Warren Cole, Philip Pritchard, Mark Frost, Peter Frost, and David Meageen, all of whom have played first team cricket. Of greatest significance has been the emergence from this base of Paul Pridgeon and Stuart Lampitt, both of whom eventually performed for Worcestershire C.C.C. Darren Shorter also achieved great success both at school, youth, club and, indeed English Schools level which enabled him to play second team cricket for Worcestershire.

During 1963 a Benefit Match was held for Jack Flavell at Himley when the full Worcestershire side appeared. Jack benefited to a sum of £150. This was to be the start of a successful relationship with Worcestershire when a further five matches were held between Club and County. In 1964 Alan Breakwell became the first club member to achieve representative status when he was selected for the Midland Club Cricket Conference XI versus a Cheshire Conference XI, a

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situation that was later repeated with several other players and will be covered in this book.

Further grants were obtained in 1964 and a practice wicket was laid, although this was buried by pavilion extensions in the 1970s. All windows were shuttered during this season as a security measure. In 1966 the club acquired a large shed in which the tractor, gangs, mowers and general ground equipment were to be stored for several years before eventually this was to go the same way as the old pavilion. It was in 1966 that the Single Wicket competition was organised, the first of many happy events of this type. There is also mention that in 1967 our President, Mr W F L Kirby died after serving the club for over twenty years, without ever actually playing for the club. It is particularly important to mention that Harry Higginson states that if ever Les Kirby wanted a memorial then one should look at the field and pavilion, improvements which took place under his Chairmanship and Presidency. During the latter half of 1967 the General Committee discussed extensions to the pavilion. Plans had been drawn up to build dressing rooms, a bar and bar store, and kitchen, and by doing away with the original dressing rooms, to extend the actual Club room. The estimated cost of such work was put at ÂŁ2,700 and the design work was prepared by Brian Gould.

During 1968 a Junior Committee was formed to handle the Junior Section since Harry Abel had been doing this more or less on his own and the strength and members of the juniors had increased and the idea was to give Harry some much needed assistance. Bill Simpson and others again assisted in this area. It is worth mentioning that 1968 was the first season in competition Knock-Out cricket which was to lead to great successes that will be mentioned later.

By the end of the 1960s the club's financial position was sufficiently healthy for pavilion extension plans to be discussed and enquiries were made regarding the cost of providing electricity to the pavilion. The playing square continued to be improved and the playing area of the field was being gradually increased in size and maintained by players. Perhaps the most heartening results, apart from the achievements already mentioned, was that the 1960s ended with the juniors reaching the final of the Gifford Trophy and won that competition's six-a-side tournament. Also of note was the emergence of John Hughes and Gary Abel.

Quickly the Club began to make its presence known in Knock-Out cricket by winning the British Steel K.O. and reaching the semi-final of the Kenyon.

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One of the most unique incidents in the club's history happened on Saturday, 26th August, 1950 when our First XI, playing against Gibbons was all out for none, an event which made headlines in the national press with the usual distorted facts. The true story is that it was the end of the season and we were obliged to use the lowest possible part of the field, where there were undulations running westward, caused by Hinksford Waterworks drawing away underground water. Himley batted first and soon realised that the wicket was in the trough of one of these depressions with the ground sloping inward on both leg side and offside. When the opposing bowlers realised that they could bounce the ball in off these slopes Himley players were quite literally unable to do anything against the resulting sharp leg and off breaks.

Given the fact that our opponents promptly sought publicity, Bill Simpson's view was that we ought to have quit the field after they had scored their one run for victory, or at any rate have fought back to dismiss them for a small score, using the slopes as they had done. Instead we treated the lost match as a farce and let them do as they liked to run up a big score, only to see the bare totals making front-page news in the London papers by Monday. My view is that we should have come off after the winning run was hit or at least come on to field wearing helmets, pads and arm guards – those were the days!

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THE COMPETITIVE YEARS 1971 to 1983 The 1970s saw the beginnings of real successes on the field, and the mainspring in this upsurge was Bryan Rundle. He became secretary in 1969, soon after joining the club. In 1973, and at quite a mature age, he took over the captaincy and led us to our first big success - finalists in the Express & Star K O, the most important local competition. Soon afterwards he left the Club, with John Corns stepping in as secretary and Tom Waterhouse as captain, and both continued the good work.

On field achievement really began in 1970 with the retention of the British Steel Cup and a magnificent twelve-year spell of success that makes for wonderful reading. This period not only saw the club enjoy tremendous success in knock out and restricted overs competitions, but it also began to perform with equal success in league cricket for the first time. It was particularly pleasing that the whole club enjoyed this success from the point of view of very positive exposure to the local media. It was particularly gratifying since not only did the First XI enjoy success but the Second XI and Junior teams also.

During this period, the club honours board was as follows:           

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3 consecutive British Steel Cups in 1973/74/75 3 consecutive Old Hill Bassano Cups in the same period Semi-finalists in the Wightwick K O in 1974/78/82 Won the Wightwick K O in 1976 Semi-finalists in the Premier Express & Star Cup in 1974/77 Runners-up in the Premier Express & Star Cup in 1973/76 Runners-up in the Penn Sixes in 1979 Won the Penn Sixes in 1977, 1981 and 1982 Runners-up in the Star Sixes in 1981 and 1982 Runners-up in the Kenyon K O in 1972 Won the Kenyon K O in 1982; and Semi-finalists in the Kidderminster K O in 1975/76.

At the same time the Second XI achieved the following:   

Fordhouses 2nd XI KO winners in 1981 Runners-up in the Fordhouses 2nd XI KO in 1979 Runners-up in the Traders K O (which was a tournament for 2nd teams or Clubs with one team only) in 1976, 1980 and 1981.

Our Youths also succeeded:  

Gifford K O winners in 1970/73; Gifford Sixes winners in 1970/71, and probably enjoyed their biggest success in 1980 when they became Area and Regional Champions in the Alpine League and finished runners-up to Aston Unity in the Midlands Final.

Our record in the Worcester Border League, which we joined upon its formation and was subsequently re-named the Banks & Silver League, is one to envy. Having been runners-up in the Division 1 in 1980 we went on to win the League K O for Division 1 in 1980 and 1982 and were runnersup in this competition in 1981. The second team proved almost unbeatable during this period. Having won the Division 2 title in 1980 and 1981, they were runners-up in 1979 and 1982 and, indeed, in our last commitment to this league they were winners of the Division 2 K O in 1982.

Apart from team successes during this period, several other records were set up, the prime ones being the record unbeaten opening stand for the First XI by Chris Robins and Gordon Porter. They amassed 215 against Lilleshall in 40 overs. Also of note was an almost equal unbroken stand of 195 by Frank Taylor and Bill Bewg for the Second XI. Our wicket keeper, Neil Calloway, held a record number of seven catches against Enville in 1973. The Sunday 1st XI had 10 wins in the season 1973 and 1979. A record last wicket stand unbroken between Tom Waterhouse and Mick Stocker of 93 won the match against Aldridge. The fastest century recorded for the Club came in 54 minutes by Tom Waterhouse against Wombourne in 1977. The knock of 121 not out included seven sixes and fifteen fours in a stand of 127 with Steve Shorter.

In examining the period from 1970 to 1983 perhaps the most memorable seasons would be 1976 and 1982. The 1976 performance was particularly notable in the fact that we achieved successes in the two premier knock out 29

competitions in this district in winning the Wightwick KO. Who will ever forget our wonderful supporters on the night of the second leg against Stourbridge when we won despite being 25 runs adrift on the first leg? The encouragement that they gave the team, in terrible conditions, surely lifted all the players to a performance that was quite outstanding. We were also runners-up that year in the Express & Star K O - the premier K O tournament in the area.

Our second team also reached the final of the Trader and in that year no fewer than thirteen players played representative cricket. The outstanding features were Mick Stocker being selected to tour the West Indies, and Joe Brandrick and Tom Waterhouse being honoured with the captaincy of MCCC and WCA respectively. In the areas of representation the club had come a long way since Alan Breakwell made his first appearance previously referred to in this booklet. The 1982 season was climaxed by the winning of the Kenyon KO, the Banks & Silver Division 1 K O, the Banks & Silver Division 2 K O and we were also runners-up in the Division 2 league, joint winners of the Penn Sixes, and runners-up in the Star Sixes. After serving the Club for 30 years, we must mention Ron Piper's maiden 100 at the age of 53, something that was achieved in his last year as a playing member.

On the administrative side, great progress was made during this period in eventually obtaining the bar licence and the installation of central heating.

In 1972 our club rules were revised so that the General Committee eventually had eight elected members for two years for continuity. It was eventually decided to elect social members in an endeavour to increase bar takings. John Corns, club secretary, drew up the rules and his devoted work has been an invaluable asset, notably in legal matters. A great deal of work was eventually done with the grounds and particularly worthy of mention was the tarmac drive and provision of improved score box and ground equipment facilities. In this area Brian Styles, Joe Brandrick and Ron Powell are to be particularly thanked. We were able to form a Planning Committee that was eventually rewarded with the extension to showers and changing rooms and bar store. The work was completed in 1974 and the official opening was carried out by Mr and Mrs J Hickman and was followed by a match between W C A and Himley.

During the same year a Club Badge was initiated which incorporated the Earl of Dudley's Coat of Arms. The lengthy procedure to obtain the Earl of Dudley's approval for the design for the badge was undertaken by John 30

Corns. In terms of the financial position during this period one must be grateful for the foresight of those people who initiated the provision of a bar and the original committee of Arthur Robinson, Tom Keith, Derek Jones, John Corns and Norman Forrest who did so much to set the bar and its organisation on the right road.

In the early 1980s the club saw great progress and was able to act as host to the touring sides from Fiji and Malaysia during their World Cup preparations in 1983. Surely the people who formed the Club would have been proud at the thought of us playing host to international sides. The visitors were feted with true Himley hospitality, provided not only by its players but also its ladies who astonished everyone with their commitment to the club. Over the period under review successive ladies ensured that these standards were maintained, with regular officers being Joy Brandrick, Pat Waterhouse and Pam Robinson, following on the work previously undertaken by Betty Hopkinson, Doreen Abel, Pat Styles, Mary Breakwell and Ethel Higginson. As Himley’s centenary year beckoned, we could look back with pride on the efforts of those who had enabled it to become one of the prime non-professional clubs in the area.

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ONWARDS & UPWARDS 1983 to 2008 In 1982 I was asked to chair the Centenary Committee for a two year period to co-ordinate our centenary celebrations and plan for the 1983 landmark – 100 years of enjoyment, graft and progress. The other members of that committee were Mrs Pam Robinson (secretary), Mrs Betty Heath, Mrs Pat Pritchard, Doug Ackroyd, Kevan Brandrick, Alan Breakwell, John Corns, Ron Harris, Jack Mees and Peter Millard. Sadly, Pat, Alan, Jack and Peter are no longer with us, but we can be sure that they are looking down with pride upon subsequent progress and achievement.

The remainder of the committee are all vice presidents and Pam Robinson is the only lady to become club secretary. Bill Simpson was president at that time, having joined the club on 23rd April 1929 and when he passed away on 26 February 1995, having completed 65 years of service to the club, he left a financial legacy that was to be the platform to enable us to reach a milestone that even the most optimistic of us might have considered impossible to achieve.

Following Bill’s death, Joe Brandrick became president and again his commitment, involvement and generosity has moved the club forward on and off the field in difficult times as well as good. Joe and his fellow trustees, John Corns, Ron Piper and Steven Hughes, have racked up a quite remarkable combined total of over 220 years of service to the Club. The current general committee led by Gordon Lewis has overseen the remarkable progress made on and off the field, and we are fortunate to have a dedicated, enthusiastic and progressive team with commitment and self-sacrifice that is sure to ensure our continued progress.

Finally, I have recorded elsewhere in the centenary book and in this brochure of the importance of the decision in 1947 to purchase the ground and that those members who provided interest free loans to enable us to do so. This decision and gesture and indeed foresight has enabled cricket to be played on a ground in beautiful surroundings that is our own. No doubt they are proud of what has been achieved since 1947, including the purchase and development of the new ground. These landmarks and achievements are set out in the following pages.

Those of us who were involved in any way in the organisation of the centenary year will never forget the enjoyment and camaraderie that 32

prevailed. All of the hard work was fully repaid with a truly wonderful year, culminating in the Centenary week. The results on the field were first class but of greatest importance was the great team effort of all members and friends, many of whom worked from 8.00am until midnight organising each day and cleaning up after the last.

The pictures which hang in the clubhouse show the extent to which people went to ensuring everything ran smoothly and the club will always remain indebted to each and everyone from that year. Onward and upwards seems a really appropriate description.

There have been many successes during the 25 years since the centenary year, and these memorable events indicate the playing strengths of the club during this period. Everything possible has been done to ensure that the first team has been given the replacements when required to keep ‘onward and upwards’ as the main objective.

Administrative landmarks during this same period include:      

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Building of the new Club House Installation of the new net complex Purchase and development of our second ground Major developments and improvements to the ground Commercial enterprise and use of the club house facility Re-use of the old club house and dressing rooms to develop a new scorebox and refurbished dressing rooms

On the field our successes that began in the 1983 Centenary year have been tremendous. All of the triumphs are listed in the appendix, but those that pushed us even further are: 

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The 1988 year of success of first and second team in league and cup that culminated in our visit to Lords

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The second team's remarkable successes as Staffordshire Clubs League Champions in 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1998, and runners up in 1991, 1992. 1997 and 1999. We were also League Cup winners in 1986, 1987 and 1989, and runners-up in 1994. They were also Fordhouses K O Cup winners in 1985 and 1988, and Chronicle Trader Cup winners in 1991 and 1997, and runners-up in 1987 and 1992.



Elevation to the Birmingham and District Premier Cricket League and promotion in successive years (2000 and 2001). This led to being runners-up in the Premier Division in 2002 and 2005, and Challenge Cup winners 2002 together, as well as being runners-up in the 2003 Graham Williamson Trophy.

UNSUNG HEROS No club can play its cricket, progress or indeed survive, without four vital further ingredients: the umpires, the scorers, the ground assistants and the ladies. Himley Cricket Club has been blessed over its long history to have major contributions from many people in all four categories, all of them truly unsung heroes. It is always difficult and emotive to list people who have contributed over a long period, since some of them have been rewarded with vice presidencies for their respective contributions. Others make major contributions and move on, having given equally vital input.

For long periods it was the respective captain's job to arrange tea ladies and ground rota - we were fortunate that so many ladies and players willingly assisted in these vital areas.

Nowadays, club members and spouses still provide regular support to ensure that we maintain high standards. We have been equally fortunate to have been blessed with so many former players who, after playing, have commenced umpiring for the club. Although premier league cricket requires the provision of neutral umpires for first teams, this is not the case in lower divisions so we continue to seek more umpires.

Many of the members who worked so diligently are referred to in the centenary year book, with its emphasis on the formation of the ladies section, entertainments, ground, bar and youth cricket. The club will always be indebted to each and everyone who has put their heart and soul into the club to allow us to continue to progress. Since 1983 our principal scorer has been Lesley Gunn who did the job brilliantly for first and second teams for so long and taught Nicola Waterhouse to score. Sadly, Lesley then returned to Kent and Nicola, who had scored for both first and second teams with Lesley, continued her duties for the first team for over ten further years.

She was our scorer at the Lords National Village Final and also scored for Kenya, Malaysia and Bangladesh in the ICC trophy. We have also had Gareth Lanchbury and Duncan Weaver scoring for the first team before beginning to play cricket themselves.

Chris Cowdell scored for a short time after joining us from Old Hill where he had scored in two national finals at Lords. Finally, Alf Watkins has been our scorer for ten years and was also the Staffordshire League Representative Team Scorer. Alf's duties are far more involved nowadays 36

as he has to ensure both results and other information, including the overall scoreboard, is relayed to the league and press immediately after each match.

Although progress to the Premier League in 2000 meant that we do not have to provide our own umpires for first team matches, over the past 25 years we have again been fortunate to have had so many former players carrying out umpiring duties. Notably these include Steve Hughes, Ron Piper, Joe Brandrick and Bryan Styles. Doug Earnshaw also umpired for a period and introduced Alf Watkins to the club.

GROUND MAINTENANCE The ground maintenance team has had added responsibilities as a result of both the elevation to the premier league cricket and, more recently, the purchase of our new ground. We have always had members who have always been prepared to quite literally get their jackets off, but the increased number of matches, the outbuildings, fence surrounds, rules changes such as fielding circles, and a huge increase in the number of matches have all contrived to significantly increase the workload of our volunteers. Over recent years we have been fortunate to have attracted members, some former players, others who simply love the Club and enjoy the work, to ensure that our grounds remain in first class condition.

Tony Day, Malcolm Box, and the late Jim Lewis

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Jim Lewis, Bryan Styles (whose playing contribution is outlined elsewhere), Malcolm Box, Sim Braden, Tony Day, Chris Day and Alf Watkins have all been involved for a very long time. More recently, Alan Jones and Gordon Barker have joined the team, and we again sincerely appreciate their input.

Jim was a long serving member and player, committee man and his legacy remains with his family. Malcolm has been involved long after his son ceased playing cricket and again his physical effort cannot be understated, not to mention his representation on the ground maintenance team and general committee. Sim, Tony and Alf never played cricket for the Club but have still made great contributions. The Club could not exist or advance without the support of these members over many years.

HIMLEY LADIES We left the last page of our Centenary book with special reference in the penultimate paragraph to the then principal lady officers of their committee and paying tribute to those who preceded them. How prophetic it is that the three ladies, Pat Waterhouse, Joy Brandrick and Pam Robinson, would continue in office. Pat remained as chairperson, Pam as secretary (later to become the only lady to hold the office of club secretary), and Joy a committee member. When Pat and Pam eventually called it a day, Joy continued to give sterling support to respective captains during a sixteenyear period. Other committee members at various times were Betty Heath (who acted as treasurer from many years), Jean Millard, Pat Pritchard, Liz Crawford and Elaine Birchall. They had wonderful support from many other ladies who although not involved in committee work nevertheless provided input and raised thousands of pounds for club funds over this period.

The ladies committee as such was never re-established when Pat called it a day as she was becoming heavily involved with the ladies choir where she has been a member for thirty years and chairperson for twenty years. That said, other ladies continued to support the respective captains for both first and second teams prior to increasing the number of teams that were fielded. During the nineties, Lynn and Bridget Shorter gave sterling support to the captains over many seasons, again supported by other players’ wives, daughters and girlfriends. As we increased our number of teams, particularly after promotion to the B & D PCL and resurrection of the Junior Section, we had a period where we had to recruit outside sources to do teas, mainly thanks to the generosity of our president.

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Fortunately, with the growth of our junior section and the new players at all levels, whether home grown or not, we have seen a return to the old system of wives, daughters and girlfriends supporting their husbands and children.

Indeed, today's challenges in this area are even greater because of the number of games being played at all levels. I have stated that there is no longer a ladies committee, but Louise Lewis, Gill Dee, Helen Wright, Sue Pole and Margaret Jones are examples of those ladies giving frequent support. The junior section, with its increased number of matches in all groups, is also indebted to Sue Tromans, Jenny Pearce, Angie Cox and Jane Jones. Again we are so grateful to all or our ladies, whatever their age, for continuing to maintain and support the Himley tradition.

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JUNIOR CRICKET One of the Club's major developments came in 1959 with the formation of a junior section under W J (Bill) Simpson, but it was not until 1968 that we were able to have a programme of matches arranged for them. From this base Bill Simpson and Harry Abel became the prime movers in both offering the local youngsters an opportunity to learn cricket at a reputable club, and securing for the club the major benefit of producing a conveyor belt of talent.

Some of these youngsters, notably Dennis Breakwell, Paul Pridgeon, Stuart Lampitt and Mark Frost progressed with success into the first class game.

Stuart returned at the end of his first class career to captain the club.

Others have progressed into Minor Counties, second level, or Birmingham League, notably Steve Walker, Darren Shorter and Steve Small. Many others stayed here to achieve great success in the first team, particularly Andrew Shorter, John Hughes, Gary Abel, David Meageen, Ian Shorter, Steve Shorter, Darren Shorter, Carl Brandrick, Warren Cole, John Crawford, Jamie Beever, Philip Pritchard, Gary Marsh and Peter Frost. Two of these players were to become club captains, Andrew Shorter and Carl Brandrick, and two others, Gary Abel and John Hughes, became first team Sunday captains.

Himley Under-16s in1980 – All Midland finalists, North Worcestershire, and Worcestershire County champions

40

The return of Jack Breakwell to the Club from the Birmingham League and his coaching activities saw a resurrection in our youth activities and his contribution, alongside those of Bill Simpson and Harry Abel, is immeasurable. After his retirement, the club had a major lapse in the Youth Development but thankfully due to the energies of first Terry Pearce and latterly Carl Brandrick and Guy Whittaker we are once again an established and well respected club with an excellent youth policy. These two members have been instrumental in gaining ECB recognition as a focus club and Club Mark accreditation ably assisted by an equally dedicated team.

Carl's involvement with the club is set out under separate heading, but it is important for a moment to reflect upon the achievements of Guy Whittaker. Guy joined the junior section as a 12 year old and played at third team level until he was 23. He re-joined the Club in 2002 when his son, Jack, came to training sessions at a time when there were approximately thirty other lads and two teams at under 11 and under 16. He joined the Junior Committee in 2003 and became its chairman shortly afterwards. In the time of his stewardship we have grown to a membership of 170.

41

In 2007 we ran 23 teams, including girls' teams, and trained in excess of 250 children. We have an in house coaching team of thirty coaches and attained Clubmark status in 2004, the 31st Club nationally out of 7,500. We also run winter training programmes for up to one hundred youngsters and have been successful in many grant applications, principally the second ground CCDF bid in 2005. In 2007 we managed to send sixteen lads at district and county level and also attracted a record breaking one hundred or more members to the first national ECB Cricket Force initiative in 2006.

42

CLUB ARCHIVES, ACHIEVEMENTS & RECORDS BIRMINGHAM & DISTRICT PREMIER CRICKET LEAGUE Premier Division Runners- up 2002 and 2005 Division 1 Runners-up 2001

Division 2 Champions 2000 1st XI Challenge Cup Winners 2002 – beat Moseley

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Graham Williamson Trophy Runners- up 2003 Premier League Batting Average L Roberts 2002 - 832 runs at 59.42 Performance of the Year – Premier Division 2003 - C Pearce 7 for71 against Wellington DIVISION 2 Champions 2000 First Division (2nd XI) batting average J Day - 839 runs at 69.92 Two of our overseas players scored the highest number of runs in their respective division whilst representing the Club A McQuire L Roberts

835 runs at 50.18 in 2004 949 runs at 55.82 in 2001

STAFFORDSHIRE CRICKET CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP 1st XI

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First Division Champions Runners-up

1986 and 1988 1989 and 1999 (below)

League Cup: Winners 1988 Runners-up 1991 and 1997 2nd XI First Division Champions Runners-up League Cup Winners Runners-up

1988, 1989, 1990 and 1998 1991, 1992, 1997 and 1999 1986, 1987, 1989 and1999 1994

3rd XI League Champions 2003 and 2006

4th XI

League Cup Winners Runners-up

1989, 1999, 2001 and 2003 1995 and 1998

League Champion Runners-up

1998 1999 and 2003

Andy Shorter played over 50 games for the league representative team, the only player to achieve this, and played in the conference knockout finals three times, all of which were won.

INDIVIDUAL RECORDS Performance of the Year - A Shorter 1984, 1986 and 1997 Division 1 Batting Bowling Second XI Batting

45

A. Shorter S. Khan

1991 1995 and 1999

D. Webb A. Porter

1998 1991

Third XI Batting

P Butler R Parkes J Crawford L Bradley

1992 1996 1998 2003

League Record Score (since beaten) Division 1 A Shorter 1990

170 v Milford Hall

Officers Life Member T S Waterhouse

2008

League President J W Brandrick T S Waterhouse

1996 to 1999 2005 to 2007

Chairman T S Waterhouse

2001 to 2004

Vice Chairman T S Waterhouse

1991 to 2000

League Representative Team Manager T S Waterhouse 1990 to 1999 League Clubmen of the Year S Hughes 1987 T S Waterhouse 1991 A Shorter 1998 League Special Award 1991 With Paul Humphries, Andy Shorter put on 340 runs in 30 overs in a 45 over match against a Shropshire Select. Paul hit 212 (26 fours and 12 sixes); Andy hit 150 (12 fours and 11 sixes).

46

League Record Scores at the time 1984 League 366 for 5 (50 overs) v Cannock & Rugeley (below)

Cup Record Knockout partnership - A Shorter and G Kendrick – 190 runs in 13 overs.

The league team won the Midlands Club Cricket Conference three times in the 1990s. T S Waterhouse (manager) and A Shorter were involved in all three, in 1993, 1997 and 1999. Other Himley players were: M Stocker and S Small in 1993; R Cooper, J Day and D Middleton in 1999.

D Middleton was Man of the Match in 1999.

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KNOCKOUT & TORNAMENT SUCCESSES Wightwick Knockout Winners 1976 Runners Up 1986 MOTM: A. Shorter

Express & Star Cup Runners Up 1973, 76, 97

Kenyon KO Winners 1982, 92 (MOTM A. Willis) Runners Up 1972, 93, 94, 96

Chronicle/Trader Cup Winners 1991, 97

Fordhouses Knockout Winners1981, 85, 88 Man of the Match: C. Day 1988 Runners Up 1979

Old Hill Bassano Cup Winners 1973, 74, 75

British Steel Cup Winners 1973, 74, 75

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Runners Up

1976, 80; 1981, 87, 92

Penn Sixes Winners

1977, 81, 82

Star Sixes Winners 1996 Runners Up 1988, 1991, 1997 MOTM 1988 D. Shorter

Gifford Sixes Winners 1970, 71, 91 Gifford Knockout Winners 1970, 73

Alpine North Worcestershire Area, Regional & Midlands Runners Up 1996 and 2006 Himley Invitation Cup Winners 2004, 2005

Staffordshire County Cup Winners 2002, 2003 Runners Up 2004

National Village Cup Finalists 1988

National Village Cup Staffordshire, Shropshire, West Midlands Winners 1988, 91, 92, 94

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BANKS & SILVERS WORCESTERSHIRE LEAGUE First XI League Runners Up League Cup Winners Runners Up

1980 1980, 82 1981

Second XI League Champions Runners Up League Cup Winners

1980, 81 1979, 82 1982

Berry League Division 2 Champions 1996 Double Hundreds The following players have scored double hundreds for the Club: A. Shorter 1988 S. Walker 1991 J. Hodgson 1996 L. Roberts 2003 R. Bayman 2003 T. P. Singh 2007 MIDLANDS CRICKET CLUB CONFERENCE Cricketers of the Year Playing A. Shorter S. A. Walker D. B. Middleton G. D Wright C. Pearce

1986 1988 2001 2005 2005

Alec Hastilow Trophy M. Hill 2007

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Administration T. S. Waterhouse G. Lewis W F Jones Award M. W. Stocker 2006 Norman Sharp Award S. Hughes 2007

2001 2006

The following first class players who played for Himley and won the Alec Hastilow Award whilst playing for other clubs: S. R. Lampitt V. Solanki A. Maiden S. Davies S. Wedge

1981 1992 1999 2001 2001

Stourbridge Wolverhampton Wolverhampton Victoria & Blakeley Hall Brewood

The following players played minor counties or played for Second XI counties teams: S. Ahmed T. Heap D. J. Shorter G. Tranter G. D. Wright J. Williams

Staffordshire Staffordshire Worcestershire Staffordshire Staffordshire Cambridgeshire

The following players have taken all ten wickets in an innings whilst playing for the Club D. Bray v Wightwick A. Hale v Fordhouses PICTURE? S. McCleod v Coseley

14 11.2

4 3

22 16

10 10

(1950) (1955)

14.3

6

15

10

(1998)

The fastest centuries recorded for the Club were: 1st XI T. S. Waterhouse 2nd XI T. S. Waterhouse

100 in 46 minutes at Wombourne 1976 100 in 48 minutes at Belbroughton 1981

National Village record score for opening partnership or any wicket in 1988 v Overton on Dee 343 – 0 A. Shorter 221 not out, S. Walker 109 not out.

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REPRESENTATIVE CRICKET The following players have played representative cricket whilst playing for the Club. There are others who played for the Club who played representative cricket whilst playing for other clubs.

MCC J. D. Mayer and D. B. Middleton MCCC A. Breakwell, J.W. Brandrick, K.J. Brandrick, G. Abel, J.T. Birchall, N. Calloway, J.T. Hughes, M.W. Stocker, R. Robinson, T. Heap, D.B. Middleton, J. Burgouyne, T.S. Waterhouse, D.J. Shorter, M. Soley and D. Hickman.

Wolverhampton Cricket Association G. Abel, M.J. Soley, T.S. Waterhouse, M.W. Stocker, J.T. Birchall and A. Edwards.

Staffordshire Clubs Cricket Championship A. Shorter, A. Willis, J. Day, S. Small, J. Day, R. Cooper, D.B. Middleton, M.W. Stocker and S. Walker.

ADMINISTRATION Birmingham & District Premier Cricket League Management Board: 1999 – 2006 T.S. Waterhouse, representing Staffordshire Clubs Cricket Championship, and 2003 until present representing Staffordshire Cricket Board.

Record Scores The current record score is First XI: 405-5 in 45 overs v Bronze 22/4/07; Bronze - 46 in 18 overs. The winning margin of 359 runs is also a record.

HCC

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J B Dhillon C Fox C Pearce G Wright

147 92 not out 78 25

S Wedge 9 - 2 - 27 - 5 R Jones 7 - 3 - 11 - 3 R Homer 2 - 7 - 11 - 1

First XI previous record scores 1995 v Sheldon Marlborough 1986 v Cannock & Rugeley

377-5 366-5

2nd XI 1990 v Hawkins 366-0 D Webb (retired), G Nelson (not out) and L Smith (not out) all hit centuries.

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MIDLAND CRICKET CLUB CONFERENCE AWARD WINNERS Andy Shorter Andy Shorter played for our club from 1970 to 2001. His record and performance are unlikely to be surpassed, given today's climate when payers move around. In any event, Andy not only performed brilliantly and captained a successful team but, together with his family, also worked tirelessly off the field. I confess that I am biased since he and I joined at about the same time. I was privileged to play in the same team as Andy, captain the club as he emerged, and later manage him in the Staffs Clubs League team for 10 years. Here at Himley over a longer period, I witnessed his exploits first hand as he scored over 25,000 runs for this club alone.

Here is a summary of his achievements.

His total of 91 centuries was compiled as follows: 82 for Himley, one double hundred for Himley, six for the league representative team and 2 for other club's presidential teams. Remarkably, he was also out three times on 99 for Himley before he got his first century and also hit 93 for us against Cannock & Rugeley. After leaving us he also hit 93 for Penkridge and 99 not out for Wombourne – he was oh so close to 100 centuries. Andy played in 4 MCCC inter-league finals in which Staffs Clubs were winners 3 times in 1990s. He was Staffordshire Clubs Clubman of the Year in 1998 and MCCC Cricketer of the Year in 1986.

With Paul Humphries he holds the Staffs Clubs Team record partnership of 340 in 28 overs; Andy Shorter's 150 included 11 sixes and 12 fours. In 1988 he set the National Village KP record individual score of 221 not out, including 8 sixes and 24 fours. That season also saw him create with Steve Walker the National Village KP record opening partnership for any wicket when they put on 343 without loss in 45 overs in 1988. His Staffs Clubs League individual record score of 170 not out v Milford Hall in 1990 stood until 1997.

He gained the Staffs Clubs Division 1 batting award in 1991, scoring 970 runs at 50.45 Andy attained the Staffs Clubs JP record partnership of 190 in 13 6 ball overs with Gerry Kendrick in 1986, winning the League Performance of the Year three times, the only player to achieve this (in 1984, 1986 and 1997).

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Andy's 54 appearances for the League Representative Team is also a record, no other player having exceeded 40 appearances. Having captained Himley as League champions and cup runners up in 1986, he led them to a league and cup double two years later.

He was man of the match in the Wightwick final against Wolverhampton, scoring 106 in a losing cause. His best season was in 1986 when he scored 1926 runs at 48.3. Between 1984 & 86 he scored over 5000 runs, averaging over 50 and hit 18 centuries, he captained the league team on numerous occasions. He was Club Captain for 7 years, from 1986 to 1990, and from 1992 to 1993.

Apart from Staffs Clubs League and representative trophies, Andy played in: 3 Express and Star finals; 2 Wightwick KP finals; 4 British Steel Cup finals; 3 Old Hill Bassano Cup finals; 6 Kenyon Cup finals; 1 Kidderminster Cup finals; 2 Worcestershire League Cup finals; 1 Worcestershire league runners-up; 1 Berry League Champions; and 1 Birmingham Premier League Division 2 winners Andy was very special to this club, but of course he was also very lucky because he has been fortunate to have the love and support of his family.

His wife Linda was also a staunch supporter giving valuable service to the club over many years. His children Ben and Bridget have also not only supported Andy but contributed to the club. Ben was a player from childhood for the first team and Bridget doing teas or scoring. Both Linda and Andy are vice presidents of the club, awarded to them in recognition of their wonderful service both on and off the field. I began this tribute to Andy by saying how biased and privileged I am to have been involved with him over so many years and will end it by saying that I obviously extend this to the Shorter family who are also good friends.

In this area, most cricketing lovers will know of Andy Shorter. I hope that this tribute adds something else because whatever Andy has achieved he 55

still keeps his feet on the ground, his head out of the clouds and his cap still fits him. Himley Cricket Club owes him and his family a great debt.

David Middleton David Middleton first entered the cricket world as a scorer at the age of eight as he went with his father Barrie to Walsall CC. After scoring until he was 11 years of age, Dave then went on to represent Walsall at every junior level as a wicket keeper batsman before making his first team debut at 17.

On debut he hit Mushtaq Mohammed for 6 and was dismissed next ball.

As his career progressed, Dave was in and out of the first team but went on to captain the second eleven to the league title in 1989. David played a prominent role in Walsall's knock out sides, often as an outfielder and an aggressive middle order batsman as Walsall made good progress in most competitions. He was first team Vice Captain in 1995 but left at the end of that season to join local club, Bronze where he enjoyed two fruitful seasons and racked up 800 league runs in 1996.

In 1998 David took up an invitation from ex-Walsall colleague and long standing friend John Bay to join Himley and it was here that "Middo" finally began to realise his potential, taking over the captaincy in 1999.

Representing the league side, David won the man of the match award in the Inter League final at New Road for his innings of 85 not out as the Staffs Clubs beat the Leicester County League. Also in this season, Himley finished second to Penkridge and duly won promotion to the Birmingham League. Again with Middleton at the helm, Himley won the league at the first attempt and secured promotion to Birmingham League Division One. Dave recorded the best wicket keeping stats for the entire League with 25 catches and 12 stumping’s, many of them off the medium pace bowlers and he also made 423 runs. These performances led to him being selected for the MCCC tour to Australia in February during which he established himself as the first choice keeper in the party. The form he showed on this tour, allied to his performances in the league that season also led to him being selected for the Worcestershire Board XI and representing the conference side that played at Lords against the MCC. For Himley, David made further strides, batting at number four without the stress of Captaincy he won several games for the Club and often matched West Indian professional Lincoln Roberts stroke for stroke. With 527 runs 56

at an average of 35, and 30 victims behind the stumps, Middleton was instrumental in Himley gaining its third successive promotion and in the process he established himself as one of the best wicket keeper batsmen in the League.

Steve Walker Steve Walker began his career here aged 11, went to Old Hill at 13 and returned in 1986 to serve as a player and administrator with distinction to this present day. Steve played for Old Hill as a 15 year old batsman/wicket keeper and was a permanent fixture there for seven years. He was a member of marvelous Old Hill team that was Birmingham League Champions in 1983, runners up in 1984, Birmingham League Champions in 1983, runners-up in 1984, Birmingham League Cup Winners in 1983, 1984 and 1985, Staffordshire County Cup treble winners and National Club Champions in 1984, although he did not play in their second success at Lords.

During his time at Old Hill, Steve was a regular member of the Worcestershire Second Team, played for the Worcestershire Cricket Association, Birmingham League Representative Team and a member for the MCCC under 21 touring side captained by Tony Lea in 1984. Steve's highest Birmingham League score first team score for Old Hill was 93, but he did score 102 against Audley in 19882 in the Staffs cup and also got two centuries for the seconds. He returned to Himley in 1986 and was a regular from then in Himley's successes. In 1988 we won the Staffs Clubs cup and league double and reached the National Village Final at Lords, and Steve was one of the major contributors. He top scored at Lords with 75, only for the game to be abandoned. This followed on from his two centuries during the twelve match journey to get there.

Andy Shorter and Steve set a national record opening partnership for any wicket of 343 - Steve scored 109 not out and Andy a phenomenal 221 not out in 45 overs. Steve was one of the MCCC cricketers of the year in 1998 and one of only six players to hit a double hundred for the club. In all, Steve hit 53 centuries for Himley, a record exceeded only by his opening partner Andy Shorter. Steve was a special player for Himley in that he opened the batting, inevitably staying at the crease for long periods (then recalling it ball by ball for those still awake). He kept wicket until towards the end of his playing days when he had knee problems which forced him 57

to give it up. He did however continue to play until the end of 2003, again with distinction, for the second team. Presently Steve is our treasurer, a Vice President and one of the prime movers on the general committee in the development of our club.

He continues to enjoy cricket off the field and is employed by the ECB and SCB. We are lucky to have Steve as one of the band of marvelous workers who give their time to ensure that the development of the club continues.

A final mention must go to Anita and the girls for their patience with Steve's commitment to the club.

Chris Pearce Chris played cricket from a very young age, but it was not until he was 9 years old that he was able to join his local club Brewood and participate in organised matches. By the time he was 12 he had established himself in teams older than his own age group and then took over as captain. This was a position he held throughout his junior club career at all age groups up to the age of 17. He started playing senior club cricket at Brewood CC at the age of 13, working his way up to a his first team debut at 14. When he was 16 he stood for and was elected captain of the senior 1st XI. After one year, and achieving survival in the Staffs Clubs Division 1 with a very young side, he felt that it was time to move on to try and play and survive the much higher standards of cricket in the Birmingham League. At the age of 18 he obtained a place at Himley CC playing in the Premiership, and eventually established himself as a regular in the first team, becoming Greg Wright's vice-captain in 2005.

From the age of 11 and at every age group up to 17, he represented Staffordshire County and at under 15 was awarded the Bill Clowes trophy.

He then switched counties and represented Worcestershire County Cricket U19s. He was also selected to play for the Worcestershire Board squad to play Worcestershire County Cricket Club in the third round of the CG trophy in 2003 and played one second XI game for Worcestershire. He was fortunate to play cricket in matches and festivals all over the country with county and club sides and also played representative cricket in Ireland and the West Indies. He spent six months in Australia playing grade cricket in Albany, Western Australia and most recently has toured Sri Lanka with Durham University side in March ????.

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Birmingham league season for 2005 Batting Inn NO 19 2

50 3

Bowling Ovrs Mdns Run 53 6 229

100 2

HS 123*

Tot 602

Ave 35.4

Wkt 6

BB 3-52

5w 0

Ave 38.2

In all competitions (League, staffs cup and national knockout) batting : 1011 @ 42.1 Needed??

Greg Wright Greg Wright commitment to Himley as a player and captain has followed in the best traditions of the club. A left hand top order batsman, his performances both here and elsewhere are recorded below: Clubs: Penn 1990 to1997 Wolverhampton 1998 to 2001 Wellington (South Africa) 1998 to1999 Himley 2002 to present Representative Cricket: Staffordshire Youth U16 to U19 ESCA Midlands U19 Minor Counties U2's Staffordshire Debut 1999 14 matches, 3 day matches Batting Inn NO Runs 50 HS A 21 4 417 2 72 24.5 2 0 26 0 22 13 59

Bowling O M R W 10 5 37 0

Catches 10

Gloucestershire 2nd XI; Worcestershire 2nd XI; MCCC; Birmingham League Select XI; HM Revenue & Customs (Captain); Civil Service.

Major Honours/Highlights: Staffs Clubs Championship winners 1996; Birmingham Premier League winners 1998; Express & Star KPO/League KP 1999, 2001 and 2002; National Club Knockout Winners 1999; and Staffordshire Cup 2003 and 2005.

Himley Club Captain - 2005 to present; 158 for Gloucestershire 2nd XI v Derbyshire 2nd XI -1999; 116 not out and man of the match in Staffs Cup Final, 2002; and One of the five MCCC Cricketers of the Year in 2005.

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MIDLAND CRICKET CLUB CONFERENCE Cricketer of the Year – Administration Award Tom Waterhouse Tom joined Himley in 1972 as a Sunday player, having played for Accles & Pollock in the Birmingham Business Houses League. He represented the league in three decades, his best years being 1960-61 when he did the league double, averaging 4.85 with the ball and over 70 with the bat. His personal best was 9 for 19 against Henry Hopes in 1958, and 106 against Brierley Hill. He also scored over thirty goals for Stourbridge in the Birmingham League and Worcestershire combination and it was also the year that he married Pat – quite a hat trick. He was Himley Club Captain from 1974 until 1979 and has been secretary, publicity officer, chairman of ground committee, chairman of selectors and chairman of the centenary committee.

Tom played representative cricket for the Midland Club Cricket Conference and captained the Wolverhampton Cricket Association. He retired from playing cricket in 1984 after playing in very successful Himley first and second teams who won several trophies both in knockout and league competitions. Although he played football for over twenty years in Birmingham AFA, Birmingham Works League, Birmingham League, Worcestershire Combination and Warwickshire Combination for Banbury, Stourbridge, Dudley, Netherton, Smethwick and Oldbury, his first love has always been cricket. His commitment and dedication to the sport has been recognised with several awards, some of which are listed below.

Vice president of Himley Cricket Club Staffordshire Club Cricket Championship  Life Member 2008  President 2005-2007  Chairman 2001-2004  Vice Chairman 1991-2000  Manager of the League representative team from 1990-1999, during which time they won the Midlands Inter-League Knockout Trophy on three occasions.

Clubman of the Year 61

 

Himley CC 1983 Staffordshire Club Cricket Championship 1991

Birmingham & District Premier Cricket League  Management Board Member Representative 2000 – for the Staffordshire Cricket Board 2003 still in office  Staffordshire Club Cricket Championship 2000-2006  Vice President Staffordshire Cricket Board  Chief Executive/Secretary 2003, still in office  Staffordshire Youth Cricket Charity Committee He was given an Outstanding Service to Cricket Award (OSCA) by the ECB in 2004 and a merit award by Wolverhampton City Council and the Sports Advisory Council in 2003 for services to cricket in the community.

Tom is one of those fortunate men to have been able to enjoy his sporting passions because his wife Pat has been there alongside him. She is also a Club Vice President, having chaired the Ladies Committee for many years.

Their children Robert and Nicola both scored for the club. Robert also played for the Club and was third team Vice Captain at the age of 16. Tom's son in law, Steve Small, played for the club prior to and after his Birmingham League days. These three members are also Vice Presidents and the grandchildren are already following the cricketing path.

Cricketer of the Year – Administration Award Gordon Lewis Gordon joined the club in 1970, initially playing for Himley youth, whilst combining scoring duties for the second team for whom his father Jim played. Gordon then joined Old Hill in 1977 before moving on to Dudley in 1982, his centuries include one for Dudley seconds in the Birmingham League. He stayed until the club folded in 1985 due to ground subsidence.

After the demise of Dudley he returned to Himley as a wicket keeper batsman.

He is also one of those sportsmen with dual ability, being a former captain of Dudley Kingswinford Rugby Club where he displayed a high level of 62

commitment both on and off the field. His enthusiasm is infectious and his contribution on the cricket field has only been exceeded by that which he has made off the field.

On the field he was first and second team wicket keeper in the club's successes in League and Cup competitions both in the Staffordshire Club Cricket Championship and the Birmingham and District Premier Cricket League. In the last match of the season in our first year in the Premier Division against Knowle & Dorridge he equaled the club record by taking six catches as wicket keeper.

Gordon was elected as a Vice President of our club in 2005 in recognition of his contribution to our club as player and administrator. He was elected Chairman of the club in 1995 and it is in this capacity that he has exceeded everything he achieved whilst playing. During his ongoing role of Chairman the club has enjoyed the most successful period both on and off the field in our 123 year history. Milestones include elevation to Premier League status, success in Cup and League competitions, creation of a superb new net complex, the building of a wonderful new club house, the establishment of a thriving youth section with over two hundred youngsters being regularly coached, gaining Focus and Clubmark accreditation, a revitalised social section and a club that fields five teams in League cricket.

The icing on the cake has come this year with the development of our new ground that provides a wonderful arena for our Staffs Club League and youth teams. It is truly remarkable to think that the new ground was once overgrown farmland. Gordon is the first to recognise that none of our progress could have been achieved without the first class team he leads, and he is lucky that he has such a tremendous group of committee members and helpers. That said, the committee, members and our club also recognise that Gordon’s personality, enthusiasm, leadership, commitment, drive and will to get things done enables the club to prosper. They also recognise that he is fortunate to have the support of his family who all continue to work alongside him throughout the year. Himley Cricket Club is very lucky indeed to have Gordon Lewis and we believe he is a worthy candidate for a Midland Club Cricket Conference award.

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The WF Jones Award for Consistent Achievement Mike Stocker Mick Stocker was nominated as one of the cricketers of the year for 2006.

Mick first played cricket at school level, representing both Oldbury and Worcestershire Schoolboys, before going on to play his first game at senior level in 1961, aged 17, for Accles and Pollock. Midway through the 2006 season he celebrated his 62nd birthday, with age appearing to be no barrier, still the opening bowler in our third team in the Staffordshire Clubs League Division Three and doing an outstanding job, not only for the team but also for the club. Even at the age of 62 he retained the ability to keep a high action to enable to him move the ball away from the right handed batsman, both through the air and off the pitch, with tremendous accuracy and at a fair pace.

Mick joined Ackles and Pollock to play in the Birmingham Business Houses League and went on to represent the league on many occasions. Mick first played for Himley back in 1972 as a sprightly 27 year old, opening the bowling on a regular basis for the first team. On two separate occasions for the club Mick took one hundred wickets in a season in all competitions. In 1976 he went to represent the club on the Wolverhampton Cricket Associations tour of the West Indies, something that I know that he is still proud of today. In the same year he played his first representative match for the MCCC against Nuneaton, coming on as fourth change bowler and claiming 5 for13 in 11 overs as well as being second top scorer with 26 batting at number 10. He helped the MCCC side to claim victory in a low scoring match.

After doing so well for Himley, Mick left in 1977 to go and play in the Birmingham League. Initially he was with Dudley but later joined Mitchells and Butlers for a long and successful period where he had a reputation as one of the finest seam bowlers in the league. In 1991 he returned to play for Himley and up until our promotion from the Staffordshire Clubs League in 1999 to the Birmingham League he was a regular member of our first team squad. After this he spent several seasons in the Second team playing Second XI Birmingham League until this season when he has played for our Third XI. He was also an important part of the successful SCCC Team in 1993 that won the Inter-league Club Cricket title. In 2006 Mick played 17 games for the Third XI in Division 3 of the Staffs Clubs Championship, taking a total of 52 wickets and having a large influence on them winning 64

the league. He also played one Second XI game, finishing with figures of 25-6-110-4 in a game where the opposition scored 270. He managed to take five 5 wicket hauls, with best figures of 6 for18 off 18 overs. In total that season Mick's figures were: Overs Maidens Runs 274

99

595

Wickets 56

Average 10.63

In all, Mick is a credit to himself and to the club and is often the first person at the ground when we play either home or away. He is always willing to help youngsters playing by passing on his knowledge of the game to them. I cannot imagine that there are too many people of his vintage still playing at this level and with the success that Mick is having. His success lies a lot in his fitness, which he has maintained from his days as a good non-league footballer and a top time trial cyclist. It is for all of the above reasons that he was nominated as Cricketer of the Year 2006.

The Norman Sharp Award Steve Hughes Steve Hughes has been a member of Himley Cricket Club for 65 years. He played cricket for the first and second team over many years, predominantly as a seam bowler and played until he was 50 years of age. After playing however, he did not simply walk away, continuing his love for, and association with, the club and its members. He held numerous positions notably club umpire, subscriptions secretary and member of the General Committee. He is proud of his association which was rewarded when he was made a Trustee, a position that he still holds.

Steve is an avid supporter of the club and attends all matches, home and away, and true to tradition opens and closes the gate to the cricket field as players and batsmen enter and leave the field of play, always with a courteous comment. He also supports the club during winter months both as a crib player and patron of the bar. Steve's contribution to Himley and cricket generally was recognised some years ago when he was elected as Staffordshire Clubs Cricket Championship Clubman of the Year, something of which he is immensely and rightly proud.

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Steve is equally proud of his extended family contribution to the club. His brother Ernie was for many years the club umpire, and nephew John, who represented the Conference on occasions, was a major cricketing talent who played for the club for a long period and played in the National Village Knockout at Lords; John's son, Paul, played for the Staffs Club Championship in the winning Conference Inter-league cup success at Trent Bridge against the Shropshire League in 1995. Added to this, John's in laws, Kath and Bill Turner, were major supporters of the club for many years, Bill as an umpire and Kath producing teas that ensured we always batted first if we won the toss.

This year the club recognised Steve's contribution to the club by presenting him with a long service award at the annual dinner. As with most cricketers Steve could not have continued to contribute without the support of his wife Hildegarde. They have been married 54 years and in her younger days she was always a willing helper at tea time and social events. They have a daughter Stephanie. Away from cricket Steve has a love of music and his Christian belief; for many years he was a member of the Gentlemen Songsters Male Voice Choir. We are pleased to submit this nomination for a Conference Award which, if successful, would begin 2008 in style as it will begin the club's 125th year celebrations.

Alec Hastilow Trophy 2007 Michael Hill Michael was awarded the prestigious Alec Hastilow Trophy in 2007 by the Midland Clubs Cricket Conference. He first played for Wombourne at nine years of age, then playing adult cricket for their Third eleven at the age of 12, scoring 49 not out, and proceeding to play First team cricket by the age of fourteen.

Michael has played Staffordshire Youth Cricket from U10s to the present day U17s, and scored a maiden 50 for Staffs at U11 against Yorkshire. He also topped the bowling averages in that season as an opening fast bowler.

He was part of a tournament winning staffs U11 team at the Suffolk Festival, and as an under 12, Mike's best batting was 70 not out against Nottinghamshire and bowling was 3-21 against the same opposition.

At U13 level Mike attended the Midlands winter training squad, thirty not out against Cheshire being his best effort. At U14s Mike represented the 66

Midlands in a festival at Loughborough University and from this was selected to attend the England winter development squad. This comprised of six weekends of quality coaching at Loughborough and an outdoor trial.

For Staffordshire Mike has scores of 58, 55, 41 not out and 44 against Leicestershire, Herefordshire, Nottinghamshire and Cheshire respectively.

At U15 level Mike attended the Derbyshire Academy. He played for the Midlands in the Bunbury Festival in Brighton and played for England five times against Scotland U17s and Barbados U16s, winning all matches. Mike went with Derbyshire Cricket Academy to Port Elizabeth, South Africa on a cricket tour, with a best knock of 49 not out.

At U16 level Mike changed clubs from Wombourne to Himley and achieved first team level in his first season, with useful contributions with both bat and ball. He played for both Staffordshire U16 and U17 teams, scoring his first century in the longer version of the game against Shropshire. He was also chosen for an ECB regional U16 team to play against the new England U15 team at Loughborough.

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HIMLEY’S FIRST CLASS PLAYERS DON KENYON

There have been many good, very good, and great cricketers who have played for Himley during the 125 years of its history. The word great is often over used, but is certainly not out of place when mentioned in the same sentence as Don Kenyon.

Don was a local man born in Wordsley in 1924, and played for Worcestershire Club and ground as teenager whist playing for Stourbridge in the Birmingham League. It was during this time that he played his few matches for Himley, going on to become a County legend. Don scored 37,002 runs at 33.63, including 74 centuries and 180 fifties. He captained the county to two consecutive championships in 1964 and 1965, and to the Gillette Cup Final in 1966. He won eight England caps in what was arguably our strongest era, when he in competition with the likes of Hutton and Washbrook for a batting place.

Don Kenyon was the patron of the successful Kenyon KO for local clubs and visited Himley many times in later years, before his death in November 1996 at the age of 72.

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Don Kenyon England Player profile Full name: Donald Kenyon Born: May 15, 1924, Wordsley, Staffordshire Major teams: England, Worcestershire Batting style: Right-hand bat Bowling style: Right-arm medium Batting and fielding averages Mat Inns NO Tests 8 15 0 First-class 643 1159 59 List A 10 10 0

Runs 192 37002 118

Bowling averages Mat Inns Tests 8 First-class 643 List A 10 -

Wkts 1 -

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Balls 206 -

Runs 187 -

HS 87 259 42

Ave 12.80 33.63 11.80

100 0 74 0

BBI BBM Ave 1/8 187.00 -

50 6s Ct 1 0 5 180 326 0 1

Econ 5.44 -

St 0 0 0

SR 4w 5w - 206.0 0 - -

10 0 -

JACK FLAVELL

Jack Flavell was born in Wall Heath in 1929. At Kingswinford School, which he attended during the war, nearly all the male teaching staff were in the forces and little provision for cricket was available as a fourteen year old, looking to play cricket, he joined Himley Cricket Club. He later moved to Stourbridge and played 2nd XI cricket with them until he was called up for National Service. On leave in 1949 he appeared in half a dozen matches for Stourbridge, taking 45 wickets. After a trial with Warwickshire he felt that his better prospects were with Worcestershire and so began an outstanding career in first class cricket. Jack also played professional football for West Bromwich Albion.

Jack was in the Worcestershire County Championship sides that won the Championship in 1964 and 1965 and finished runners up in 1962 and 1966.

He gained four England caps, all against Australia, and given his tremendous first class averages with the ball he would have gained many more than this had this not been the days of Trueman and Statham.

During his career he took 125 wickets against Sussex alone, including 9 for 122 at Hastings in 1954, which were all the wickets to fall. He pocketed 109 wickets against Kent, including 9 for 30 at Dover in 1955, and a hat trick (that included Colin Cowdrey as a victim) at Kidderminster in 1951. He also took 103 wickets against Essex.

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Jack Flavell performed the hat trick on two other first class occasions, against Cambridge University at Fenners in 1953, and Lancashire at Old Trafford in 1963. His victims in this last feat were all leg before decisions only the second instance in the history of the game. In 1961, when first selected for England, he finished top of the bowling averages taking more wickets in the season than anyone else with an incredible 171 wickets at 17.79.

In 1964 he was one of Wisden's Five Cricketers of the Year, and in 1966 he was just pipped by Derek Underwood of Kent for top place again in the averages, when he took 135 wickets at only 14.00 runs apiece - the least expensive figures that any Worcestershire bowler with 100 wickets in a season has ever had. Unfortunately, 1967 found him prone to injury and he bowled under 500 overs for only 68 wickets, although he again topped the Worcestershire averages at 17.85.

He played his last game for Worcestershire against Lancashire at New Road on 25th August 1967, when Lancashire were 160 for 9 trying to reach 177 to win. With his last ball in County Cricket, Jack Flavell had Brian Statham caught at slip by Alan Ormrod to get Worcestershire home by 16 runs. His career figures of 12,143 overs, 1528 wickets at 21.48 is second only to the legendary Fred Root amongst Worcestershire bowlers who have taken more than 1000 wickets. Only 2 players have taken more wickets for Worcestershire than Jack, Reg Perks (2143 at 23.73) and Norman Gifford (1615 at 22.33).

His batting does not make such exciting copy, but he can claim a 54 against Warwickshire at Dudley in 1959 in 22 scoring strokes, and on occasions showed his ability in a crisis as he did in 1963 against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge where his 12 not out gave Worcestershire victory by one wicket when they desperately needed the points.

After retirement, Jack looked after his restaurant, 'The Rafters', at Heathton near Claverley with his wife Marie and daughter Lucinda. He was also Club Captain of Enville Golf Club. Sadly Jack passed away on 25lh February 2004 in Barmouth, Gwynedd.

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Jack Flavell England Player Profile Full name: John Alfred Flavell Born: May 15, 1929, Wall Heath, Staffordshire Major teams: England, Worcestershire Batting style: Left-hand bat Bowling: style Right-arm fast-medium Batting and fielding averages Mat Inns NO Tests 4 6 2 First-class 401 453 142 List A 11 8 3 Bowling averages Mat Inns Tests 4 6 First-class 401 List A 11

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Balls 792 72700 782

Runs 31 2032 18

Runs 367 32847 322

Wkts 7 1529 33

HS 14 54 9

Ave 7.75 6.53 3.60

100 0 0 0

50 4s 6s 0 4 0 1 0

Ct 0 128 3

St 0 0 0

BBI BBM Ave Econ SR 4w 5w 2/65 3/126 52.42 2.78 113.1 0 0 9/30 21.48 2.71 47.5 86 6/14 6/14 9.75 2.47 23.6 1 3

10 0 15 0

DENNIS BREAKWELL

Dennis was born on the 2 July 1948 into a cricketing family and their family home was in Himley Village. His grandfather George was grounds man for the club and father Jack and uncles Ted and Alan were also great cricketers.

Whilst at school he played for Himley Juniors and captained Staffordshire schoolboys, and after that played for Dudley in the second division of the Birmingham League at a very tender age. He joined Northamptonshire straight from school in March 1964 and played for Young England at Scarborough. In September 1970 he turned out for an England Under 25 team against England on 2nd September 1970. The Under 25 team included Tony Greig, Bob Willis, Peter Willey, Robin Jackman, Graham Roope and Pat Pocock.

Dennis moved to Somerset in March 1974 where he enjoyed an illustrious and successful career. At the end of the 1982 cricket season he was appointed coach to the Somerset County Cricket Club. At Somerset he was a member of their wonderful limited over team of the late 1970s and early 1980s that included Ian Botham, Viv Richards, Joel Garner and Vic Marks.

With K Jennings, Dennis held the record eight wicket stand in the old John Player Sunday League. Whilst playing for Somerset he played for T.N. Pearce's XI against a Rest of the World XI. He was awarded his Somerset cap in 1976 and later played in the two major limited over finals at Lords, the Gillette Cup Final on 8th September 1979 and the Benson and Hedges Final on 5th July 1981. Somerset won on both occasions.

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Dennis has many fond memories including those listed above but the three he recollects with great fondness are bowling Sir Garfield Sobers first ball at Northamptonshire, hitting three sixes in three balls off Jim Standen at Worcester, and winning the medal at Lords in the Gillette Cup Final. His best bowling performance was 8 for 39 against Kent at Dover, and his best batting was 100 against New Zealand, and 99 and 97 against Surrey and Derbyshire respectively.

Since leaving the first class game, Dennis has remained in cricket, initially as coach to the Somerset, but nowadays he is coach and head groundsman at Kings School, Taunton in Somerset. Not many players who started at Himley can say they have played first class cricket with two of the all-time greats, well Dennis was awarded his Somerset cap in 1976, the same season as Ian Botham, and also played with Viv Richards. Dennis must have wonderful memories and it all started here.

Dennis Breakwell England Player Profile Full name: Dennis Breakwell Born July: 2, 1948, Brierley Hill, Staffordshire Major teams: Northamptonshire, Somerset Batting style: Left-hand bat Bowling style: Slow left-arm orthodox Batting and fielding averages Mat Inns NO First-class 231 306 64 List A 186 133 35

Runs 4792 1386

HS 100* 44*

Ave 19.80 14.14

100 1 0

50 Ct St 16 80 0 0 40 0

Bowling averages Mat Balls Runs Wkts BBI BBM Ave Econ SR 4w 5w 10 First-class 231 30220 13015 422 8/39 30.84 2.58 71.6 12 1 List A 186 3875 2595 86 4/10 4/10 30.17 4.01 45.0 3 0 0

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PAUL PRIDGEON

Paul, together with Jack Flavell, was born in the relatively small village of Wall Heath, and also started playing at Himley before becoming a first class cricketers with Worcestershire. Incidentally, they were both fine footballers.

Paul played his early cricket at Himley in a successful youth team under the guidance of Bill Simpson. Paul graduated to the Birmingham League and played for Stourbridge, but still returned to play some Sunday cricket and knockouts for the club at that time. Paul made his debut for the county in 1972 as an 18 year old and enjoyed nineteen years of success, playing with some truly great players including Basil D'Oliviera, Ian Botham, Graham Hick, Glenn Turner, Norman Gifford, Imran Khan, and Vanburn Holder under the magnificent captaincy of Phil Neale. Obviously there are too many to mention but there were other many great players with whom Paul played.

The strength of Worcestershire during his time with the County can be measured by their success on the field. They were County Champions in 1974, 1988, 1989; Sunday League Champions in 1987 and 1988; Benson and Hedges Cup Winners in 1991, runners up in 1976; Nat West Trophy 1988 runners up in 1988; and Refuge Assurance Cup winners in 1988.

Paul’s popularity with members was underpinned by a bumper benefit in 1989. After retiring from first class cricket, Paul continued to play Minor Counties cricket for Shropshire and became Head of Physical Education at Shrewsbury School.

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Paul also played football for Stourbridge, performing magnificently in the two legged final of the Welsh Cup against Cardiff City. Paul continued to support Himley and played an occasional game whilst playing for the County and also played for us against the MCC in 1983 during our centenary week. He also brought the full Worcestershire team here to play the club during his benefit year.

Paul Pridgeon England Player profile Full name: Alan Paul Pridgeon Born: February 22, 1954, Wall Heath, Staffordshire Major teams: Shropshire, Worcestershire Batting style: Right-hand bat Bowling style: Right-arm medium Batting and fielding averages Mat Inns NO First-class 240 221 84 List A 229 83 48

Runs 1108 273

HS 67 17

Ave 8.08 7.80

100 0 0

50 Ct St 1 82 0 0 40 0

Bowling averages Mat Balls Runs Wkts BBI BBM Ave Econ SR 4w 5w 10 First-class 240 36099 17367 530 7/35 32.76 2.88 68.1 10 1 List A 229 10372 7152 219 6/26 6/26 32.65 4.13 47.3 5 1 0

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STUART LAMPITT

Stuart arrived at Himley in 1978, aged eleven years. Under the watchful eye of Jack Breakwell he made great progress in the youth team that included David Mageen, Steve Small, Darren Shorter, Ian Smith, and Robert Waterhouse and, for a time, Phil Pritchard before he moved to West Bromwich Dartmouth.

Stuart’s achievements are well recorded by others in his testimonial brochure, but suffice to say everyone agrees that he should have received international honours, was the epitome of everything expected from a professional, was a great team man, had tenacity and a will to win and above all was and may still be, a golfing bandit! He was also a very good footballer who played for Sandwell Borough and Oldbury United.

At Worcestershire he was a genuine all-rounder, playing with some of the all-time great players and becoming a regular member of a successful team.

Stuart started here and went on to play for Dudley and a very good and successful Stourbridge Club. Stuart has publicly recognised that Jack Breakwell at Himley, Ron Headley at Dudley and Dave Collins at Stourbridge provided the foundations in his early development that allowed him to follow his dream into first class cricket.

Ron Headley gave Stuart opportunity at an early age which enabled him to develop and it does not matter how good you are unless you are given the chance to prove it and make it happen. At Stourbridge, Stuart began his involvement with Worcestershire at youth level, was a member of the Birmingham League Championship side and was man of the match at Lords when Stourbridge won the National Club Championship. He joined 77

Worcestershire in 1986 where he met up with Paul Pridgeon, another Himley protégé. Stuart has recorded elsewhere his admiration of all the players and colleagues he had at New Road but none more than Basil D'Oliveira and Mark Scott, the coaches at the time. His first class career ranged from 1985 to 2001, with a limited overs involvement from1987 to 2003.

When he finished in first class cricket Stuart could have chosen any Premier League club to continue playing for, but true to his character and loyalty, he came back to his roots and has been a major influence upon Himley’s recent performances in the League and Cup competitions. He retains his competitive nature, will to win and is a true team man. It is fitting that he chose to retire in his final game at Himley where it all began and equally fitting is the election to become a vice president of our club in commencement of our 125 year celebration.

Stuart is now Cricket Development Manager of Worcestershire and he displays typical dedication and enthusiasm to the post. He recognises the role and influence that his parents, and especially father Joe, have had throughout his life and how lucky he is.

Stuart Lampitt England Player profile Full name: Stuart Richard Lampitt Born: July 29, 1966, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire Major teams: Worcestershire Batting style: Right-hand bat Bowling style: Right-arm medium Batting and fielding averages Mat Inns NO Runs First-class 236 311 74 5649 List A 302 180 66 2106 Bowling averages Mat Balls Runs Wkts BBI First-class 236 32050 17224 601 7/45 List A 302 12456 9142 370 6/26 78

HS 122 54

Ave 23.83 18.47

100 1 0

50 Ct 20 148 1 88

St 0 0

BBM Ave Econ SR 4w 5w 10 28.65 3.22 53.3 20 0 6/26 24.70 4.40 33.6 14 3 0

DAVID BANKS

David started his cricket career at Himley as a young boy and remains good friends with the club, its players and officials. From Himley he moved to Dudley Kingswinford cricket, a club that sadly no longer exists, but his early promise at both clubs was recognised elsewhere and he quickly established himself at all age levels with Worcestershire. His long association with the Birmingham League and subsequently the Birmingham Premier League was only interrupted by contracted spells at both Worcestershire and Warwickshire, and David also has a great record with Staffordshire.

David is an achiever, doing nothing in half measures and those who know him will appreciate his outspokenness, a trait mirrored by his commitment and enthusiasm to the game that he loves. He is also an MCC Member, a regular captain and player for MCC and has captained the Midland Club Cricket Conference on two International tours. His record in the Birmingham League is outstanding, with Old Hill, Stourbridge and Smethwick, and, prior to his first class career, a short spell at West Bromwich Dartmouth. He played at Lords in the National Knockout when Stourbridge defeated another Birmingham League side, West Bromwich Dartmouth in 1986, and he captained Stourbridge to the League title in 1987.

He was captain for nine of his thirteen years at Old Hill and also played with Stourbridge for seven years. He has been with Smethwick since leaving Old Hill. David has also been a regular representative player and captain of the Birmingham League and Midlands Club Cricket Conference, and in 1988 was its Cricketer of the Year. No doubt those involved with that 79

superb Stourbridge team of the time including David, Jon, Barry Corbett, Dave Collins, Tony Lea, Stuart Lampitt and Gordon Smith will have plenty of happy memories to recall.

David Banks England Player profile Full name: David Andrew Banks Born: January 11, 1961, Pensnett, Staffordshire Major teams: Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Worcestershire Cricket Board Batting style: Right-hand bat Bowling style: Right-arm medium Batting and fielding averages Mat Inns NO First-class 30 45 7 List A 30 26 4

Runs 1034 374

HS 100 62*

Ave 27.21 17.00

100 1 0

50 Ct St 5 15 0 2 7 0

Bowling averages Mat Balls Runs Wkts BBI BBM Ave Econ SR 4w 5w 10 First-class 30 60 30 0 3.00 0 0 0 List A 30 108 95 4 2/46 2/46 23.75 5.27 27.0 0 0 0 His century for Worcestershire was against Oxford University on debut.

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MARK FROST

Mark was born in Barking, Essex on 21 October 1962. The Frost family moved to the Midlands when his father George, a clergyman, moved to St. Bartholomew’s Church, Penn. Mark is the eldest of three brothers and he, Peter and Ian all joined the Himley Cricket Club in the mid 1970’s. Mark graduated from youth cricket to first team prior to going to Durham University.

He played cricket for the university and after graduating joined Dudley in the Birmingham League. After the sad demise of Dudley Cricket Club in 1985 he joined Old Hill who won the National Clubs Knockout at Lords in 1984, 1985 and 1987. Mark had trials with several counties, including Lancashire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire before being offered a contract with Surrey. He played at Surrey in l988 and 1989 but despite being one of their most successful bowlers in second eleven cricket had limited opportunities and eventually moved to Glamorgan in 1990.

He spent four years on the staff at Glamorgan during which time he claimed 144 first class wickets, taking fifty wickets in both 1990 and 1991 and winning his county cap in 1991. Mark was capped for Glamorgan in 1991 the year after the legendary Viv Richards and the year before two current Glamorgan stalwarts Tony Cottee and Robert Croft.

His best bowling figures were 7 for 99, against Gloucestershire at Cheltenham. In addition to first class cricket, Mark played Minor Counties for Staffordshire in 1984 and Wales in 1994.

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An earliest recollection of Mark was him playing at the Express & Star ground against Wombourne. At a time before batsmen had helmets and arm guards he opened the bowling and his first ball nearly decapitated Fred Davis, their opening batsman, and hit the sight screen halfway up without bouncing. Six extras were signaled and we can only assume that Fred was pleased that there was no extra ball.

Since retiring from cricket, Mark has worked for the Sports Council of Wales, before serving as Director of Cricket for the Cricket Board of Wales between 1999 and 2004. In January 2005 he joined the Sports Council of Wales.

Mark Frost England Player profile Full name: Mark Frost Born: October 21, 1962, Barking, Essex Major teams: Glamorgan, Surrey, Wales Minor Counties Batting style: Right-hand bat Bowling style: Right-arm medium-fast Batting and fielding averages Mat Inns NO First-class 64 52 19 List A 56 16 9

Runs 106 30

HS 12 6*

Ave 3.21 4.28

100 0 0

50 Ct St 0 7 0 0 9 0

Bowling averages Mat Balls Runs Wkts BBI BBM Ave Econ SR 4w 5w 10 First-class 64 9918 6005 169 7/99 35.53 3.63 58.6 4 2 List A 56 2565 1980 66 4/25 4/25 30.00 4.63 38.8 3 0 0

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TONY LEA Tony started at Womboume aged 11, but was enticed to Old Hill after playing in Staffordshire U13s team in 1975 with Steve Walker. He came through the teams at Old Hill, and played first Birmingham League game in 1979, aged 16. The Old Hill team included Ron Headley, Keith Wilkinson, Bernard Rowley and John Swinbourne, meaning that he played top division cricket in four different decades and represented Worcestershire at under 19 level, aged 16,17, 18 and 19 (as captain). The coach of these teams was a certain Dave Collins.

He had a long apprenticeship in Old Hill's second team in what was a tough cricketing apprenticeship. At various times he played club second XI cricket against legends such as Bert Latham, David Heath and Doug Slade, and played regular first team cricket in the second half of 1981 aged 18 and found it extremely tough. A major breakthrough came in the following season when he scored his maiden Birmingham League century at Moseley, with Walks at the other end. Tony ended that season with over six hundred league runs, and played in every game in the National KO up until defeat in the semi-final at Scarborough by three runs in front of five thousand plus spectators. Gordon Lewis was a very vocal Old Hill supporter.

His first summer at Cambridge University was successful, even though he couldn't break into the first team, which was packed with County players (Tim Curtis, Steve Henderson and Robin Boyd-Moss to name a few). On returning to a very strong Old Hill team (Mushtaq, Greg Matthews et al), he found himself back in the seconds for four games, but got back in the side to be third in the averages behind the two Test players and was at the wicket with Mushy when Old Hill won the last of their league titles at Dudley in front of a huge crowd.

1984 was a pivotal year in that he made his first class debut (along with eight others as the whole of the previous year's team had left), and was fortunate enough to score 119 in his second game against an Essex team including Lever, Foster, Pringle, Acfield and Turner. On reflection, this has to be his finest innings as it established him in the team and allowed him to win the first of three cricket blues and play at Lords. He was then to join Stourbridge in 1985, and although he thought he would only be away from Old Hill for a couple of seasons after nine happy years there, he was fortunate enough to be at Stourbridge during their golden period of 1986 83

to1989, when they won two league titles and the National KO. He was in his first season as captain for the second of those league titles in 1989, and captained the club for five happy years, a long run by today’s standards.

As a batsman, the three years from 1989 to 1991 were when he was at his peak. In those seasons he scored 2,219 Birmingham League runs at an average of 44, including five centuries. In total, in the top division, without digging out all the records, he scored around 7000 runs at about 35 with around 9 centuries. The early to mid-90s were a mixed time for Stourbridge, and he accepted an invitation from Jon Day in 1998 to join Himley. The brief was very much to try to win the Village KO, whilst competing hard in what was then a very competitive Staffs Clubs League. He was absolutely sure that he played his last Birmingham League game. The rise of Himley through the pyramid system has been well documented as an experienced, but talented group of players came together, and showed that they knew how to win games. They also knew when to step aside and allow the side to re-generate itself. Tony felt that he was past his best as a player with Himley, but still contributed some important performances during the promotion seasons. It was a great way to end his playing career, which was at the end of 2004.

Tony had begun to develop his coaching career initially with Worcestershire under 19s, then under 17s, under his coaching mentor, Dave Collins. Once Tony obtained the Level 3 qualification in 2003, it was his desire to one day coach Himley in the Premier League. The relationship Tony developed with Greg Wright evolved during their first season together, 2005. Tony relishes a challenge and desperately wants to add the final piece to being a Birmingham League winner as player, vice-captain, captain and coach.

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OTHER HIMLEY PLAYERS OF NOTE VIKRAM SOLANKI In 2002, our first season in the Premier League, we were fortunate enough to twice field a side containing two international batsmen. Joining overseas player Lincoln Roberts was Vikram Solanki of Worcestershire and England.

Ironically, we did not win either game, but Vikram has had an outstanding career to date, playing 51 One-Day-Internationals (should have been at least 100) scoring 1097 runs at 26.75 with a strike rate of 72.93, including two centuries. At first class level, Vikram has scored over 12000 runs at 35.92 with a highest score of 232(*) and 21 centuries.

STUART WEDGE One of our current players, Stuart Wedge, has played four games for Worcestershire, taking nine wickets, including 5 for 112 on his debut against Essex in 2005.

RICHARD JONES Richard Jones has represented Worcestershire in 3 games to date, taking 7 wickets with a best of 3-37. Richard has left us to return to Old Hill, his original club, and we wish him well with his efforts to make it as a first class cricketer. However, we are delighted that Worcestershire have allocated their new signing from Middlesex, Chris Whelan, to Himley for 2008. Chris is a 21 year old fast bowler who comes highly recommended from both players and coaches. He has currently played three first class matches, taking 11 wickets at an average below 20, and we look forward to seeing him representing the club.

STEVE DAVIS If ever a young player looked destined for great things, it was Steve Davies as a 16 year old in his one season at Himley in 2003. He has not disappointed in his brief career to date, scoring over 2500 first class runs at 34.86, including four centuries, since his debut in 2005. When his accomplished wicket-keeping is added to his high class batting, Steve is on his way to full international Honours, and everyone at Himley wishes him well for the future.

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ALISTAIR MAIDEN Alistair Maiden played an important role in our 2004 title challenge, and hit the headlines with a magnificent undefeated 211 for Durham University against a strong Somerset side at Taunton in 2005. To date, Ally has played 10 First class matches scoring 468 runs at an average of 36.

TIM HEAP I know that I am not alone in thinking there is an obvious omission from the above list. Having played with and against him over many years, as well as working with him as a coach, Tim Heap has been a First Class cricketer.

He is one of a small number of excellent cricketers who could/should have had long careers in the First Class game, but played League and Minor Counties cricket to a very high standard. Their loss has been our gain, and we all hope there are many more wickets(and important runs!) to come from Tim, as well as the League Title, which I know he is desperate to win with Himley.

So there is a brief snapshot of some of Himley's first class players not already mentioned elsewhere in this book. As someone who is working with our very youngest players, I am very hopeful of adding some more names to this distinguished list in 25 years’ time.

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HIMLEY OVERSEAS PLAYERS T.P. SINGH It took one look, just a glance from Stuart Lampitt, to indicate that we may have a special player on our hands. The venue was Wellington on a damp, miserable, early May afternoon and TP Singh had just effortlessly stroked a straight driven four off the back foot on a low slow wicket. He had arrived in the country on an overnight flight, and everyone was anxious to see how the new overseas player shaped up. He was out for fewer than 20 that day, but news had filtered back to Gordon and Walks that TP looks a bit special, and we hadn't seen him bowl or field yet.

LINCOLN ROBERTS There was an element of symmetry about TP's debut, because some six years earlier in 2001 another new signing made his debut at Wellington after a long overseas flight. Lincoln Roberts was suffering from jet lag that day, but still helped us to a win in what turned out to be a glorious season of promotion to the Premier League. It didn't take long for Lincoln to announce his arrival with 99 in 12 overs in the League Knockout against Old Hill on the Monday night. It was this innings that saw him clear the pavilion at Himley and begin his two year love affair with Old Hill's bowling attack. The current players who never saw Lincoln play must be fed up with tales of his brilliant stroke play and prodigious six hitting.

Those who saw him bat will no doubt have their favourite innings and particular shots, such as the two hundreds in a Bank Holiday weekend that virtually sealed promotion in 2001; the hundreds that played a massive part in us winning The Birmingham League Knockout in 2002; his back-to-back hundreds against Cannock and Walsall or his unforgettable League record 226 not out against his favourite Old Hill (we declared after 49 overs).

Lincoln had his weaknesses, namely left arm spinners and speed limits, and proved just as challenging for club officials as opposition bowlers, but he was the most entertaining and destructive batsmen ever to play for the club.

SHADHID ALI KHAN Tony Lea was to prove the catalyst for Himley's first overseas player in 1995. Over the course of a number of seasons, he had got to know Moseley's Pakistani off spinner, Shahid Ali Khan (affectionately known as Albert). Our battles had been pretty even, but on certain surfaces his prodigious turn and bounce was near to being unplayable. He had fallen out with Moseley and was looking for a good club. At the time Tony was 87

with Stourbridge, and could see a way forward to not having to bat against Albert for a few seasons, so Tony made the call to Walks, knowing that the Staffs Clubs had recently allowed overseas players into their competition.

The rest is history, as Albert enjoyed six highly productive seasons at the club. Wicket keeping was to become very challenging, and the Himley captains during Albert's time were to enjoy prolonged periods of control in the field, resulting in back-to-back promotions in 1999 and 2000. There is no doubt that Albert played a huge part in getting the club to where it is today and he treats Himley as his English club.

JAN DREYER After the Lincoln years, Stuart Lampitt took over as captain and expressed a desire for a fast bowler as overseas player. The search quickly narrowed to Jan Dreyer, a South African who bowled at express pace for Penn during 1998 and 2001. Attendance at net practice dropped off alarmingly amongst the batters, but Jan suffered a number of frustrating injuries and was rarely able to produce his best form for Himley.

ANTHONY McQUIRE The club reverted to an overseas batsman for 2004, and signed the excellent Australian, Anthony Mcquire, who had plundered runs as a young man for Old Wulfs in the early 90s. It took a matter of a few balls in his first game to make us realise that we had a class player, and he scored consistently during our season long and eventually unsuccessful pursuit of a first league title. Anthony was the most competitive and professional overseas player to represent Himley. He introduced the Australian concept of a team song to be belted out when we won a game. This rendition was perfected over a then record seven consecutive matches. Anthony (never call him Tony) put his heart and soul into the club both on and off the field. He was devastated when our title challenge fell away, but was instrumental in introducing more professional disciplines within the squad.

GERRY STRYDOM The following season was one of great change. Greg Wright took over as captain, and again looked for overseas runs to shore up a very young side.

Survival was our main objective after a number of years challenging at the top. On paper, our South African, Gerry Strydom, had an outstanding record, with runs in first class cricket in his homeland and several heavy scoring seasons in good standard English league cricket. He proved to be the great enigma, suffering a horrendous run of form over the first half of 88

the season, which put immense pressure on our young side. It had to change, and it did with a run of influential innings, which left us unbeaten in all matches from 25th June to the end of the season. Gerry's high point was two Bank Holiday centuries, which moved us into a position to challenge for the title. We ultimately finished second by a mere six points, but by winning the Staffordshire Cup, Gerry contributed greatly towards arguably the club's finest ever season.

LACHLAN ELDRIDGE For 2006, we had decided not to engage an overseas player, until Tony fielded a call from the highly respected Gordon Smith, who informed me via a reliable contact, that a teenage Australian, Lachlan Eldridge, was keen to have a season in England. He had never been outside Australia, and couldn't believe the sleet and snow that greeted him in early April. For the first few weeks, Lockie was in deep freeze and really struggled. However, as soon as the sun came out and the wickets changed he announced himself by belting Wolverhampton for a hundred in the 20/20 competition. We then used him as an "impact" player and he influenced a number of games with his unique ball striking methods. His fielding was exceptional in any position, and although we never saw the best of his leg spin bowling, he proved a popular and influential member of the side. A combination of cash flow problems and homesickness led to Lockie going home in midAugust, but he left a positive his mark on the club, socially, as a player, and as an excellent coach with the younger players.

So we move full circle to TP, who we are delighted to re-engage for 2008.

Once we saw him bowl and field, it was obvious we had signed an exceptional all round player, who was in the Anthony McQuire mould as far as professional attitude is concerned. He was far from happy with his batting in 2007, citing a lack of consistency. However, when he got in, his stroke play evoked comparison with Lincoln, none more so than when he ignored detailed instructions to proceed with caution against the wily left arm spin of Kotak by smashing thirty off two overs and completely changing the game.

His left arm spin has given Greg both an element of control and wickettaking potential. It looked extremely difficult batting against Himley a lot of the time last year which bodes well for an exciting 125th year. What can you say about his fielding? He is/was the best in the league, absolutely no doubt, and is arguably comparable to Trevor Penney and, for the slightly 89

older generation, Cedric Boyns. His ability to change games has already been proven. When he played in the Indian Cricket League, he was described on television by Tony Greig as one of the best fielders in the world. TP follows in a distinguished line of Himley overseas players, all of whom contributed to the club's astonishing ascent over the past decade or so. As to who was the best, that is for debate over a beer or two in the pavilion.

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GENERAL COMMITTEE, PAST CHAIRMEN & SECRETARIES

GENERAL COMMITTEE President and Trustee Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Treasurer J. Corns OBE S. Hughes C. Corbett A. Lea G. Whittaker T. S. Waterhouse G. Barker M. Cole G. Tromans CHAIRMAN G. Lewis PAST CHAIRMEN Rev H. Smith Rev A. R. Goodwin J. B. Braid Rev E. W. Hamond W. F. L. Kirby H. Higginson W. J. Simpson T. H. Keith S. A. Robinson D. J. Jones J. W. Brandrick

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J. W. Brandrick G. Lewis A. Biggs J. Dee S. Walker Trustee Trustee Trustee

SECRETARY J Dee PAST SECRETARIES A. E Colwell H. Shotton W. J. Simpson F. A. Clewley H. Higginson E. W. Hinchley D. Matthews T. H. Keith

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S. Smith B. George B. Rundle J. Corns OBE A. T. Willis Mrs P. J. Robinson A.T. Willis T. S. Waterhouse

PAST PRESIDENTS, VICE PRESIDENTS & CAPTAINS PAST PRESIDENTS 1883 - 1913 1914 - 1946 1947 - 1963 1964 - 1967 1968 - 1995 1995 -

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F Grazebrook O Grazebrook A J Allen W F L Kirby W J Simpson J W Brandrick

VICE PRESIDENTS 2008 Mr D Acroyd Mr J Beever Mr G D Biggs Mr A Biggs Mr J T Birchall Mr M Bowen Mrs S Bowen Mr M Box Mr W E Braden Mr S Braden Mr K L Brandrick Mr J W Brandrick Mrs J Brandrick Mr J Buttress Mr A Chivers Mr A Cole Mr W Cole Mr D Collins Mr R M Corbett Mr J Corns Mr J A Crawford Mr A Day Mr J Dee Mr A G H Edward Mr A Edwards Mr K Gerrish Mr A Hale Mr W K Handarahan Mr R Harris Mrs B Heath Mr B Hemmings Mr A P Henley Mrs E Higginson Mr K Hough 94

Mr G D Hough Mr J E Hughes Mr S Hughes Mr A G Jefferies Mr D Jones Mr S R Lampitt Mr A Lea Mrs I Lewis Mr G D Lewis Mr J D Mayer Mr D Meageen Mr J Mees Mr D B Middleton Mr C Partridge Mr T J Pearce Mr A Pridgeon Mr K Pritchard Mrs P J Robinson Mr W S Shorter Mrs L Shorter Mr D J S Shorter Mr S M Small Mrs N J Small Mr M J Soley Mr M W Stocker Mr B F Styles Mr K H Taylor Mr R H Thomas Mr S A Walker Mr R S Wall Mr T S Waterhouse Mr R A Waterhouse Mr A Watkins Mr D Webb Mr J G Whittaker Mr A T Willis

CLUB CAPTAINS 1924 1925-27 1928 1929-3 1931-32 1933 1934 1935-37 1938-39 1940 1941 1942 1943-44 1945 1946 1947-54 1955

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N. W. Bridgeman A. E. Colwell F. Brookes N. Pagett J. N. Keyte F. Brookes L. Wilkes A. E. Colwell W. J. Simpson J. M. Hill A. E. Colwell W. Munro A. E. Cowell G. Chambers R. Hill H. Higginson S. A. Robinson

1958-65 1966-68 1969-72 1973 1974-78 1979-80 1981-82 1983-85 1986-90 1991-92 1993-94 1995-96 1997-98 1999-00 2001-02 2003

H. A. Breakwell J. W. Brandrick H. A. Breakwell B. Rundle T. S. Waterhouse J. T. Birchall R. H. Thomas D. Webb A. Shorter A. Willis A. Shorter M. C. Brandrick J. K. Day D. B. Middleton J. D. Mayer S. R. Lampitt D B Middleton

125 YEAR CELEBRATIONS FIXTURES Fixture MCC

v Himley 1st XI

Staffs Clubs

U-23 Academy

MCCC

1st XI

Birmingham League All Stars

1st XI

Aberystwyth

Mixed XI

Past Mixed XI

Present Mixed XI

Umpires TBC for all Fixtures

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Date & Format Wednesday 6th August 20 overs 5.30 Lunch & Team Monday 18th August 40 overs Start 1.00 pm Tuesday 19th August 50 overs Start 11.30 am Lunch only Wednesday 20th August 20 overs Start 4.30 pm Thursday 21st August 45 over Friday 22nd August 40 overs 12.00 pm

Ground Main

Junior Main

Main

Main