Harlow Cricket Club Brochure 2024 - 2025

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WELCOME TO THE HISTORY & MEMBERS OF HARLOW CRICKET CLUB

We are a member’s club open to all and visitors made most welcome who want to pop along on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon to watch some cricket along with a cool glass of wine or beer.

Every Saturday during the summer season (late April through to early September) there will be games played on our two lovely cricket grounds which sit either side of the club pavilion. To the front is known as Marigolds and to the other side, Spicers field.

Sundays is also a good day. Many mornings during the season our youngsters having matches. We have teams ranging from U9’s through to U16’s and also they have specialised training and coaching sessions.

In the afternoon, from 1pm or so,, Sunday cricket is played with either one of our occasional Sunday teams or long term guests, Netteswell & Burnt Mill CC entertaining us with one of their friendly fixtures.

Just like Saturdays, the bar will be open so sit comfortably and watch with ease through the day on our south westerly facing balcony or garden.

If you have children interested in learning and playing the game of cricket, Thursday evenings is perfect for five- to nine-year-olds from 5.30 onward, Late April to the end of August.

There is always a buzz on the balcony with parents, friends and siblings watching during a dizzy evening sunset. A great friendly atmosphere.

For older children then have a word with our Colts Manager/coordinator.

We also compete in a winter in-door cricket league, then early New Year in-door practise net start at a location nearby to our cricket ground.

Adult cricket is an important part of our club, fielding five team playing league cricket every Saturday, new members of any skills are made most welcome.

We have a strong social atmosphere to enjoy with various functions held through out the year. Also, the club house can be hired for private functions.

Harlow Cricket Club dates to 1774 when our first recorded match was mentioned in the Essex Chronicle, away to Maldon cricket club. A long trip nowadays let long 250 years or so ago.

So welcome to Marigolds, home of Harlow Cricket Club

Alan Howick – President

www.harlowcricketclub.co.uk

HARLOW CRICKET CLUB

MUCH OLDER THAN MANY THOUGHT POSSIBLE

With a cricket club as old as ours, it is so important to keep tabs with the older members to ensure their stories told and recorded as best as possible. Sadly, as with many other well-established clubs, keeping records of the club’s history and characters is seldom done therefore one’s own history vanishes. That nearly happened here.

But over the last forty years or so, items of historic interest have been found, recorded, and stored safely. In many cases ancient pictures hanging in the clubhouse for all to see. We also publish occasional newsletters containing ‘Brief Lives’ of members both past and present invited to tell their story.

We were incredibly lucky when the local branch of the NatWest bank closed, in their storeroom was a large container full of cricket memorabilia about both Harlow and Moor Hall cricket clubs. Going back to the late 19th century and early 20th. An absolute treasure trove for us.

From that we were able to trace our history. along with modern on-line media records we establish our origins and the first recoded match played in 1774. But was that the first or just another game played since the club first started? It could well have been earlier, who knows? We may never find out, but 1774 is a good base to start our story.

This was told in a book published in 2015 titled “ in Harlow – the first 139 years 1900. Now what about the next 124 plus that followed!!!

Well, we have researched and collected enough to tell a story up to the beginning of WW2 and of course afterwards plenty of easier access to trace our glorious

Sam Deards Esq

A legend from the 19th into the 20th century

CLUBHOUSE AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE FUNCTIONS

CRICKET IN HARLOWTHE FIRST 126 YEARS . . . 1774

TO 1900

1761. a mere 263 years ago, is an important cricketing date for Harlow and a certain Mr Bry. The first mention of cricket and Harlow in the same sentence occurred in a short article of Cricket Scores by H.T. Waghorn found in the archives at Lord’s where he records a certain person called Bry, saying ‘famous cricketer-player’, known by the name (cricket trade name perhaps) of Die-Game who was arrested in East Sheen, Richmond for horse stealing and one of the horses stolen was sold at Harlow Bush Fair.

He was committed, with a local newspaper reporting that Die Game – it didn’t mention his real name – was tried and capitally convicted Saturday April 10 1761. On the following Monday he received a reprieve by the judge. An 18th century version of today’s “umpires referral” perhaps?

WE RAPIDLY MOVE ON A FEW YEARS TO 1774...

Little else has been established (cricket wise) until 1774 when the Essex Chronicle reported that on September 23rd - ‘On Monday fe’nnight (fortnight?) the long depending cricket match between the gentlemen of Middlesfex (Middlesex) and the gentlemen of Harlow was won by the latter; with great odds in their favour”. Actually who won? Whether it was the gents of Essex or Middlesex is uncertain.

It was a busy year for Harlow and cricket, another report (source uncertain but credited to ‘Cricket Notices to 1800’

by G R Buckley) tells us Harlow beat Maldon “with great odds”. Was the game played at Harlow or Maldon? Either way that is a long trip by waggon and horses wherever the pitch was laid.

MOVING ON INTO THE 1800S...

Tracing records from the late 18th century into the 19th is difficult as very few newspapers appeared at that time. For example the Herts & Essex Observer started life in 1861. We did, however, get lucky with the help of Essex Archives in Chelmsford in letting us have copies of a series of letters to the Reverend J. Arkwright, who lived in Mark Hall, the former mansion. It seems the Rev. Arkwright had a fondness for entertaining and cricket.

The series of letters starting in 1828 with W. H. Sims of nearby Hubbard’s Hall returning the accounts and books for ‘our Cricket Club’. Other letters include one from Mr David Hankin apologising for not making cricket meetings and one from Mr Bakeley for getting the date of the match versus Stansted Gents and apologising for his poor show against Pattiswick CC.

Geoff Hughes writes confirming ‘the wickets will be pitched for the return match at Harlow’ (he lived in Leyton) and finally a letter from Mr J. Johnson inviting the Rev Arkwright to play a game of cricket at his house. The letter was written on the 18th June 1823. From the contents of three of these letters, there is a very strong clue of a cricket club in the area with further support with a letter in July of 1823 where it mentions the strength of the Harlow cricket club side and offers them substitutes for a match being organised by the Revd. Joseph Arkwright.

Therefore, between 1774 and 1823, there is strong evidence of organised cricket activity being played in Harlow and of a club in existence of the same name.

cricketing focal point of the game until the formation of the MCC and the opening of the first Lord’s Cricket Ground in 1787.

Therefore, Harlow Cricket Club would appear as old as the MCC, give or take a bit, and older than Wisden’s, the first edition being published in 1864.

19TH MARCH 1842 . . .SAMUEL DEARDS WAS BORN

The birth of he entrepreneur, inventor and fireman and much more including the inventor of the mechanical cricket scoreboard first tested at Marigolds cricket ground.

29TH JULY 1850, ANOTHER CLUB ACTIVELY PLAYING CRICKET!

As well as Harlow Cricket Club, just around the corner within the grounds of the Moor Hall Estate, the home of Mr Perry Watlington, where a magnificent county house once stood a cricket ground was laid, along with a beautiful thatched pavilion becoming the home of Moor Hall Cricket Club.

Harlow CC 2nd XI in 1922 outside the original pavilion (used as such during 1880’s –1952)

This is the oldest and poorest condition picture. It is of another team known as St Marys CC who are in fact Harlow CC for reasons unknown (so far) HCC rebranded, same players, same ground just a different name.

Scorecard: 1866 HCC .v. ECC

CRICKET IN HARLOW - THE FIRST 126 YEARS . . . 1774 TO 1900

The Moor Hall team was made up of the local gentry, three Reverends and what appears to be two “professionals” or paid staff (for their cricket skills as well as working in the field), one being a member of the to become famous Silcock dynasty. For the record Moor Hall CC won convincingly.

1861 – THE FIRST REGULAR PRINTED MATCH REPORTS FROM THE HERTS & ESSEX OBSERVER

An interesting report of match played at Harlow between Mr Payne’s side and Mr F. Scott’s side. The match was played at Woodward Meadow, Harlow. Looking through both teams, many of the names appear regularly during the continuation of this century for both Harlow and Moor Hall Cricket Clubs.

SO WHEREABOUTS WAS CRICKET PLAYED IN HARLOW?

Every week during the summers 1860s there are reports including a game played on a hot sunny day at Matching Green in May of 1862, but nowhere in Harlow other than the odd field!

There were celebrations as a new ground was opened as two local cricket lovers, a Mr W Carville & Mr E G Pratt, raised teams to celebrate the opening and it included the local brass band playing all day. Some occasion.

A clue appears when “A Grand Cricket Match” was promoted for a two-day game played “on the Harlow Cricket Ground at the Green Man Inn”.

as well as Moor Hall CC. W E Deards being their Secretary (son of Sam Deards).

The story was duly published the following week and reported this match took place on Friday and Saturday the 28th & 29th ult, on the Green Man Inn Ground at Harlow. The cricket ground at The Green Man Inn is the first positive reference of a name and positive location that can be identified. But was it the field behind where the football club eventually built their own ground (most likely) or further southwest near to the house named Marigolds which owned the field behind at one time? Probably not yet.

MOVING INTO THE LAST DECADE OF THE 19TH CENTURY

Numerous reports appear including a match between Harlow Collegiate School and Mr Archbell’s XI, played at the Oxleys and St Mary’s Institute CC v. Old Culhamities played at Marigolds. Players included W E Deards, W H Scruby and A J Aplin, all well-known members of both Harlow and Moor Hall CC’s as well. Another match against Burnt Mill CC was also played at Marigolds.

As the 19th century comes to an end a new dawn begins for Harlow cricket in the new century.

INTO THE 20TH CENTURY –1900 UNTIL 1950

MANY CHANGES SOCIAL, LIVES AND CRICKET...

As we enter the 1900’s there are still two strong cricket clubs, Harlow and Moor Hall who seemed to have two faces. A team of ‘regular local cricketers’ many also played for both HCC and MHCC club sides. Then, country house cricket stood centre stage, where wealthy estate owners including the owner of Moor Hall (from 1850’s) John Perry Watlington (who was also a founding name of Essex County Cricket Club) then after his death (1882) his successor John Balfour mixed their teams with aristocratic neighbours and famous cricket names along with locally based ‘professional’ players.

One week Moor Hall CC were playing Harlow, Bishops Stortford then a few days later, a different ‘team’ full of the rich and wealthy mixed with quality club cricketers (professionals of course) were entertaining the like of The Gentlemen of The MCC including such names as Bernard Bosquanet (1907) who invented the googly delivery.

As far as nationally known cricketers are concerned, it was reported in 1893 a certain K S Ranjitsinhji, (of England and Sussex CCC) who later to become the ruler and princely state of Nawanagar played for the club verses The Leys, Cambridge.

Moor Hall carried on in direct competition with Harlow Cricket Club for another decade, rumours in 1909 were reported of a possible merger between the two clubs (Sam Deards thought to be the author) nothing happened so eventually, Moor Hall CC slowly shut down at around the time John Balfour sold out.

HERBERT FOWLER – CRICKETER AND GOLF COURSE DESIGNER

During the short period between Perry-Watlington and the Balfour’s occupancy of Moor Hall was a family

A fine bunch of cricketers caught in 1935

called Fowler. Their second son Herbert (b.1856 d. 1941) was a keen cricketer playing for both Essex and Somerset. He came to prominence as a cricketer for just one shot played at Lords, was measured at 157 yards! But golf was his passion and became one of the most famous golf course architects during the early 20th century. Not only here in the UK (Walton Heath GC) he designed courses in Europe and the USA.

SO WE ARE ENTER INTO THE 1900’S IN STYLE

1900 Both clubs have AGM’s at the same venue, The Green Man Hotel. Fortunately on different dates.

1901 Harlow CC win the West Essex League and repeat that success again in 1902, 1904 and 1906

1904 Harlow CC loose heavily to Moor Hall CC where John Balfour score’s an impressive 163.

INTO THE 20TH CENTURY – 1900 UNTIL 1950

1904 Advert features in Wisden’s Almanack featuring Sam Deards mechanical scoreboard, already featured at many country grounds and overseas. The prototype (probably!) being tested at Marigolds cricket ground.

1908 Geoffrey de Mountney Hoare (related to the Hoare Banking dynasty) who played for Harlow Cricket Club over many decades from the early 20th century acquires Marigolds and Spicers field which is placed in trust “with absolute protection” as a recreational field for the people of Harlow.

From now, we currently have little records so we move on the summer of 1918, where a young man watches over the fence as the crickets practised during weekday evenings.

We are blessed with two members who recorded for us their first memories of our Club.

1918 - PERCY PAVITT AND HIS CLOSE FRIEND, HARRY HARDS – OVER FORTY YEARS CRICKETING TOGETHER.

Their joint memories recall a carthorse with leather shoes cutting the outfield, also sheep doing a similar task, a smelly pond along the pavilion which they hoped to avoid retrieving any balls which runs into it. Percy recalls being Captain Hoare net bowler, away games sometimes via the railway but still long walks to and from the nearest station. An early memory of a rare Sunday game at Pishiobury Park,, walk or bicycle a few good miles to get home from after play.

Percy and Harry became lifelong friends playing together for our club from around 1918 until the early 1950’s. Percy presented the club with three pristine fixture cards from the late 1920’s into the 1930’s, priceless history!

1922 First recorded or only surviving team picture, the 2nd XI outside the scorebox.

Geoffrey de Mountney Hoare (of the famous banking dynasty) who was responsible for the acquisition of Marigolds playing fields along with the adjoining Spicers Field in the early 1900’s and to be the permanent home of Harlow Cricket Club under Trust status.

1922 Sam Deards passes away aged 80. Makes front page new in the Daily Telegraph.

SO, TO THE END OF THE ‘ROARING TWENTIES’ AND INTO THE 1930’S

The club continues to thrive, more pictures of more teams and we start to understand who our ‘cricket family’ were, with names such as Percy and Harry, now joined by Alf, Freddie, the Lambert brothers, Parish and Springham families and others who carried the club through the thirties, through the difficult forties and a few still playing well into the 1950’s. Harlow was then, a sleepy little market town of around 3000, somewhere on the route from London to Cambridge. As there was (and still is) a station the commuter life existed back then! Local employment was available in service for the local country houses and estates and farmworkers were in demand. Numerous local small business thrived. Harlow was surrounded by a few prosperous country estates and manor houses which created additional employment.

The level of cricket was good in those days and against major towns with competitive teams nearby such as Bishops Stortford, Sawbridgeworth and to the south Epping. Country house cricket was still popular. At the previously mentioned Moor Hall, Terlings, Gt Hyde Hall, Pishiobury Park, Gilston Park. But looming up being the dark sky’s of 1939 through to 1945, where would Harlow Cricket Club and more important Marigolds could end up as?

THE ARRIVAL OF LEW FREEDMAN, SAVOUR OF MARIGOLDS FROM GROWING POTATOES INSTEAD OF CRICKETERS

Lew ended up in Harlow from Walthamstow at the beginning of WW2, invalid out or ‘not bloody fit enough’ in his words. He was transferred to an engineering company based near Harlow and being a keen cricket player soon joined in with the club and its activities. With stories going around of sports grounds being dug up for ‘The War Effort’ Lew suggested to the two senior cricket club officers (Dr Norman Booth and Bob Stringham) “unless Marigolds is used to play more cricket The Board of Agriculture will dig this place up and use as a potato field!” Enough said. Lew goes on to tell his story that those three rallied around made-up teams of ‘all sorts’ and played anyone who could muster eleven bodies onto Marigolds to play. Lew won over the Ministry and Marigolds survived as is today, a beautiful cricket ground.

These two fine gentlemen were long term former Presidents of the club. Lt Col Gosling and John (Jock) Swire both had long long term association with the club jointly spreading from early 1900 up until the mid 1950’s.

One of the earliest team pictures of Harlow CC 1sT XI taken in 1930

Moor Hall CC taken around 1908. This club shadowed HCC for many decades with many HCC members appearing for both teams. This team picture was the invitational XI of John Balfour the owner of Moor Hall. Sam Deards is the left-hand side umpire.

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INTO THE 20TH CENTURY – 1900 UNTIL 1950

A group of HCC players, picture taken at Marigolds in the mid-1930’s

First recorded post war team picture and thankful those who played for the club prewar survived to continue their cricket well into the 1950’s and some even longer still.

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HARLOW CC HISTORY ‘THE EARLY POST WAR YEARS’

We invited Andy Yeats to scroll through our records and provide a potted history from our archived records and scorebooks

1950 - 1960

Harlow emerged from the Second World War with its rural, agricultural identity intact but a location destined for significant change. The need to house Londoners horribly bombed out during the conflict was paramount and along with a handful of other Home Counties villages, Harlow was pinpointed as a site for a ‘New Town’.

The standard of cricket was high with many sides featuring players who had flirted with County Cricket such as our own Frank Debnam. Matches were of a timed format, starting at 2 or 2.30pm depending on the stage of the season with one side batting until tea at 5pm before the opposition attempted to chase down the runs. Drawn games were possible unless the side batting second were all dismissed.

First XI fixtures in that era the average first innings total was around 145. Scoring a century was a once in a season rarity across the whole club never mind for a single batsman. In 1957, not a single Harlow player reached three figures although Bill Austin twice reached the 90’s, on one occasion an agonising 98 before being dismissed. One can only speculate but a combination of uncovered wickets, highly skilled and disciplined bowling alongside the nature of the 1950’s cricket bat would be the culprit.

Amongst the leading players up until the 1960’s were the likes of Alf Mealing, Frank Debnam, Fred Silcock, Bill Austin and Michael Davy along with a young Lew Whitby.

Alf Mealing joined the club in the 1930’s and played right through until the late 1970’s. A robust batsman and great wicket keeper as well as a former 1st XI captain and club chairman at one time. Alf was a big character of the club.

Since his youth in the 1930’s Frank Debnam (he appeared in the News Chronicle in 1934 at 16 years of age, winning a bat for taking ten wickets for only 17 runs) his dream was to become a county cricketer but sadly even at Essex, family background was more important than your skills, or so it seemed. He tried for trials at Surrey but was declined because of residency t he did have a couple of 2nd XI appearances for ECCC. He appeared generally during the 1950’s but he could be a little cantankerous and left the club to play factory cricket for AEI for many summers.

Michael Davy was a slow/spin bowler and handy batsman. He was the eternal bachelor until he fell in love and gave up cricket and moved to Wales. During his career with HCC he was a regular 1st XI player.

Fred Silcock was probably the last of the Silcock cricket dynasty who passed away in 1997 aged 86. He was an elegant medium paced and graceful left arm over and left handed batsman. Frank was also a useful footballer with Harlow Town FC. His family originating from Matching Green and were outstanding cricketers from the mid19th century. Various Silcock’s played for Harlow, Matching, Bishops Stortford and England with a certain Dr WG Grace. His career with HCC spanned from the mid 1930’s up to around 1960. To this day Fred hold the best bowling performance in a match for Harlow First XI taking 8-5 against Sawbridgeworth in 1959.

John Brown was a bowler of note. In 1959 he took 56 wickets which remains the equal club record for a First XI bowler in a season (tied with Ray Day in 1975).

Other outstanding performances that have stood the test of time are from John Nicol (7-24 against Old Bealonians) and Fred Silcock again, also with 7-24 versus Sawbridgeworth, both achieved in 1957.

LOCAL JOURNALISM WITH A FRIENDLY TOUCH OF STYLE, NO PICTURES JUST CARTOON CHARACTERS!

In 1953 saw the Launch of Harlow’s very own newspaper the Harlow Citizen. Local news, local journalists, locally printed. The coverage

PERCY, HARRY & LEW (1918 THROUGH TO THE EARLY 1950’S)

Stagnant ponds, carthorses cutting the outfield and the threat of Marigolds turning into a potato field.

These three especially important gentlemen creating a marvellous ’bridge in time’ being actively connected and members of our club from the end of WW1 until the 1970’s and with fortunate foresight, they were asked to write down their wonderful memories of our cricket club.

Percy Pavitt story told us of cricket practice every weekday nights in 1918. His first game for the second XI. First XI appearances from the 1920’s right through to the early 1950’s. Scoring hundreds, taking hat-tricks and all ten wickets in an innings.

Percy as a 16-year-old recalled the outfield being cut by both hand and the use of a carthorse wearing leather shoes pulling a grass cutting machine. The square finished off with a ‘push cutter’ and hand rolled. Also, sheep brought in to chew the grass on the outfield. Taking down protective fencing by the tennis club on match days. And a smelly pond alongside the club house and the fear of trying to reclaim the cricket ball from it.

Harry Hards was a close dear friend of Percy, and they played together throughout each other’s cricketing career with our club covering some forty plus years and through to the early 1950’s.

Harry’s story is similar also recalling water being first connected to the pavilion (original white building that is c1880 and still with us) . That stagnant pond and during the early part of WW2 the club playing against a team of soldiers who had been evacuated from Dunkirk. Long distances to away games via bike, walking, a train perhaps and the odd vehicle, if they were lucky. No surprise observed Harry suggesting “we lost most of these away games!”

The third character is Lew Freedman who arrived at Marigolds in the late 1930’s having been relocated from north London by his

Harlow CC 1st XI 1950

Front row right is Lew Freedman, to the right being Harry Hards and on his left, Percy Pavitt

A BOTTLE OF MATEUS ROSE FOR ONLY 17/-!

Annual

Dinner & Dances from the late 1940’s into the early 1970’s were stylish affairs with Black Forest Gateau’s wash down with a delicate glass of Blue Nun!!

One of the great traditions of cricket clubs all over the country is the ‘Annual Dinner & Dance’. For many years, after the post-war era, tended to be very traditional in food and entertainment. But with the arrival of a new younger generation along with the early ‘glam’ period from 1980 onwards, the evenings brightened up with better venues, ‘live bands’ or disco’s, more imaginative food served (well, most times) and a more relaxed dress code. Out went the DJ’s and long frocks, in with miniskirts, flairs, loud shirts and ties! Plus the boys tended to have longer hair than their girlfriends!

But this story starts back to the early 1950’s then changing in the early 1970’s and this story motivated by the discovery of a few invitation cards and ‘order of ceremonies’ found tucked away in an old folder which immediately jogged long forgotten memories of some rather dull evenings for the youngsters ‘being seen but not heard’. Difficult evenings for the younger membership!

These venues, at their best, were held at the local golf club once or twice but more often, in the ‘canteen’ of local business ‘social clubs’ such as Standard, Key Glass or similar. The evening Guest of Honour might be a former county cricketer or local dignitary to say a few words, toasts to The Queen, the ladies and give out the prizes and awards. Then of course the ‘showstopper’the Tombola or raffle draw.

The dress code for the adults was a few men in dinner suites, ladies with tall over sprayed hair and evening dress. Us youngsters wearing cheap suits, thin ties and

if we are lucky accompanied by a pretty girl who always made a

This wonderful picture was taken around 1948 or so at The Victoria Hall

A BOTTLE OF MATEUS ROSE FOR ONLY 17/-!

These early events were normally organised by Gordon Bassett and his wife. Both resplendent. Gordon in full dinner suite with black bow tie and a long ball gown for Mrs B of course. They loved their ballroom dancing so you can imagine with The Bernard Williams Band or for a change the Ralph White & His Band (both much the same) it was one way traffic. For the very occasional ‘modern’ tune the young ladies would dance together around a handbag and the boys getting into the light & bitters at some rate.

Has anyone since, been able to watch ‘Come Dancing’ on TV without the thought of Mr & Mrs Bassett spinning around the dance floor?

In 1971, a revolution in some small part. The entertainment changed and was provided by The Memphis City Jazz Band. Mr & Mrs Bassett didn’t attend. Nor did the other DJ’s wearers either, the tide was turning.

Within a decade the tide had turned completely as we entered the glamourous 80’s. With a little more to spend, the venues and menus changed and improved. First to The Saxon Inn then better still (sadly no longer around) The Churchgate Manor Hotel. The food upped its standard and so did the wine and beer! Not only were we smiling more, the dress code was more colourful and relaxed, everyone seemed to enjoy and the hangovers were bigger. Nowadays we have moved on even further. For better or worse is an opinion. Now we have ‘presentation evenings’ held at our new club house. Not a bad thing, keeps the revenue ‘in-house’ and why not, we have a fabulous facility. Let us make good use of it as well.

More recently we are moving slightly back towards ‘tradition’ with dinner and music afterwards. Will that continue?

MOVING INTO THE 1970’S 80’S & 90’S

1960/1970’S - KO CRICKET ARRIVES AND A THREAT OF A MERGER

With rapid expansion of the town and population came increasing industrialisation of the area. Many companies and businesses moved into Harlow, encouraged by favourable government schemes. With a strong workingclass profile, the area became a hotbed of sport. Whilst cricket was predominantly played on a ‘friendly’ basis it didn’t stop an explosion of new sides forming, many originating from factories and various companies.

The Proudlock Cup became a hotly contested midweek 20 over competition with Harlow achieving success on several occasions. Sunday cricket became increasingly popular with many players donning their whites twice of a weekend.

As Harlow grew as a new town significant pressure came to bear on the club to leave its ancestral home at Marigolds and engage in a merger with near rivals Stort CC (since rebranded as Harlow Town). The influential Harlow Development Committee had pursued a policy of drawing all the major sports clubs in the area into one central athletic epicentre. The towns football club and Stort themselves were already in residence. It went to a vote. Thankfully, our 1971 predecessors rejected the proposal out of sight by a comprehensive margin of 25 votes to 1.

LEAGUE CRICKET HAS ARRIVED

Arguably the event that was to change the face of cricket in Essex occurred in 1971. The formation of the Essex Senior League saw regular league cricket for the first time in the county with both Harlow 1’s and 2’s members of the inaugural competition. The First XI boasted a new captain in Michael Burdekin but the side contained bags of experience with the likes of Lew Whitby, Peter Prodger, Ray Day, Lionel Lambert and Bob Waller regulars in the side for over a decade.

These were a very special group of men. Not only did that team contain some outstanding cricketers but they also were very influential in the running of the club.

Ray Day was one of the best bowlers in the history of the club. He was extremely quick with a skiddy style. He was incredibly competitive and under his captaincy in the 1970’s we came very close to winning the league but lost out on batting bonus points due to often opting to bowl first knocking over the opposition cheaply.

Ray still held the joint club record for wickets in a single season (56 in 1975) and even though we only have a fraction of the score books from his playing career it still amounts to a club record 200+ First XI wickets. Incredibly, Ray holds four of the top 10 records for First XI wickets in a season and four of the best individual bowling performances at First XI level of all time – despite the scarcity of scorebooks existing from his playing days. Perhaps the greatest bowler in the history of the club?

The Prodger name is woven through the history of the club. Without doubt one of the most influential post war families to be connected to Harlow CC.

Peter Prodger played senior cricket in Africa, being a member and captain of Rift Valley CC in Kenya. He reprsented East Africa and was a regular player for the Kenya Kongonis and featured in Wisden’s Almanack for the degree of success he achieved.

Peter played against the first ever touring MCC side to East Africa in 1957. Playing for Kenya Kongonis he scored a half century in the first innings and proceeded to win the match with a century in the second. In the visiting side were six future MCC Presidents, as well as future county and international cricketers.

Peter met and married Sawbridgeworth girl Myrtle Wilce-Taylor whilst in Africa and he moved to the UK with their first child, Simon. He immediately joined Harlow CC as an exceptional opening batsman. Peter was also a very useful right arm spin or medium pace bowler. He was a leading mainstay of the side for two decades before retiring in the mid 1980’s.

He carried on his interest in the club thereafter and became President in 1987 until 1992 when he was succeeded by his wife, Myrtle who held the position for 10 years.

His three sons also played for Harlow CC with distinction at various intervals. Michael being the longest serving for some 30 years One of the most dramatic seasons in the history of the club occurred in

1976. Under the leadership of skipper Ray Day Harlow had remained unbeaten going into the final fixture of the campaign with a win needed to clinch the title. Due to the anomalies of a points scoring system that had allowed other sides to hang on the coat tails of the Marigolds side regardless of their inferior playing records only a victory would guarantee the title. Alas, a selection controversy and a frustrating draw ensured Harlow were to be pipped on the line missing out on our first Essex Senior League piece of silve Something that still rankles with many of that group even today. To pour salt on the wound the league changed the rules for future seasons based on the unfairness of Harlow missing out on the title.

dropping down from a very successful period in the 1st XI. They both produced several title challenges of their own.

The mid 1980’s period saw and enlarged and improved club house and a highly competitive cricketers with a number new club greats playing with the aforementioned Baulks.

The successful 1976 Ray Day skippered 1st XI that did everything except winning the league

ERROL GREENE

Through the 1970’s and 80’s Errol was awesome with both bat and ball.

Legendary stories still being floated around the club house even now, some forty years later!!

Also captained the 1st XI for two summers early in the 1980’s.

HARLOW CC HISTORY

Errol was an outstanding all-round cricketer who was the star of Harlow’s First XI for around a decade. Blistering pace with the ball in hand and an explosive batsman, with a superb eye, who attacked the bowling from the off and never took a backward step. In 1985 at West Essex a riled Errol smashed 102 off 47 balls with the bat and then bombarded with opposition with high quality pace taking 7-52. Extraordinary!!!

Other notable players of that era included George King who was a First XI opening bat, good fielder and occasional bowler who also was ever present for the Sunday XI for over a decade.

Graham Hesketh was a terrific First XI batsman who played for the club man and boy through three decades. Graham was a former Club Treasurer and a Life Member. But one (dreadful) blemish on his character, he left for a short while to join arch rivals Stort CC. After a period of self-denial, he returned and allowed his Stort jumper being duly burnt at Stansted cricket club one late summer Sunday afternoon. After that all was forgiven. An outstanding batsman and accumulator of runs. Was a First XI regular for over a decade and played in the Ray Day side of 1976. Graham sadly passed away suddenly in 2023.

Ian ‘Jed’ Hill was a spin bowler, aggressive batter and First XI captain in the early 1990’s. ‘Jed’ started with Harlow CC as a Colt years ago, then moved on and played around with other junior and factory clubs then came to his senses and extended his natural skills by returning in a blaze of glory in the mid 1980’s and was a key member of Terry Coxhead team during that period. He went on to be club captain a few summers later with considerable success but like Terry, was unable to win the main prize of league winners despite attracting some exciting albeit, mercenary players who were in fairness, a joy to watch. Jed left the club to play up at Saffron Walden and eventually Essex CC Over 50’s etc.

Michael Prodger was the second of the three Prodger boys and like the whole family loved his cricket. Michael’s unique contribution to our club is probably a one off,

There are so many true club legends of Harlow Cricket Club, Lew whitby was up there as one of the best

started as scorer when his father Peter was 1st XI Captain, he has been picked for probably every Saturday XI’s from 1st to 4th and maybe 5th XI’s as well as Sunday XI Captain where his star really shone. He arguably should have been a Saturday league Captain, he was a winner but for some reason that never happened.

The summer of 1985 was also a significant season for one L A ‘Lew’ Whitby, this was the season of his last ever match at Marigolds after an illustrious career and what a match it was as well as Alan Howick described.

“How about a celebration of Lew’s career?” With two teams captained by each son and the players being present and past club members with guests from other clubs who had known Lew from 1955 when he first started playing for Harlow CC at Marigolds. Easy.

The secret was hard to keep. The cunning plan was for Lew’s family to treathimtoalunch,hiskitwellhiddeninthebootofMichael’scar.When theearlylunchwasfinished,theboyssuggested“Dad,whydon’twepop round to Marigolds, it’s such a nice bright summers day?” Fine by me, replied Lew “but I don’t see much point as it will shut up and the club house closed”.

What a surprise when he turned up, not only was a match about to be played but he was to be involved. There must have been forty or fifty friendsandcricketcolleaguesshouting“surprise,surprise!!”

Stumps were drawn at 7.30 with, suitably, Lew NOT OUT on 12. An honourable draw was announced.”

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HARLOW CC HISTORY

Lew’s HCC career over thirty plus years included being a committee member for 28 years, 1st XI Captain, Hon Secretary, and Life Member. He played in 642 games scoring over 13,000 runs at an average of 23.12. Plus, a 1000 runs in 1959. 6 x 100’s and NOT OUT 57 times. And finally, his top score of being for our 2nd XI 161 .v. Clayhall away in 1965. (After he had been dropped from the 2nd XI – Ed)

The late 1980’s saw the emergence of a new crop of players at the club. These included current groundsman Cliff Clark. As a player Cliff came to prominence in the 1980’s for his accurate medium pace that saw him open the bowling for the First XI. At a time when bowling economy rates were lower than current day Cliff took being miserly with the ball to a new level.

Of course, to many Cliff is only known around the club for his work as groundsman. He has transformed the quality of the wickets on Marigolds and Spicers over the years with his dedication and care to go with the unbelievable number of hours he puts in at the club.

Three outstanding members who caried the club through the war years and safety into a new generation. Alf Baker, 1st XI umpire, Bill Crouchman, Secretary and treasurer, Dr Norman Booth local doctor and cricket fanatic. Picture is early 1950’s in front of the original club pavilion.

Terry reached the position of First XI captain very quickly and he was a good one. After a successful spell as First XI skipper her dropped down and did the role in the Second’s doing an equally fine job. Terry also became Chairman for a while. He is now back at the club with three candidates for cricket greatness – his grandsons”.

Terry Smith joined from Loughton around 1980 and in his first season he topped the bowling averages for both the First and Second XI’s simultaneously. Despite also being a useful bat, Terry won many a match with his clever bowling alongside Cliff Clark, Jed Hill and Bob Waller amongst others. In 1988 Terry took an incredible 52 wickets one of the best ever returns on record.

Terry Rist was a stylish batsman. A hugely important run scorer with a long First XI career at Harlow. He was also an outstanding fielder and brilliant catcher however he is best remembered for his efforts opening the batting. For 30 years he held the club record for most runs scored in a season by a non-professional player at the club until it was surpassed in 2021 by Ben Yeats.

Skipper Terry Coxhead was a school teacher who played throughout the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. First spotted playing for Potter Street he was quickly lured over to Marigolds but kept turning out for The Street on Sundays.

Alan Woolcomb also had great longevity at the club. From Colts to Adult cricket in the 2’s followed by the First XI. He was also an important factor in the renaissance of Sunday cricket at Harlow which had been in decline at that time. He was a very good wicket keeper and strong upper order bat. He did score of 168, over at Matching Green. They were not at all impressed though having been convinced he was out before reaching 20 that day.

Mike Davison had come from Norfolk and was playing at Stansted CC but was told in no uncertain terms by Steve Peachey to get himself to Harlow, a move Steve himself had made from Hargraves Park. A fine opener who later went on to become captain of the First XI at a time when our side looked as if they could take anyone on. He captained the side well and enjoyed his relatively short career with Harlow before work took him back to Norfolk area.

Steve Peachey remains a regular visitor and supporter of the club. Steve a highly competitive wicket taking bowler who could probably have the right to feel aggrieved that the majority of scorebooks relating to his cricketing years have been lost. None more so than the details of the 9-wicket haul that would match the recorded effort of Lewis Aldred as the single best return ever in the entire history of league cricket at Harlow CC.

HARLOW CC HISTORY - INTO THE 2000 AND ONWARDS...

Another young player emerging in this period was Jonny Allen, an outstanding bat and fielder, who in the mould of Simon Baulcomb made the First XI at a youthful age and served the club through the sides over decades at all levels.

2000’S UP TODAY - BEGINNING OF PAID PROFESSIONALS, SOME GOOD SOME VERY GOOD BUT OVERALL, WHAT DID WE GAIN?

In all truth Harlow had little to celebrate at First XI level since joining the Essex Senior League in 1971. A mere two league titles with the first being achieved in 2000. By this time many clubs had turned to bringing in an ‘overseas’ pro to bolster their chances of success and at the turn of the century Harlow did likewise with two Indian brothers named Odedra.

Nilesh Odedra linked up with Terry Rist to rack up almost two thousand runs between them. Odedra scored 1152 league runs at an average of 96 whilst Rist made an excellent 735 at just under 40 a game. Often, they didn’t need much batting beyond the openers and opportunities were limited. The consistency of the openers was such that talented young players in the side had limited opportunities and often had to contribute through their fielding alone.

Niraj Odedra was the star of the bowling attack taking a magnificent 52 league wickets that season but he was far from a one-man band as Ian Hill grabbed 37 victims and opening bowlers Paul Mayhew and Paul Lenihan took 17 and 24 respectively whilst maintaining a tight grip.

The Proudlock Cup was also bagged that season, courtesy of fine performances from Shab Munir, Graham Aspinall and Paul Lenihan. A young Ryan Jessey also featured, the latest in the Jessey supply line of excellent cricketers that continues with his sons to this day.

The title win of 2000 heralded a period where Harlow were at their strongest in terms of league position and quality of players at their disposal. Some terrific players were to wear the club colours in this period of sustained success

which reached its pinnacle with the clinching of the Essex Senior League Division 2 title in 2011.

Standing head and shoulders amongst his talented peers was Ahmed Khawaja. Arguably the single most gifted cricketer in our history. The club records are dominated by his efforts with bat (primarily) and ball. An incredibly destructive batsman with the ability to turn any game in his sides favour who had the added ability to take wickets with his spin and guile. In 2010 he established a then club record 1170 league runs that was only broken in 2022.

The title win of 2011 was followed by four season in Division 1 until the side failed to sustain their status with the loss of Khawaja’s spin due to being called for ‘throwing’ a key factor. Following the relegation Harlow decided to go in a different direction with the paid players departing the club but the home-grown young side failed to fire and a consecutive demotion saw the club fall into Division 3.

Under the stewardship of Ryan Jessey, a talented side was put together including former player Jason McNally & the mercurial spinner Sarfaraz Ahmed and for the majority of the 2019 season a much-needed promotion. Harlow needing to beat second placed Westcliff on Sea on the final day of the season. Chasing just under 200 to win the pressure proved too much and not even McNally, who had struck a First XI club record innings of 211* earlier in the season, could save the day.

Three campaigns later in 2022 Jake Messenger took the side close again as Harlow won nine of ten overs format matches but the failure to pick up enough time wins ultimately cost them promotion as they finished fourth. The season was notable for the batting of 19-year-old Ben Yeats who struck six league centuries and another four fifties as he amassed an all-time club record 1225 league runs in a single season. Chris Whitworth with 700 runs and 30 odd wickets and Sarfaraz Ahmed with 46 wickets also played significant parts in a side that went close and had the ability to drag the club out of the depth of Division 3.

Whilst the First XI have undergone their challenges over the past decade the wider club could not have performed stronger on and off the pitch. Boasting five adult sides and a full range of successful Colts sides, many reaching County and District cup finals the playing strength underneath the First XI has never been stronger. The Second XI perform in Division One at their level, the Third XI are current Premier Division reigning champions and the Fourth XI perform in Third XI cricket such is their strength.

Another stand out performance was that of the 2017 Fifth XI side that won their HECL league title winning every game, bar one rained off, under skipper Jack Sykes. Jack led from the front scoring over 1,000 runs in the previous season including an all-time club record innings of 239*.

The membership is blessed to be represented by an excellent committee and there is a warmth and togetherness at Marigolds that makes the club a fantastic place to play or watch cricket. Harlow is a progressive and diverse cricket club that will hopefully continue to grow and fortunes on the pitch can be fickle but with a little luck the glory days could be just around the corner once again.

Eventually in 2011 we proudly achieved a champions title and promotion for the first time in decades

During our modern age very few players managed to exceed 1000 runs in the season, Here are three who did - Graham Hesketh(1980’s) Peter Prodger (1960’s) & Ben Yeats (2022). Of our current playing members Simon Bulcomb and Jack Sykes have also achieved this milestone.

Pyjama’s eventually reach Harlow Cricket Club in the mid 2000 with our 1st XI finely kitted out!

SAM DEARDS

ENTREPRENEUR, INVENTOR, FIREMAN, CRICKETER AND INVENTOR OF THE MECHANICAL SCOREBOARD

The name Sam Deards is frequently mentioned in the history of both Harlow and Moor Hall Cricket Clubs where Sam and his brother and future generations are closely associated.

The man was a brilliant Victorian, far sighted individual in business, local politics, and the fire service, which he was involved for 35 years, as well as its Captain right up until retirement in 1907. But it is his involvement with cricket that’s of our interest.

Researching through, Sam shows up as a player, captain, club secretary and song writer for both clubs over a period of some forty years leading up to the turn of the century. His death in 1922 made front page news in the national media and thanks to him we still have some historic artefacts from Moor Hall CC whereas Harlow’s have sadly vanished or perished over many years; very sad.

How much Sam had an involvement with the eventual merger of both clubs is not known although in the minutes of Moor Hall CC (1887) Mr T M Day put forward of a motion for having one Harlow Cricket Club and Sam seconded this proposal. But it never happened.

Moor Hall CC ceased to exist early part of the 20th century, but we do have some of their records on file.

Sam certainly kept an involvement with many local clubs and organisations as well as raising awareness within his community on many issues. He was the local parish council clerk as well.

Some time, not too far we hope, recognition of his life and the important part he personally played for the welfare and promotion of Harlow, as well as its history, should be recognised.

A blue plaque has now been displayed outside his home in Fore Street.

His biggest contribution to cricket worldwide was the invention of the “Sam Deard’s Patent Scoring Boards with Revolving Figures”. The prototype probably appeared at Marigolds and was advertised everywhere including ‘Wisden’s Almanack’ (1904 edition) and featured in ‘The Illustrated News’.

Sam’s unique contribution to the world of cricket appeared at many famous grounds in England and around the world.

His theatrical and musical talents had no end. In 1890 at The Victoria Hall he presented and produced an evening of entertainment to raise funds for the ‘Essex Cricket XI’ and their new cricket ground at Leyton. Writing both poem and ‘topical song’ which he sung to the audience. And to finish off his involvement, performing with ‘harmonium and trombone’ as well as being the Conductor of course.

A twelve-verse song as a tribute to Harlow Cricket Club was presented at the Essex League Dinner in 1902. Various remarks are contained within the song including ‘nudges’ towards local rivals Sapsud (Sawbridgeworth) and winning a cup (League Cup).

Then a few years later in November 1910, a song dedicated to ‘Newman Gilbey Esq. JP’ was written and probably sung by Sam (to the tune of Kiss Me Kate) with the lyrics regarding cricket, the club and it’s various members.

A brilliant man! Harlow’s very own Victorian/Edwardian hero. Sam quietly passed away just short of his 80th birthday in 1922.

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PAVILIONS OF SPLENDOUR JUST THREE HOMES IN ALMOST 150 YEARS…

Virtually every cricket club has its home, the club house but traditionally, more perfectly described as a ‘pavilion’.

Longmans dictionary states - (A building beside a sports field/large ornamental building sometimes temporary/large tent!).

There is of course the pavilion at Lords, the highly impressive Victorian masterpiece being the home of the MCC. Or, and I remember well, a shed at High Wych CC or even an odd portacabin. Frinton, beautiful pavilion but no electricity, very inconvenient if a late finish in September – “where’s my box?” or “who’s stolen my shoes and trousers” etc….

They come in all shapes and sizes, nowadays with all ‘mod cons’ but not that long ago, although most had a toilet and electric light, a few had neither. The better cricket clubs did have a bar or failing that, a pub across the road overlooking the cricket green. Around this region think of Rickling Green and Matching Green. Two classics.

When Harlow Cricket Club started playing at Marigolds sometime during the early 1880’s they moved into a wonderful ‘new’ building which is still standing grandly now, for well over 140 years. Who built it, we do not know. It was used right up until the club moved to the a second home around 1952. This wonderful building didn’t have any sanitary faculties or electricity. It was as is today (apart from electric is now connected) The pavilion almost just the same now as when first used by our early Victorian cricketing colleagues for seven decades. (1880’s/1952).

Even now, it has hardly changed a bit. In 1949, being impossible to improve or enlarge our first home the members put together plans for a ‘new home’. Around 1951 they came up with the bright idea of

The original club pavilion (1880’s to 1952) now restored and maintained by the club and being used as the groundsman store, scorebox and sanctuary!

purchasing from ‘The Ministry of Deposals’ a former ‘army hut’ from Willingale Airfield (Near Chelmsford).

I’m guessing, they probably picked it up like a ‘flatpack’ and rebuilt in the southwestern corner of Marigolds, being nearer (new) mains services to connect to. The new building was duly named The Hoare Memorial Pavilion’. Self-help by all the members brought the building into life and started the second phase of our cricketing homes in 1952.

During the next 65 years of occupancy ‘pavilion’ number two, was gained a small kitchen extension thus creating space for a bar (good thinking lads). Then around the late 70’s two new changing rooms at the back plus shower room then in the late 1980’s a substantial extension to the front generating a large lounge and bigger bar area!

All in the world was fine but the building wasn’t. It was getting old. Also, we gained second cricket ground beyond the former which meant a long walk for the cricketers and as temporary cover, a portacabin was installed would you believe!

Not good we have to think out of the box again. Due to a substantial and generous legacy from our late President Vince Dunn, some good work by a few members with the English Sports Trust, a massive amount of funding was unearthed to allow us to build home number three.

The rest is recent history, in 2017 our new and magnificent cricket pavilion was opened. Our home number two was pulled down and on its site is now a peaceful retreat known as ‘Pamela’s Garden’ enjoying the same lovely view since 1952 across Marigolds and the cricket.

A CRICKET PAVILION THE STORY OF OUR ‘HOME’ FOR 65 YEARS…

So, where shall we start? This story stretches back to late 1940’s when all the club wanted was a toilet and somewhere to be able to wash their hands.

Our first recorded home, the elegant Victorian pavilion, standing elegantly on the southern side of Marigolds, is thought to have been built around the early 1880’s.

For a few winters in the late 19th century as a refuge for the local football club. But as Harlow Cricket Club pavilion being its original and true purpose providing a home and sanctuary for almost seventy cricketing summers.

Even today, in its present use as the groundsman’s quarters, it’s possible to ‘smell’ the atmosphere of what it must have been like then. Finely cut panelled cedar timber walls, folding shutters to allow light and a view of ‘The match’. Then there is the old home team (tiny) changing room part of which still houses the scorers elevated position at either point or square leg, as it first did during that ‘Victorian period of cricket’ well over a 140 years ago.

That building survived almost seventy seasons of cricketing hospitality. And of course, probably was the original location of the prototype of the first ever ‘mechanical cricket scoring board’ invented and patented by the club’s famous Victorian hero and character Samuel ‘Sam’ Deards.

But its life as a ‘cricket pavilion’ was coming towards the end of its original purpose shortly after the end of WW2.

In 1945 the club decided to raise monies to improve the club’s facilities, known as the ‘Hoare Memorial Fund’ named after the family of one of the founding Trustees who first secured Marigolds for recreational use in 1926. The Hoare Family were well known in the town and were generous benefactors in memory of members of their family who perished in WW1. There is

Development Corporation (the development partners of the Harlow Council) for a price for some land to the rear of the pavilion and to apply for planning consent to extend the building to provide a kitchen and toilets. Also not forgetting, drainage and electricity!

The Corporation declined stating they did not agree to the pavilion standing in its current position and (the club minute book recorded) that ’present sanitary arrangements’ could not be allowed. But the Corporation suggested drainage (and probably building consent) could be provided if the club were to build a new club house in the southwestern corner backing onto ‘The Wayre’ being at the time a substantial family house. The drainage coming off the new housing estate to the south of the club known as Chippingfield.

In February 1949, the club sought the support and consent of the Trustees and stated the new building will be called ‘The Hoare Memorial Pavilion’. The working sub-committee was Messrs Les Chapman, Robert Deards (grandson of Sam) and the Hon Secretary, Bill Crouchman.

In February 1949, the club sought the support and consent of the Trustees and stated the new building will be called ‘The Hoare Memorial Pavilion’. The working sub-committee was Messrs Les Chapman, Robert Deards (grandson of Sam) and the Hon Secretary, Bill Crouchman.

In the July minutes under the heading of ‘Hut’ (!) the secretary reported he was taking up with the ‘Ministry for Disposals’ regarding our present situation. So off we go.

The subscription fund was set at 10/- each (50p) to target £1000. According to folk lore a former Army Hut (83’ x 18’) was taken down and transported from Willingale Airfield to Marigolds and re-erected in 1951. It was handy placing the new building in the SW corner, it was close to the new housing development where, again according to folk lore, there was ample materials to ‘borrow’ for the footings and other building needs. The entire construction was managed by the members, working 24/7. Fortunately, many were active in the building trade so skills were plentiful. It was also handy that the Club Captain, Les Chapman family ran the local building company Jas Cowlins & Sons and, only being within 500 yards of Marigolds!

The layout was basic, two changing rooms, club room, toilet, and a kitchen. The exterior was spartan so timber cladding was added to all four sides to finish off.

‘NOW WE NEED SOME FURNITURE’.

The former kitchen became the bar and stayed that way until 2016. Another feature was added that year, electricity!

Enter, Lew Freedman. Lew who with a couple of other club stalwarts saved Marigolds from being dug up for potatoes in 1942, came to the club’s rescue. In his own words Lew recorded that…………….

“it just so happened the wholesale warehouse that I managed received a delivery of 50,000 tables chairs from Poland. These I had to despatch to all our branches in the group and I told the foreman he should make sure some where ‘not fit’ and needed repairing. The result was there were about 100 left over. I saw my boss and told him there was two things we could do with the ‘not fit’ stock. One, chuck them in the boilers or two, I could have them sent to the approved school nearby and let the kids ‘mess about with them’. We agreed on the second choice, the boys we quite able to ‘make perfect’. I then collected them, 30 chairs and some tables all in perfect condition and there is no need to say anymore, they finished up in the pavilion!” One more problem settled.

So, in 1953 that summer the new pavilion was up and running and a testimonial match was organised with Essex CCC and the monies

The clubs keenest supporter, Arthur Tucker passed away in 1966 and in his memory, a clock was erected above the pavilion doors. The clock is still in working order and is now on show in our current (third) pavilion.

Over the next two decades ongoing works and improvements were conducted. In the 1970’s new changing rooms were built on the back of the building and for the first time, a shower room and more than one toilet!

Then in 1986, the club went potty. We doubled the size of the club room, bricked the hole in the wall where the bar was and built a new one with a cold store, umpires room, a ladies toilet (!) plus a new spectator terrace outside.

And there it stayed so we thought for ever more. Then a certain benefactor, Vince Dunn, our President sadly passed away (whilst still in office) and generously left the club a substantial amount of monies in his Will. So with Vince legacy , in 2017 we moved on to our third home in 132 years.

A VIEW ACROSS THE BOUNDARY

HOW TO FIND AND CONTACT US

Marigolds Cricket Ground, Old Harlow, Essex. CM17 0DJ

01279 419169

THE PRESIDENT - alan.howick@hbpropertry.co.uk

CLUB SECRETARY – jacksykes1@hotmail.co.uk

COLTS ENQUIRIES - harlowcricketcoltsmanager@yahoo.com

Adult cricketers enquiries to the secretary or via the contact page on our website WWW.HARLOWCRICKETCLUB.CO.UK or WWW.HARLOW-PLAY-CRICKET.COM

CLUBHOUSE ENQUIRIES 01279 419169

CLUB SOCIAL EVENTS – hccsocialsecretary@gmail.com

WWW.HARLOWCRICKETCLUB.CO.UK