Formed in 1877 by Captain Edward Blanks, the first pavilion was erected in 1879, being replaced by a new one, costing £80 in 1895! That year saw a tremendous performance against Bexley, who were bowled out for 3!!
Opposition played in the early years of the Club, who we still play today, include Bexley, Eltham, Stone, Bickley Park and Catford.
The pavilion lasted until 1948, when it became unusable and uneconomical to maintain. The cowshed (now the fully refurbished and extended Dojo) was refurbished and used as the pavilion and changing rooms. For the first time, ladies were allowed in the pavilion!
This was the year that the Sports Club was formed, by a committee of the cricket, rugby and tennis sections, with a view to buying the ground from Farmer Fisher, who owned the land. This was eventually achieved in 1958, thanks to a number of generous donations and a lot of fundraising. Some things never change!
Sunday cricket was also played for the first time in 1948, as it seemed there was a demand for it! By 1950, there were 4 Saturday and 2 Sunday sides, with every match being covered with a report and scorecard in the local paper! But maybe some things do change!!
By the mid-50s, the Club was highly regarded and had an excellent fixture list. 1955 was Peter Farrell’s first season at the Club – the Lumley Bar is named after him. Peter Bastin joined a year later and Hugh Beresford-Webb, now Chairman, started playing in 1961.
In 1966, the “new” Clubhouse was opened, forming the core of the current facility. John Wilson and Robin Griggs joined in 1970.
In 1973, the South Thames League was formed, for the 1st and 2nd XIs, and John Kelleher joined the Club. A young fast bowler, Roger Shaddock, joined in 1975 and the first ladies match took place in 1976 against Chis & Sid. John Greenway first played in 1979.
In 1982 the 1st and 2nd XIs won the South Thames League – a unique double. We have also won the league since then. Current President, Jim Waterhouse joined us from the Rabbits in 1983.
The current clubhouse was built in 2004, using funds from the sale of land now known as Stirling Close.
In 2010, the Club achieved four promotions, the 1sts and 2nds finishing runners up in their respective Kent League Division 3, whilst the 3rds and Sunday Development side both won their leagues! A truly unique achievement, certainly in the immediate area, anyway!
In 2011, the 2nds again achieved promotion as runners up, as did the 5ths in the Kent Regional League Div 1C (South Thames).
A new three lane artificial net facility was laid in October 2011, to be used from April 2012. This would not have been possible without a 75% grant from the ECB!
RS
28/10/2011