150 Not Out

 

With the preparations in full swing to celebrate Elland Cricket, Athletic & Bowling Club’s 150^th anniversary during the weekend of 25/26 September 2010 it would be fair to say that there are few institutions within our district, bar the churches & chapels, which have attained such an age and continue to thrive.

The cricket team was first formed in 1860 by pupils & teachers of the Providence Independent Sunday School. Matches were played in the field that is now Elland Park. Further moves took the club to Dewsbury Road then the field in Hullen Edge Road now occupied by St. Patrick’s School. The club moved to its current home in Hullen Edge in 1876 and what a rich vein of local history is attached to this turf.

 

1878 – Elland played host to the Australian touring party. Elland lost but fought bravely in a low scoring match.

1886 – The Indian Parsees visited but Elland lost again.

1889- The first bowling green was laid.

1891 – A running track (also used for cycling) was built around the perimeter of the ground. During hot summers it is still possible to see the outline of this track. Racing & cycling ceased with the onset of the Great War but competitions had proved very popular & successful attracting up to 500 entrants.

1905 – Players’ wives were asked (and agreed!) to manage the tea & eatables department.

1914 – The committee resigned en bloc after a dispute about gambling during professional shooting matches held in the grounds of the club. The committee were reinstated two days later!

1915 – First tennis courts constructed.

1921 – The former wooden chapel at Ripon army camp was bought for use as a tea room & dressing rooms. A splendid building, which served its purpose until the mid 1970s. New tennis courts built.

1926 – Joined Huddersfield Cricket League.  To date holds a record breaking tally of 62 team trophies & 71 individual awards.

1932 – The club bought the freehold of the ground from the Savile Estate for £1000.

1956 – Women were admitted to the bar for the first time,

1957 – The Games Room was opened by Bill Bowes (born in Plains Lane) ex-Yorkshire & England bowler.

1977 – Red Rum opened the Baines Hall, the new pavilion. Folk travelled from far & wide to catch a glimpse of Red Rum.  Those lucky enough to be present said that the horse posed for his picture, which was duly published in the national press.

1985 – Ealandians first play on the football pitch.

2010 – New state of the art floodlights, kindly donated by the current Club President, installed for both bowling greens.

2011....the promise of prestigious cricket & bowling finals to be hosted by the club.

This is but a brief snapshot but it can be seen that Elland Cricket, Athletic & Bowling Club has not only earned its place within our community but also to be part of the history of our town.

 

David J. Glanfield

Greater Elland Historical Society