The following Memoirs are taken from an original book written by Mr R H Ward beginning in 1932. They have been transcribed EXACTLY as he wrote his notes and is the basis of the club's written and oral history
"Pannal Ash Cricket Club 1932"
'In endeavouring to write up the Records of the Pannal Ash Cricket Club one cannot help but be struck by the number of people who have for several years assisted the Club either as a committee man or as a player.
Unfortunately, or should I say fortunately for the compiler, practically all records of the club prior to the War have been lost therefore one has to rely to a large extent upon memory.
The following appear to have borne the brunt of the early years (from 1900) of the club's existence:- Messrs T Daniel (a worthy president), B. Young, E. Wray, A Winterburn,
O. W. Daniel, - J Umpleby, E Parker, the Movley Brothers, R Scott, E Leedham, T Sowerby,
J Chipchase, W Wood, S. Pickles, C. Shepherd, G. H. Daniel, F. Foster, J. Stringer, A. Locker,
B. Ellaway and T. Newbould. To the present generation these may appear but mere names, yet they recall the stalwarts of the early days. The committee meetings more often than not took place in Mr Daniel's stable, for accommodation, such as we have at present, was not available.In those far off days cycling or hiking were the usual means of getting to opponents grounds, each carrying some portion of the tackle necessary for the playing of the game. Many tales can be told of the homeward journey, home often being reached at a late hour after a victory celebration. Besides being good cricketers, good trenchermen they could also sing a good song. There are still living several of the before mentioned who recall vividly those bygone days.
During the Great War all eligible members joined the Forces so very little cricket was played. Several promising youngsters made the supreme sacrifice.
Up to the formation of the Harrogate & District Amateur Cricket League in 1920, the club was engaged in friendly matches.
Since 1920 the following have been of great assistance in the management of the Club:-
F. A Hough, F. Barrett, J Dalton, F Foster, R. Hugill, R. W. Hutchinson, W. H. Carr,
J. E. Mackley, R. H. Ward, & R N Rudd. & G. H. Daniel. Ungrudgingly have they given of their best services, and by their foresight it can justly be claimed that the club is second to none in the district. A Club cannot rely upon committee only and the following have for several years been of great assistance as players :- C. Wray, E. Petty, the Daniel brothers, the Wilson Brothers, H Dodson, W. Joy, J. J. Hutchinson, - F. Leedham, J. Wrigglesworth, R. B Dickinson,. A. Brown, A Newbould, R. Brooks, C. Ruddock, the Brothers Gill, S. Swales and E. A. Woods.Great rivalry appears to have existed in those early years, many local "Derbies" being fought. It, however, must be said that the present teams have no easy path to victory.
To have kept its existence for over 80 years, forty of which have been played upon the present ground is an achievement to be envied. During this long existence one cannot expect a club to be always on the upward grade. Season 1922, from a playing point, was disastrous. Not one league game was won. It speaks volumes for the confidence of the members when it is mentioned that only one member this year left the club, and he left the district.
The Pannal Ash C. C. was one of four Clubs in the formation of the H'gate & Dist. Amat. Cricket League and still takes an active interest therein. The club was also the mover of a resolution to provide a team for and to form a second division of the league. It has taken the club up to this year, (1932) to top the table of Division I although upon several occasions have they been treading upon the heels of other winners. The second team won Division 2 in 1929 and have also been runners up in the same division.
During the early 1920's we were able to run Whist Drives & (this bit written by hand in the margin - 3 years) Dances for the benefit of the Club in the Hall attached to the Primitive Orphan Homes. The latter are now stopped. The holding of these added greatly to our finances, and the Whist Drives are still a good source of income for the club. Without them the club would hardly pay its way. It is pleasing to record, that, in conjunction with the Pannal Ash A. F. Club, we were able, during the same period, to hand over to the Homes a total of over £100, as some slight recompense for the benefits we had received by the use of the Hall for our entertainment. (again this next bit written by hand - 3 years) This is still being carried on.
Up to this year the fielding has not been of first class standing. Certainly upon occasions it has been excellent, but unfortunately not constant. However, team spirit has not been lacking and to this must be given much of the success of the club.
To show appreciation for the work of the treasurer, Mr Mackley, and who has also acted as chairman for a number of years, a presentation of a framed photo of himself was made to him. He has for a number of years rendered yeoman service to the club.
To record all games would take up too much space. However, mention should be made of season 1929. Upon three occasions in succession the 1st team won their matches by ten wickets, the teams score being as follows:- against Boro-bridge 153, against Knaresboro 101 & Goldsboro' 49. In each of these 3 games R. B. Dickinson was one of the opening batsmen (written by hand and inserted above this next line was the following text: at an earlier date F Hough had 8 wkts for 10 runs) In 1928 at Calcutt C A Daniel had the following remarkable bowling 10.2 overs, 6 maidens, 7 runs, 7 wickets. In certain matches a batsman or a bowler has greatly excelled himself, yet these performances have not been constant. Only 2 members have reached the century mark, one has topped 90 and several have had scores of over 50. Whilst bemoaning the great amount of rain in 1932 (May), it may interest you to know that when Follifoot team visited the club a few seasons ago, a heavy hailstorm came on and before the game could re-commence the hailstones had to be brushed off the pitch.
It speaks highly for the management of the Club when it is stated that several of the committee have over six years of service to their credit.
The club has a very energetic and hard working Ladies committee and to these much of the splendid social work of the club is due. Their services are purely voluntary and ungrudgingly given. Mention should be made of Mrs Emmerson, Mrs Hugill, Mrs Dodson, Mrs Jenkinson, Mrs Roebuck, Mrs and the Miss Ruddocks, Miss Jenkinson and several others. The making and serving of Tea on match days calls for much sacrifice week by week, yet the ladies always turn up smiling.
No club could survive for long upon its members subscriptions and collection alone. The club has the support and assistance of several gentlemen in the district, who have consented to become patrons. To these gentlemen, the club feel a deep sense of gratitude. It is also a source of pleasure to note that several of them give us a visit when engaged in matches.
To stimulate the members interest in the off-season a Supper & Social is held each January. These are always well attended. By thus getting the members together it is marvelous how eagerly they talk of the coming season. Concerts and Whist Drives have also been successfully run. These help to foster the club spirit more than anything else, and without this mutual getting together no club could exist for long.
For some years now an annual match "Married V Single" has been held. These matches are fought out right royally, neither side holding the advantage for long. The play has been most keen with close results. A collection has always been taken and handed over to the Harrogate Hospital.
The following are the only members of the Club who still take an active part (committee or player) who were members in 1914:- Messrs F. Foster, G. H. Daniel, R. Hugill, R. H Ward &
F. A. Hough. & G. W. Joy.Amongst the teams the club has played outside the leagues games are:- Tadcaster, Eldwick, Old Leodiensians, Leeds Springhill, Headingly Educational, Leeds Moortown, South Stainley, Craven Gentlemen, Ashville College, etc.
The present captains, Messrs Hugill & Woods, the secretary Mr R H Ward and the treasurer
Mr J E Mackley have the whole hearted support of the club. To the captains must be given the greatest praise for the splendid way in which they have controlled their respective teams during the past few years. 'Mr Ward then goes on to sign in ink pen as follows:
R. H. Ward (Hon. Sec)
January 1933
1934 Team Photo - Mr Ward (writer of these memoirs) is back row, first on the left
Back Row R H Ward (Sec) G Gill A Currie T Dixon J Young R Hughill C Watson
Front Row R B Dickinson W Joy A Newbould (C) S Swales R Scott
