Our History
1935
THE BEGINNING
In the 1930s in Charlton, South East London, the Grenfell House Youth Club, evolving from table tennis and cricket activities within local church leagues to the establishment of the Grenfell Cricket Club, showcased the community’s resilience and adaptability against the backdrop of economic depression and the impending Second World War. This story intertwines the growth of local sports with the socio-economic challenges of the era, highlighting the profound impact of global events on the fabric of everyday life and community spirit.
1938
THE PRE WAR YEARS
In the summer of 1938, Harold Tozer joined Grenfell Cricket Club, reuniting with school friends and becoming part of a team that saw significant achievements and personal growth amidst the backdrop of the looming Second World War, with detailed accounts of matches, player contributions, and the tragic losses of teammates in combat. As the war escalated, the club’s members were dispersed into military service, leading to a suspension of regular play, though the bond within the team remained strong, underscored by the sacrifices made by its members and the hope of reuniting post-war.
1941
THE WAR and YEARS UP TO 1954
During the tumultuous period of World War II, especially around 1941, Charlton faced the harsh realities of the Blitz, with bombings affecting the community and personal losses deeply felt among friends and the cricket club members. The narrative weaves through the struggles and makeshift cricket and football matches among workers in exempt occupations, leading to a gradual return to organized sport post-war, culminating in the reformation of the Grenfell Cricket Club in 1947 with a mix of pre-war members and new talents, highlighting resilience and the enduring spirit of community and sport amidst and after the chaos of war.
1955
YEARS OF TRANSFORMATION 1955-1964
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Grenfell Cricket Club enjoyed a rich blend of competitive cricket and vibrant social life, characterized by tours, family outings, and mutual support within the community, under the leadership and organizational prowess of Frank Cambridge. Cambridge’s tenure as secretary significantly elevated the club’s stature, securing quality pitches and fixtures against prestigious teams, while the club’s players and captains fostered a competitive edge on the field, culminating in social events that cemented the team’s camaraderie and community presence.
1965
THE REVIVAL ERA 1965 – 1974
In the mid to late 1960s, the Grenfell Cricket Club faced a transitional period, integrating new young players to rejuvenate the team as older members retired or became less available. By 1969, with the introduction of fresh talent like Ken Angelo, Keith Finch, and a focus on younger players, the club experienced a turnaround, achieving success with a new, fast bowling attack and maintaining strong social traditions and camaraderie. The early 1970s saw continued evolution and growth, marked by remarkable individual performances and the tragic loss of Eddie Brownlow, which deeply affected the club. The community spirit extended beyond cricket, involving social events, annual dances, and winter gatherings, reinforcing the club’s role as a central hub for socializing, friendship, and sporting excellence.
1975
OUR FIFTIETH YEAR 1975-1984
The decade before Grenfell Cricket Club’s fiftieth anniversary was marked by the tragic loss of Kevin Laroche, a player remembered as the club’s finest, alongside a period of community strengthening and the inclusion of families and friends in social activities. This era of transformation saw the club revitalizing its squad with new talent, enjoying success in tours and social events, while grappling with the challenges of maintaining performance and membership in the face of changing cricket landscapes and personal losses.
1985
DECADE OF CHANGE 1985 -1994
The 1980s at Grenfell Cricket Club were marked by significant leadership changes, memorable tours, and social successes, alongside the challenge of adapting to league cricket with an aging team. These years were a period of community, celebration, and strategic adaptation, highlighted by the club’s resilience in finding new talent and homes, while maintaining its ethos of camaraderie, integrity, and the integration of cricket with broader life experiences.
1995
ANOTHER DECADE OF CHANGE 1995-2004
Grenfell C C were very fortunate that at a time when many cricket clubs had gone to the wall we
had had attracted a breed of new, young players to the club in the early nineteen-nineties. A list
(in alphabetical order and with apologies to anyone I have missed out) comprised; Paul Angelo,
Graham Charles, Danny Doyle, Gavin Gray, Jon Jones, Paul King, Jamie Muddiman, Dave Park,
Matt and Simon Stevens, Jim Wilson and shortly afterwards, Leo Meggitt. This was in addition to
Brian Mullens and Garry Willson, two youngsters who had already made an impression.