Baildon Rugby Union Football Club

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Baildon runs a number of junior teams, as well as three adult teams and a veterans side. Please see this site for more information on this wonderful club.

Club history

Baildon Rugby Club was formed in 1912.

The first 50 years: 1912-1962

The Club struggled to survive during the early years, not for lack of finance, or want of willing workers. The problem was that of finding a home. If ever a Club could be said to possess the prime qualities necessary for success and enjoyment of Rugby football Baildon is one of them. The pavilion and clubhouse of today are a memorial to those who worked so hard in those early years.

The first ground was a field adjoining Strawberry Gardens at the edge of the moors (1912-14). Club activity was suspended after the 2nd season with the start of the 1st World War.

Playing commenced again in 1920. This time the ground was near The Shroggs, on what is now the Pennithorne Estate" but two years later building developments caused the Club to seek yet another new home.

This time the move was to West Lane. For 10 years Baildon were at West Lane, from 1922-23 to 1931-32. Initially the headquarters were at the Angel Hotel in Town Gate. The team changed in a big room over the pub, and had to come down into an out-house to bathe in some big wooden tubs. The players had to walk from there to the ground and back again after the match, a good half mile at least each way. Later a pavilion was built with all mod cons., electricity, baths, training facilities etc.

In 1932 they were again hit by building developments and had to move on. Surprisingly it is recorded (J Bell 1952) that the West Lane facilities were sold to Bradford Northern when they moved to Odsal and were their first dressing rooms.

At this time they moved ground to Blythwick. Baildon spent the next 19 years at that ground but once again they were on the move. After those 19 years the lease was not renewed at the end of the 1952-53 season and yet another ground hunt began. This time the playing scene shifted to the Coach Road opposite the Salts School Ground. An old army hut was purchased the ground dug and drained but after 2 years the club was on the move again, Shipley Council wanted the land for building.

However fortunes changed and they had the luck to secure tenancy of the current ground at Jenny Lane, by chance only a stones throw away from the original location at Strawberry Gardens. At the start they had to have temporary accommodation at the rear of the Malt Shovel. The current pavilion was built to serve both rugby and cricket in 1955, the clubhouse was built later.

The Later Years

The land was purchased in the late 1960s and the fear of further evictions no longer arises.

During the 60s, 70s and 80s Baildon ran 4 senior age group sides and a colts. The pioneering spirit of the early days persisted and Baildon were among the handful of Clubs in Yorkshire to start the Junior / Mini Rugby movement (1972 ) and has had a thriving Junior / Mini section since then. In 2002 the Mini, Junior and Youth Section celebrated its 30th Anniversary along with two of its founding members Harry Ormerod and John Skerritt.

Today, the section can boast a number of 1st and 2nd team players that have come through the Mini, Junior and Youth Section.

Baildon RUFC GOLDEN JUBILEE 1912-1962

Cover

The text and photos of this booklet can be seen below or you can read the PDF scan of the booklet by clicking on the cover above or following this link to the PDF version

OUR PRESIDENT WRITES

John Bell

I have been connected with the Baildon Club for 42 years and have enjoyed every minute of it. I have seen many changes in that time and one of the most interesting aspects is the way in which the club has repeatedly come through lean periods to provide a team of outstanding merit, second to none amongst the Junior Clubs in Yorkshire, the club records substantiate that.

I have played in some of these teams and have watched all the others develop, and have seen the club send players to some of the senior clubs and have made good with them. At present the club is having rather a lean time, owing mostly to injuries which last season were very numerous, but there is a team spirit which I am sure will pull them back to the top once more. That is the essential thing, team spirit, no team, or player, can go far in Rugby Union without it.

JOHN BELL

A LIFETIME FOR RUGBY UNION

Johnny Bell has had a life-long experience of Rugby Football, he started playing at the age of 16 with the 2nd XV at Ilkley and worked his way up to the 1st XV at the time when that team had one International in Eric Stenthall and at least six Yorkshire County Players in the sides, namely: Paul Stenthall, P. Walker, W. Swales, L. Holroyd, S. Hastings and T. Lock. He played in the last match of the season against Hartlepool Rovers on Easter Tuesday in the 1913-14 season, the year the First War started. He served all through the war from 1914 to 1919, when the war ceased he returned to Baildon where his parents had come to live and he joined up with them when they reformed in the 1920-21 season, and has been associated with them ever since, 42 years this year, first a player, till the age of 40, then was co-opted on the Committee in 1925-26, made Assistant Secretary 1928-29, made Trainer from 1927-28 until 1931-32, was made a Life Member 1935-36, was Extra "A" Team Secretary 1938-39, Social Secretary 1940-41 to 1945-46, six seasons. Since then has been on all Committees and now 1962-63 elected President for the Golden Jubilee Year 1912 to 1962.

THE HISTORY OF THE BAILDON RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL CLUB

ON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OR GOLDEN JUBILEE—1912-1962 COMPILED BY JOHNNY BELL

If ever a Club could be justified in using the title “NOMADS" more than many Clubs, it is Baildon.

The measure of that spirit can be seen in their struggle that has fortunately ended in sweet, and it is hoped, lasting Victory. The struggle was not caused by lack of finance, nor want of willing workers, it was perhaps even more urgent the problem of finding a home.

If ever a Club could be said to possess the prime qualities necessary for success and enjoyment of Rugby football, that Club is also Baildon. They have never produced a County player who at the time played with them, but several players have succeeded after leaving them for a bigger club, but five players have had County Trials:— Michael Anderton with three times to his credit, the late H. Kitson, Jack Richardson, A. Duckett and J. Taylor, one each. Nor have they ever been numbered amongst the glamorous boys of the Yorkshire Rugby Union. Their efforts in the quest of "T'Owd Tin Pot" have rarely carried them past the second or third rounds, but despite all this they have always maintained the true spirit of the game, and have been able fo provide around 60 Rugby enthusiasts with a game each Saturday.

Today, a fine ground, pavilion, tea room and bar on a long lease, stand as proud monuments to the work of the members who strove so hard to overcome a problem that began with the club formation in the 1912-13 season, and did not end until they found a home and warm welcome next to the cricket field in Jenny Lane, just 50 years after its formation.

The Club's first ground was adjoining "Strawberry Gardens" at the edge of the moors, in 1912-13 and 1913-14.

The officials at that time were:-

• Mr W Y Turner (President)
• Mr P Moorhouse (Secretary)
• Mr W Ellison (Treasurer)
• Mr J. Mann (A lone Committee Man)
• Mr. P. Emmison (Skipper)

Hardly had the Baildonians donned their distinctive colours when the first World War commenced and the Club's activities were suspended, this at the end of the second season, 1913-14.

War ended, and with things back on a nearly normal footing the Club again sprang to life in the 1920-21 season, their ground at this time being near "The Shroggs", on what is now the "Pennithorne Estate", but two years later building developments caused them to seek fresh fields and pastures new. This time they moved to West Lane, on a ground owned by Dolphin & Spence, who were very good landlords indeed and helped the Club in many ways, and in this period were able to run four teams.

Ten years Baildon enjoyed at West Lane, from 1922-23 to 1931-82 seasons, but once again the ground problem bogey hit them — building developments. All these years the headquarters were at the Angel Hotel in Town Gate, and had several landlords, two in particular, Dan Clark, whose two sons played with the Club, but the most notable one was Billy Needham, the old Manningham Rugby player of the 80's. The team changed room over the pub, and had to come down into an outhouse fo bath in some big wooden tubs. The players had also to walk from there to the ground and back again after the match, a good half mile at least each way.

A notable figure in the early days of the Club was "McWay", an old soldier of the Boer War, who always turned up with a breast full of medals. Other names which bring back memories of those days were W. Y. Turner, the first President, B. Hick, senior and junior; J. Robinson, senior and junior; Otis:W. Creek, senior and junior; J. Moor; J. Nettleton, senior and junior; E. Nettleton; J. Baines, senior and junior; C. Baines; B. Cromack, senior and junior; W. Cromack; Geo. Armstrong, senior and juniors, W. & J. S.; A. Gilard, senior and junior; R. and E. V. Waddilove; R. J. Whally; C. P. Wightman; F Smith; R. Clegg. A. Shaw; H. Denby; H. and F. Tattersal: W. and J. Ellison; J. Mann; H. Heaton; N. Mackay; D. and R. Denbigh; A. Varley; J. A. Smith; A. W. Hoffman; F. W Whitaker and three sons; R. Parsey; J. Haggas; J. Trenholme; T. Adcock; A. Lee; the Richardson brothers, E. R. and J.; S. M. Giles; L. Bland; R. Gilgrass, senior and juniors R. and M. who play and officiate for the Club today; the Hodgson brothers; M. Fisher; the Obanks, Jack, Dick, Donald and Philip; E. Walker; G. G. Holmes; G. Holmes; Jack Peate, the Sunday Pictorial Sports Writer; A. Peate; C. Jason Wood; J. Frazer, and many more.

Baildon were well served from 1920-21 up to 1932-33 seasons by Johnny McCone as groundsman for 12 good years, and when the Club again moved back to Baildon, Johnny once more joined them in the season 1953-54 and has again served them well up to the present time, 1962-63. Also he had a good assistant in J. Boocock.

BEST EVER

The 1920's saw Baildon at their best, and their most successful seasons were 1927-28 and 1928-29. In the first of these grand seasons Baildon scored a total of 345 points with only 3 against, while the second saw them notch 297 points to the visitors' meagre 29.

Baildonians who were around at that time will probably recall the team's leading scorers in the 1927-2 season, Charlie Greenwood (top scorer with 90 points), Ronnie Gilgrass (68 points), Philip Borley (37 points), M. Anderton (27 points), and J. Richardson (23 points) — he was the only ever-present that season.

Returning to "T'Owd Tin Pot" Competitions, whilst always fiercely contested, never brought Baildon much success, but in March, 1922, after beating Edlington in the first round at Baildon they met Morley the following Saturday, also at Baildon, and drew with them, had to go to Morley on the Thursday to replay, and after playing in snow and sleet the Baildon players had to share three school basins of cold water, but were in high spirits having won. No one would wish players to tolerate such conditions today, but it is well that players should realise how much better provided for they are today. On top of all this they had to travel on the Saturday to play Redcar at Redcar, and every player was out of condition after the hard game they had played at Morley, and we were knocked out. Not only that, the Redcar team were all fresh, not having had to play during the week. But another famous match in 1930 recalled by Johnny Bell, the Club's stalwart and unofficial historian, caused a Cup sensation in Yorkshire. In those days Harrogate Old Boys were one of the foremost clubs in the area, and when Baildon were drawn to play them in a third round tie, the Old Boys' Club, so sure of their superiority over poor relations "Baildon", actualy booked a motor coach, meals and the lot in preparation for the fourth round tie already drawn against Hull & East Riding. But Baildon beat them and did the decent thing and took over transport and meal arrangements for their own use.

The Amateur Rugby ideal - it should be in any sport - is for men to pass naturally from their playing days into administrative capacities, and no club can have a better record in this respect than Baildon.

Take for example the number of fathers and sons who have played for Baildon. Can any club improve on this? Fifteen fathers and seventeen sons, namely:—

• Michael Anderton, Bill Anderton,
• Herbert Kitson, James Kitson,
• Ronnie Gilgrass, Richard and Michael Gilgrass,
• Stanley Giles, Tom Giles,
• Tom Nicholson, Kit Nicholson,
• Leonard Holroyd, John Holroyd,
• Frank Obank, Ron Obank, Jack Obank, John Obank,
• C. Jason Wood, John and James Jason Wood,
• Norman Hardy, Michael Hardy,
• Jack Wilkinson, R. Wilkinson,
• Ronnie Richardson, John Richardson,
• Gordon Wood, Richard Wood,
• Basil Ferns, M. Ferns,
• J. J. Denby, James Denby.

Again at least 28 sets of brothers have played for Baildon at one time and another, namely:—

• Harry and Frank Tattersal (and Sam Tattersal, nephew):
• Walter and Stanley Armstrong;
• George and Tom Firth;
• the Cureton brothers;
• Ben, Bob and Tom Hodgson;
• Edward, Ronnie and Jack Richardson;
• Donald and Robert Denbigh:
• Basil and Arthur Ferns;
• Donald and Philip Obank;
• Robert and Jack Turner;
• Dennis Robinson and brother;
• Dan and Jack Clark;
• Eric and Tony Leeming;
• Jack and David London;
• Geoff and Philip Crabtree;
• Terry and Jack Barker;
• C. R. and John Earnshaw;
• Robert and John Wilson;
• Bert and Jack Denby:
• David and John Ibbotson;
• M., Rodney and Philip Hudson;
• Michael and John Anderton;
• Percy and Geoff Cordingley;
• Leslie and George Rowe;
• John and George Popely;
• S. T. B. and P. N. Duffy,
• John and James Jason Wood.

Baildon's fine record is inevitably memory-stirring, referring back to the 1927-28 and 1928-29 seasons.

On Christmas Eve, all-conquering Hessle with a string of 14 victories behind them and a fantastic record of 276 points against only 12, visited West Lane and were humbled by Baildon by two tries to nil. This victory was all the more meritorious due to the fact that thaw left the ground heavy going and turned the match into a forward struggle. A newspaper report recorded that although outweighed, the Baildon pack rose manfully to the occasion, and by packing low, tight and plenty of push, soon became masters. K. Hodgson who took the place of H. Kitson, the Captain, did wonderfully well, getting the ball five times out of six, whilst the Anderton brothers were constantly on the ball and tackling fearlessly. At this stage of the season Baildon had played 14 matches, won 11, lost 2 and drawn 1, having scored 158 points against 54; their record for the complete season was:-

Played 27, won 19, lost 4, drawn 4. 354 points with 93 against.

When Hessle visited Baildon the following December they gained their revenge by 11 points to 6 points.

A few seasons later Hessle brought to West Lane what was claimed to be the heaviest-ever Rugby team, amateur or professional, and once again Baildon excelled in a titanic forward struggle, only giving way in the closing stages.

Then again in the 1928-29 season Baildon started with a winning sequence of 12 matches, but in the unlucky thirteenth match they were beaten by Morley. In the first twelve matches they scored 297 points against only 29 points, and ended the season with another impressive record:-

Played 27, won 22, lost 5, 481 points against 125 points. Leading scorers were:—C. Greenwood 26 tries 78 points; Walker, 5 tries, 26 goals, 1 penalty goal, 70 points; M. Anderton, 13 tries, 8 goals, 2 p. goals, 61 points; R. Gillgrass, 11 tries 1 goal, 85 points; R. Beck, 11 tries, 33 points.

A grand pavilion was built on West Lane, costing a few hundred pounds, with every convenience, a boilerhouse, hot and cold water laid on, lavatories, plenty of room for training inside, and two players laid on electric, Jack Pierson and his chum Ellis.

The trainer at that time was Johnny Bell for three seasons, 1927-28, 1928-29 and 1929-30.

Afterwards the whole as it stood was sold to Bradford Northern when they moved to Odsal, and was transplanted there for their first dressing room.

Then came the removal to Blythwick in 1932-33 and the opening match was on September 10th, 1932, when Bob Oakes brought a XV to play Baildon. This team included Internationals and Yorkshire players, the score was Bob Oakes XV 16 points to Baildon 5 points. There was some good football played that day which was thoroughly enjoyed by all the spectators.

Baildon were one of the few Rugby Clubs who "Nailed their Flag to the Mast" and carried on throughout the 1939-45 war, largely due to the enthusiasm of a few stalwarts, namely:- J. S. Armstrong, A. E. Gilard, E. Midgley, A. McFarland, J Trenholme and J. Bell. These were dark but memorable days for the Club, but Baildon struggled through, often fielding players "long past it" or some "not ready for it", it was frantic but it was fun.

A new pavilion was opened in 1938-39 season at Blythwick on October 6th, 1938, by Mr. C. J. Simpson then President of The Yorkshire Rugby Union, who said Headingley was the only club in Yorkshire in his playing days that had any accommodation on the ground, we had long treks from pubs to grounds.

The match that day was played against Leeds Salem, and the result was a draw, H. Siddens 1 try, 3 points for Baildon, to Leeds Salem 1 penalty goal, 3 points.

Whilst at Blythwick Baildon also staged a Seven-a-Side Tournament on Saturday, September 2nd, in aid of the Baildon Carnival. Fourteen teams entered, Old Roundhegians, Huddersfield Old Boys, Ilkley, Ossett, York, Bingley, Batley, Wibscy, Otliensians and Baildon. Three clubs sent two teams. There was more than four hours of first-class Rugby provided, the winning team received a silver trophy which was given for competition by Mr. A. E. Gilard (a Vice-President of the Baildon Club). The trophy, a cup, was won by Baildon.

The Tournament was arranged by Mr. W. B. Varley (President of the Club), Mr. J. W. Fraser and Mr. H. Kitson.

There were three referees, Mr. F. W. Ayres (Secretary of the Referees' Society), Mr. Jack Trenholme (a County Referee) and Mr. D. Gardiner.

Another notable occasion, also at Blythwick, took place on November 16th, 1946, when Baildon beat Bradford first XV by 9 prints to 8 points.

Scorers for Bradford were:— Tries by Bateson (1), Bentley 1). Goal, Hollingworth (1) 8 points.

Scorers for Baildon were: Tries by Watmough (1), J. London (1), Goal, J. Normington (1) 9 points.

Baildon spent their longest period anywhere on this ground, which holds many happy memories for some Baildon people, but —yes there always had to be a but— their lease was not renewed at the end of the 1952-53 season, and once again the ground hunt began, this after 19 years, good years .

All the time at Blythwick Baildon were well served by Dick Metcalfe as groundsman, and he certainly did a good sound job, and the Club were very sorry indeed to lose him when he decided to pack up the job when the Club had to move.

On June 12th, 1950, was an unusual occasion in the annals of the Club, previous stalwart of the Baildon pack, Ronnie Richardson, handed over the Club’s Presidency to his brother Jack. There had been instances of fathers and sons and even fathers-in-law and sons-in-law, but this was the only time when brother handed over to brother. Incidentally it coincided with Jack Richardson's 25 years with the Club, a very active quarter of a century of service, and again you have it in a nutshell, Baildon Rugby Club is essentially a "FAMILY CLUB" with all the strong loyalties that go with the state of affairs. This is exactly as it should be.

Talking again of seven-a-side football, Baildon have competed in several during its fifty years. The first was in the 1939-40 season when they won the Ossett Cup, then they won the first competed for in the Yarnbury Sevens in 1952, and were runners-up again in the 1959-60 season, being beaten in the final by Old Rodilians by 5 points to 3 points.

BLOW AFTER BLOW

This time the playing scene shifted to the Coach Road, opposite the Salts School Ground, and it was here that the Baildon play and supporters showed the stuff they were made of in working hard and often to salvage something from the wreck. An old army hut was bought and the members, with some outside professional help, dug, drained and developed, until they had a grand pavilion. This task barely completed, the blow fell again. Shipley Council wanted the land for building on and Baildon had to "look again".

The small compensatory sum they received for the pavilion as it stood could not repay the hours of hard work that went into making the Coach Road ground worthy of Baildon's efforts.

Only two years were they permitted there, and the Club could have been forgiven had the officials decided to stop kicking against fate. Then their luck changed. Through the good offices of the late Mr. Farrar Peel they secured the use of the present ground in Jenny Lane. Appropriately enough they have found a permanent home only a stone's-throw away from where they started out on their nomadic career. At the start they had to have temporary accommodation at the rear of the Malt Shovel. This was made possible through the landlord, F. Richards, and the Brewery Company. There also the players officials, etc., got their backs into it and built a temporary bath and dressing room. Two members who worked hard in that respect were D. Obank and J. Normington, who did the planning for the bath, etc.

A grand pavilion was built on the cricket ground at Jenny Lane to serve both the Cricket and Rugby Clubs, and was fully equipped with good dressing rooms, a big bath, shower baths, lavatories and every convenience, such as committee and social rooms, and later a bar was installed and a licence granted to sell intoxicating drink. It was built in 1955 and opened on August 1st, 1955, by Leonard Hutton, afterwards Sir Leonard Hutton, for the cricket side, and Mr. Edward Simpson for the Rugby Union.

Through the joint effort of the Cricket and Rugby Clubs a grand Mid-Summer Fayre was staged in 1957-58 to raise money to pay off the debt and it was very successful indeed. This was organised by the President of the Cricket Club, Mr. J. Morris, who was Chairman, and Mr. F. M. Dracup, Vice-Chairman, and Mr. Gordon Wood, past President of the Rugby Club, and was held on 29th June, 1957, and opened by Albert Modley, the Yorkshire comedian. The need for such a pavilion had long been obvious; where the money would come from was not. The officials went ahead with the scheme, knowing that Baildon’s sporting public would give them the whole-hearted support they needed.

In the effort of trying to raise the money necessary to clear us of this heavy debt we have been fortunate in receiving that support.

ONE OF BAILDON'S RUGBY’S BEST-EVER SIDES

One of Baildon Rugby's best ever sides

This fifteen represented Baildon Rugby in season 1929-30 on one of the best periods in the club's history. The players are (reading left to right): back row, Ronnie Richardson, E. Hudson, G. Haynes, Jack Richardson, Bert Kitson, Michael Anderton, N. Wilson, Dick Obank; middle row, Maurice Robinson, Stanley Giles, Eddie Walker, Ronnie Gilgrass and Johnny Askwith; front row, Walter Armstrong, Arthur Ferns, George Firth.

THE FIRST EVER TEAM TO REPRESENT BAILDON

1st ever team

REPRESENTED BAILDON RUGBY 41 SEASONS AGO

1921 Team

Some familiar names are met with in this Baildon Rugby group taken during the 1921-22 season. Reading left to right: back row, Mr. George Armstrong, Mr. Horace Heaton, C. Roberts, Bob Hodgson, Arthur Shaw, Joe Moore, J. Munroe, Norman Mackay, —————: middle row, Mr. Hick, snr, Walter Armstrong, Titus Whitfield, H. Busfield, R. Cawthray, Maurice Fisher, C. P. Wightman, Bob Clegg, Clifford Baines, Mr. Mackway; front row, H. Hodgson, John Bell, Frank Tattersall, J Moore, Jack Whalley, Eric Nettleton, Ben Hick, G. H. Moore, ———

Clubs and individuals both inside and outside the township have shown generosity in many different and valuable ways. It was heartening indeed to find that the whole, and not just a section of Baildon went along with us in our task.

The pavilion really and truly belongs to Baildon, and we shall be able to go on providing Baildonians and visiting teams and supporters with sport in equally first class surroundings, summer and winter alike. The cost of it was appoximately £4,200.

The President of the Rugby Club at that time was Mr. D. S. V. Cooper.

Then on June 25th, 1960, both the Presidents of the Cricket and Rugby Clubs, Mr. J. Morris and Mr. Stanley Giles, again asked the people of Baildon to rally round them, having staged another Mid-Summer Fayre for that date, and sure enough it was another big success. This was opened by Mr. F. Reddiough of Baildon. Then heads were got together to see what could be done about a tea-room and bar, and sure enough this was commenced in January, 1961, and is now completed, and was opened in September, 1961, and is the envy of all visiting teams. It was declared open by the President of the Yorkshire Rugby Union, Mr. F. W. S. Malir of Otley. The cost of this was approximately £2,500.

Baildon will now be entering their tenth season at Jenny Lane.

Baildon has done its share as a "Nursery" and has never stood in the way of any player's advance to a higher grade. To say it was upset, however, was to put it mildly when in November, 1936, they discovered that a player who had been chosen for a Cup Tie would be unable to play because he had joined Bradford.

Baildon sportingly took the long view that after all the game was the thing that really mattered, and no official complaint was registered.

Wherever Baildon have played it has always been the Club's endeavour to give the players comfortable conditions.

There have been six Life Members made since the Club's formation, namely: H. Jowett (now deceased); G. C. Kinghorn, J. Bell (the longest serving member); J. Trenholme (deceased); J. S. Armstrong (who was General Secretary for 14 years); and H. Kitson, jnr. (deceased)

The 1958-59 season is another one to be remembered, when Baildon's results were as follows: Played 83, won 19, lost 12, drawn 2, points for 429, against 232.

The top scorers were:- W. Green (97 points); W. Anderton (45 points); and Richard Wood and R. Hammond (30 points each)

It is said that there used to be a team at one time called "The Baildon Lions", a real old lads of the village side, with a reputation for toughness that was well deserved. This was in the late 1890s. No history of this club, which was defunct before the present Club came into being, can be traced.

CAST YOUR NET WIDE

A newly-formed Players' Committee soon began to liven things up, and for the first time in the Club's history an all Baildon team played a match abroad in April, 1958, then in September, 1958, a team containing players from some other Clubs, but with a Jenny Lane nucleus, played in Holland against the Amsterdam Athletic Club, and this was the first Yorkshire side to play against a Dutch team in Holland.

The Players' Committee has several more ambitious schemes in hand, and the wiping out of the pavilion debt will enable them to plan ahead without this big financial burden to hamper them.

Last season Baildon took the plunge and started a Colts Team for lads under 18. It was ably run by Mr. D. W. Barr and Mr. M. Anderton, who were able to get a full season of fixtures for them, and the lads did very well indeed after, of course, the first few matches when they had got used to each other's play and playing together. The record was:-

Played 26, won 13, lost 11, drawn 2, cancelled 5. At one time they won six matches out of seven on the run. Scores:—For 333, Against 246.

Two players were picked in the Yorkshire Colts' trial match, Burrows and Wilkinson, and Burrows was chosen for the Yorkshire Colts against Durham Colts on Durham City ground on Saturday, April 21st, 1962, and he played a good game according to the paper reports and had a hand in one of the tries scored.

Baildon have had some good trainers at time and place, namely:-

Harold Young, Billie Eagers at Blythwick. Sam Booth, Norman Lambert, Bob Gilard, and Jim Hemsworth at Jenny Lane.

All noted players in their day.

A big "thank you" should be given to the various Ladies' Committees that have served Baildon all these years in several ways, especially in making tea, sandwiches, etc., for players, visitors and home, also spectators and public. In earlier years they used to run Bridge Parties and Social Evenings, and even once a big Jumble Sale, which all helped the Club financially, and the Club are very grateful to all and hope they will continue to go the good job they have done in the past.

Then again a word of praise must be given to the various Social Secretaries that have run the social side, such as dances, dinners, etc. The first three that we can bring to mind are , W. Ellison, B. Hick, jnr., C. P. Wightman, later F. Tattersal, then came a good stalwart in John Larking who did it up to being called up to the Forces in 1939. It was taken over for six seasons from 1940-41 to 1945-46 by Johnny Bell, then E. F. Hill took the job on, and when he retired G. F. Wood and a committee of five took over. They handed over the job to F. M. Dracup and he handed over to J. E. Gaunt, who still does the job successfully with the help of the newly formed Social Committee who took on the job last season.

The dances were not the money-making 'do's' that they used to be, and last year's New Year's Eve Dance was run at a loss.

The new Social Committee also made a success of a big plot night held on the ground on November 5th, 1961, and also ran a good Treasure Hunt too.

Thanks should also be given to the Press for their help and co-operation during the years that have passed, and we hope they will continue to give us their support in the years to come.

50th Season Officials

For this, the 50th season, the following officials are standing:
President: John Bell
Senior Vice-President: M. O. Anderton
Hon. General Secretary: D. S. V. Cooper.
1st Team Captain: P. Francis.
1st Team Vice-Captain: A. Duckett
Hon. Treasurer: J. E. Gaunt.
Hon. Fixture Secretary: D. Obank.
Hon. 1st Team Secretary: S. M. Giles.
Hon. “A” Team Secretary: D. B. Shackleton.
Hon. “B" Team Secretary: R. Lee, to assist B. Richards and T. Dyson.

Hon. Colts Secretaries: M. O. Anderton and D. W. Barr.

Committee: J. K. Browne, F. M. Dracup, T. Dyson, R. Richardson, J. Richardson, R. Gillgrass, R. O. Gillgrass, M. Gillgrass, B. Mitchell, H. S. Smith, J. Taylor, J. J. Wood.

Hon. Auditors: W. Stow and J. Rhodes.

Trustees: P. L. Cordingley, Esq. H. F. Hodson, Esq., G. R. Hutchinson, Esq., D. Obank, Fsq.; K. W. Oxley, Esq. G. F. Wood, Esq.

Previous Officers of the Club

Previous Officers of the Club 1912-13 to 1962-63

Season	President	Captain	General Secretaries	1st Team Secretary	"A" Team Secretary	"B" Team Secretary	Treasurer	Grounds
1912-13	W. Y. Turner	P. Emmison	P. Moorhouse	P. Moorhouse			W. Ellison	Strawberry Gardens
1913-14	W. Y. Turner	P. Emmison	P. Moorhouse	P. Moorhouse			W. Ellison	Strawberry Gardens
1920-21	A.W. Hoffman	R. V. Clegg	W. Ellison & B. Hick	B. Hick	C. P. Wightman		R. J. Whaley	Northgate Sproggs
1921-22	A.W. Hoffman	H. Denby	W. Ellison	B. Hick	C. P. Wightman		R. J. Whaley	Northgate Sproggs
1922-23	F. W. Whitaker	F. Tattersal	W. Ellison	B. Hick	C. P. Wightman		R. J. Whaley	West Lane
1923-24	W. P. Wightman	F. Tattersal	B. Hick & C. P. Wightman	B. Hick	C. P. Wightman		R. J. Whaley	West Lane
1924-25	J. Baines	A. Shaw	B. Hick & C. P. Wightman	B. Hick	C. P. Wightman		R. J. Whaley	West Lane
1925-26	J. Baines	V. Viljoen	C. P. Wightman	B. Hick	C. P. Wightman		R. J. Whaley & H. Gillcriss	West Lane
1926-27	H. Heaton	R. Hodgson	C. P. Wightman	B. Hick	C. P. Wightman		R. J. Whaley & H. Gillcriss	West Lane
1927-28	H. Heaton	H. Kitson	F. Tattersal	F. Tattersal	L. H. Wray	T. Nicholson	R. J. Whaley	West Lane
1928-29	N. Mackay	H. Kitson	F. Tattersal & J. Bell	F. Tattersal & J. Bell	L. H. Wray	A. Peate	R. J. Whaley	West Lane
1929-30	N. Mackay	E. Walker	F. Tattersal	H. Kitson (Junr.)	S. Armstrong	P. J. Emsley	R. J. Whaley	West Lane
1930-31	G. Armstrong	S. M. Giles	F. Tattersal	H. Kitson (Junr.)	S. Armstrong	P. J. Emsley	R. J. Whaley & H. Gillcriss	West Lane
1931-32	V. Waddilove	M. Anderton	T. Tattersal	D. Gardiner	S. Armstrong	P. J. Emsley	R. J. Whaley & H. Gillcriss	West Lane
1932-33	V. Waddilove	M. Anderton	J. S. Armstrong	D. Gardiner	J. Larking		D. Gardiner	Blythwick
1933-34	V. Waddilove	J. Obank	J. S. Armstrong	D. Gardiner	B. Ferns		D. Gardiner	Blythwick
1934-35	J. A. Smith	H. Kitson	J. S. Armstrong	T. Nicholson	G. R. Fysh		J. Marriner	Blythwick
1935-36	J. A. Smith	G. R. Wright	J. S. Armstrong	J. Gibson	G. G. Holmes		J. Marriner	Blythwick
1936-37	J. A. Smith	J. Obank	J. S. Armstrong	E. L. Adcock	H. Kitson		J. Marriner	Blythwick
1937-38	J. Trenholme	P. Cordingley	J. S. Armstrong	H. Kitson	H. Siddons		J. Marriner	Blythwick
1938-39	J. Trenholme	H. Knox	J. S. Armstrong & J. Richardson	H. Kitson	J. Obank Extra A Secretary: J. Bell		J. Marriner	Blythwick
1939-40	A. B. Varley	E. Leeming	J. S. Armstrong	H. Kitson	F. M. Dracup		J. Marriner	Blythwick
1940-41	H. Kitson (Junr.)	No Capt. apptd.	J. S. Armstrong	H. Kitson			E. Midgley	Blythwick
1941-42	H. Kitson (Junr.)	No Capt. apptd.	J. S. Armstrong	H. Kitson	J. Trenholme		E. Midgley	Blythwick
1942-43	H. Kitson (Junr.)	No Capt. apptd.	J. S. Armstrong	H. Kitson	J. Trenholme		E. Midgley	Blythwick
1943-44	H. Kitson (Junr.)	No Capt. apptd.	J. S. Armstrong	J. Trenholme	J. Trenholme		E. Midgley	Blythwick
1944-45	H. Kitson (Junr.)	No Capt. apptd.	J. S. Armstrong	J. Trenholme	J. Trenholme		E. Midgley	Blythwick
1945-46	H. Kitson (Jun. )	No Capt. apptd.	J. S. Armstrong	J. Trenholme	J. Trenholme		E. Midgley	Blythwick
1946-47	J. S. Armstrong	D. Obank	L. O. Bickers	H. Kitson	J. Obanlk		E. Midgley	Blythwick
1947-48	E. Gillard	N. Fazackerley	H. Kitson	J. Obank	H. F. Hodson	E. F. Hill	E. Midgley	Blythwick
1948-49	J. Obank	E. C. Ingham	H. Kitson	H. F. Hodson	D. Obank	R. H. Burniston	E. Midgley	Blythwick
1949-50	R. Richardson	B. Roshier	R. H. Burniston	P. L. Cordingley	G. F. Wood	F. N. Dracup	E. Midgley	Blythwick
1950-51	J. Richardson	J. Normington	R. H. Burniston	G. R. Hutchinson	F. N. Dracup	E. G. Ingham	K. W. Oxley	Coach Road
1951-52	P. L. Cordingley	K.P. Boyden	R. H. Burniston	G. F. Wood	J. E. Gaunt	E. G. Ingham	K. W. Oxley	Coach Road
1952-53	H. F. Hodson	J. R Pullan	D. S. V. Cooper	G. F. Wood	R. H. Burniston	J. Gaunt	K. W. Oxley	Coach Road
1953-54	D. Obank	D. Hobson	D. S. V. Cooper	G. R. Hutchinson	H. H. Hunter	I. M. Barbour	K. W. Oxley	Jenny Lane
1954-55	G. R. Hutchinson	J. Rhodes	D. S. V. Cooper	F. N. Dracup	H. H. Hunter	G. F. Wood	K. W. Oxley	Jenny Lane
1955-56	G. F. Wood	B. Mitchell	D. S. V. Cooper	F. N. Dracup	H. H. Hunter	I. M. Barbour	K. W. Oxley	Jenny Lane
1956-57	F. M. Dracup	A. Duckett	D. S. V. Cooper	H. H. Hunter	B. Mitchell	S. M. Giles & J. Asquith	J. E. Gaunt	Jenny Lane
1957-58	D. S. V. Cooper	C. R. Earnshaw	K. W. Oxley	H. H. Hunter	B. Mitchell I	J. Rhodes & J. Asquith	J. E. Gaunt	Jenny Lane
1958-59	K. W. Oxley	R. Jigins	H. Reynard	S. M. Giles	I. M. Barbour	J. Rhodes	J. E. Gaunt	Jenny Lane
1959-60	H. H. Hunter	John Jason Wood	H. Reynard	J. Rhodes	J. Asquith	W. K. Stow	J. E. Gaunt	Jenny Lane
1960-61	S. M. Giles	G. Russell	D. B. Shackleton	J. Rhodes	M. Gilgrass	J. K. Brown	J. E. Gaunt	Jenny Lane
1961-62	J. E. Gaunt	I Giles	D. B. Shackleton	R. O. Gillgrass	B. L. Richards	P. N. Duffy	J. E. Gaunt	Jenny Lane
1962-63	J. Bell	P Francis	D. SV. Cooper	S. M. Giles	D. B.Shackleton	R. Lee, B. Richards & T. Dyson	J. E. Gaunt	Jenny Lane

Please refer to the original for the Fixture Secretaries, Social Secretaries and Life Members. Who was officer for which years is not clear.

Fixture Secretaries
F. Tattersal 1931-32
J. Frazer,
D. Gardiner,
J. Trenholme 1933-34,
J. S. Armstrong,
J. Obank,
R. Richardson,
D. Obank,
H. Kitson 1932-33

Social Secretaries
J. Larking
J. Bell 1940-41 to 1945-46
E. F. Hill
G. F. Wood and a Committee of five
F. Dracup
J. Gaunt

Life Members
H. Jowett - died
E. C. Kinghorn
J. Bell (made 1935-36)
J. Trenholme - died
J. S. Armstrong
H. Kitson (Jnr.) - died

Social Secretaries

J. Larking J. Bell 1930-41 to 1945-46 E. F. Hill G. F. Wood and a Committee of five. F. Dracup J. Gaunt

Life Members

H. Jowett—died E. C. Kinghorn J. Bell (made 1935-36) J. Trenholme— died J. S. Armstrong 1. Kitson (Jnr.)—died

CLUB RECORDS

YORKSHIRE TRIALISTS 1928-29 and 1929-30

• M. Anderton (3)
• J. Richardson (1)
• H. Kitson (1)
• A. Duckett (1)
• J. Taylor (1)

BEST SEASONS FOR SCORING

Season	For	Against	Played	Won	Lost	Drawn
1927-28	354 Points	93 Points
1928-29	478 Points	125 Points first 12 matches - 297 for, 29 against	27	22	5	0
1958-59	427 Points	232 Points	33	19	12	2
1959-60	386 Points	342 Points	51	16	13	2

1939-40 Season won the Ossett Cup for seven-a-side Rugby.

1959-60 Season won the Runners-up Cup of the Yarnbury seven-aside Rugby. Beaten in the Final by five points to three by Old Rodilians.

Won the first Cup in the Yarnbury Y.A. side in 1952.

J. McCone was groundsman from 1920-21 up to 1932-33 - 12 years. Started again in 1958-54 Season.

The Pavilion at Blythwick was opened October 8th. Season 1938-39

The Pavilion at Coach Road was built. Season 1951-52

The Pavilion at Jenny Lane was opened August 1st. 1955

The New Social Room at Jenny Lane commenced Jan 1961

Social Room at Jenny Lane opened in September 1961

YORKSHIRE CUP

Feb. 25th, 1922 v. Edlington Won, 20 points to 7 at Baildon
Mar. 4th, 1922 v. Morley Drawn, 11 points to 11 at Baildon
Mar. 9th, 1922 v. Morley Won, at Morley
Mar. 11th, 1922 v. Redcar Lost, 8 points to 8 at Redcar
Mar. 3rd, 1923 v. Harrogate OB Won, 16 points to 12 at Harrogate
Mar. 10th, 1923 v. Hull & East Riding Lost, 26 points to 4 at Hull (Dropped goal 4 points.)

SCORERS SEASON 1927-28

LIST OF SCORERS SEASON 1927-28

Name	Tries	Goals	P.G.	D.G.	Agst.	For
Greenwood	26	6				90
R. Gilgrass	22	1				68
R. C. Rhodes	1					3
D. Taylor	2					6
P. F. Borley	1	16		1		37
H Jowett	5	2				19
B. Ferns	1					3
S. Giles	2					6
R. Cawthray	1					3
F. Tattersal	1					3
H. Craven	1					3
H. Kitsen	1					3
M. Anderton	9					27
* J. Richardson	4	4	1			23
R. Richardson	6					18
S. Dale	3					9
J. Pierson	2					6
N. Wortley	1					3
N Hardy	2					6
J. Spencer	1					3
R Hodgson		3				6
G Firth	3					9
Total	95	32	1	1	93	354

• Only ever present

SCORERS SEASON 1958-59

LIST OF SCORERS SEASON 1958-59

Name	Tries	Goals	P.G.	D.G.	Agst.	For
R. Wood	10					30
G. Reid	8					24
A. Duckett	8					24
R. Hammond	7	3		1		30
J. Skirrow	6					18
J. A.J. Wood	6					18
R. Jigins	5					15
M. Dauge	5					15
W. Green	5	32	6			97
P. Francis	5					15
K. Read	4					12
I. Giles	4					12
J. Taylor	3	1	1			14
J. Busfield	2					6
W. Anderton	2	12	4	1		45
B. Mitchell	2					6
P.W. Hall	2					6
F. Wood	2					6
James J. Wood	2					6
John Wood	1					3
R. Dutton	1					3
J. Walker	1					3
C. Renton	1					3
D. Wilson	1	1				5
Whelan	1					3
G. Russell		2	2			10
TOTALS	94	51	13	2	232	429

Played 33—Won 19, Lost 12, Drawn 2.

Closing

In closing this brochure I should like to thank the 'Telegraph & Argus' and "The Shipley Times & Express" for the loan of the blocks of the teams; Mr. Norman Haggart for his sketches on the front page which we appreciate very much indeed; the Advertisers for their assistance; in fact all who have helped in any way to make this brochure possible. A big Thank You to all. THE PRESIDENT.

Printers

Printed by E. Wheelden (Bradford) Ltd., 463, Manchester Road, Bradford.

List of Advertisers

• AVONDALE
• JOHN PEIRSON LTD.
• F W Hutchinson
• A. E. FOX 25 Northgate, Baildon
• THE VALLEY SCOURING & CARBONISING Co. Ltd.
• SHIPLEY MOTOR SERVICES LTD.
• IBMAC LTD.
• R. Townend (Bradford) Ltd.
• P. A. RICHTERICH & CO. LTD.
• Chesterman & Bottomley Ltd.
• Collinson Bros. Ltd.
• HAMMONDS ALES
• Richmond Weaving
• M. BARRACLOUGH LTD. Westgate, Baildon
• GRIFFITHS, 4 Northgate, Baildon
• Berwicks
• FRED WOODCOCK LTD.
• H. J. KNUTTON
• Northgate Garage
• CORDINGLEY’S, Threshfield Stores, Baildon Rd, Baildon
• BENJAMIN CROMACK LTD.
• Philip Morris (Bradford) Ltd.
• J. & J. OBANK & Co. Ltd.
• KAMELLA
• YORKSHIRE ENGINEERING & WELDING CO.(BRADFORD) LTD.
• E. Robinson Motor Co. Ltd

Purchase of Jenny Lane

With reference to Farrar Peel in the Blow after Blow chapter -Farrar Peel was the owner of the Baildon Mills. During the 1940s he purchased Moorfield Farm (Jenny Lane). The land is now built on - Moorfield Drive, Hazelheads etc.. The present rugby ground was part of the farm.

Mr. Peel let the farm to Dick King of Gaping Goose Farm (Intake Gate) near Ilkley Moor. Mr king claimed tenancy rights but eventually vacated the farm buildings and most of the land but refused to vacate the present rugby ground. Mr king grazed sheep on the Moor and thought that by occupying the field he could claim grazing rights on the common land adjacent (Baildon Moor). Mr Peel sold the land to him. Eventually the club purchased most of it but the King family retained the strip of land to the North East.

1971 BRUFC Presidents vs Catterick Services

Baildon Sportsmen's Efforts Committee for the Aged. Charity Match.

Baildon R.U.F.C. Presidents XV against Catterick Services XV

Wednesday 7th April 1971 at Jenny Lane. Kick off 6:30pm

Official Programme

Click on the image above to read the PDF scan of the programme or use this link.

Tickets