Meldreth Football Club, 1921-22

The first recorded mention of Meldreth Football Club
Royston Crow, 4th November 1921

Introduction

In the late 1890s, a Melbourn and Meldreth and District Football Team was formed and a number of their matches were reported on in the local press. See our page on the History of Football in Cambridgeshire.

1921

Meldreth Football Club formed in 1921 and initially played on land next to Meldreth Railway Station. The earliest mentions of the Club are in two issues of the Royston Crow, reporting on matches that took place in October and November 1921.

FOOTBALL  – Meldreth were at home to Reed last Saturday, in a friendly match. The home team played very well, G Farnham (7), F Farnham, E Dash, P Farnham and Croxell, scored for the home team. At Full time Meldreth won very easily 11 – 0.
Royston Crow, 4th November 1921

FOOTBALL – Meldreth were at home to Thriplow on Saturday last in a friendly match, the visitors winning very easily by 7 to 0. Meldreth will be at home to Barley on Saturday.
Royston Crow, 18th November 1921

1922

The first annual meeting was held in July and was reported in the Royston Crow.

FOOTBALL CLUB –  The first annual meeting was held at the Hall, High Street, Meldreth on Monday 3rd July, when the Hon. Sec. and Treas. presented his report and balance sheet. Mr. Alwyne Howard was in the chair. There was a good number present and the report was adopted. The balance showed a credit of £3 14s. 2d. and club property to the value of £9 8s. 5d. Matches won 7 lost 12, drawn 3 Total 22.

The following officers were elected for the season 1922 – 23: President Mr. A.A. Howard, Hon Sec. and Treasurer Mr. P. Fielding, Assistant Sec. Mr. F. Farnham, Captain Mr. H. Medlock, Vice  Captain  Mr. F. Farnham Committee; Messrs C .Croxall, G. Winter, W. Kenzie, R. Rumble, H. Jacklin, A.A.Hale, M. Chamberlain and C. Plumb.

Selection Committee Messrs C. Walby and T. Rumble. The chairman was thanked for his services during the past year, likewise the Hon. Sec. and Treas., Committee and other officers. The club is looking forward to a good season, and trusts the Hon. Secretaries of surrounding clubs will forward their open dates at the earliest opportunity, which will receive the attention of their Secretary.
Royston Crow, 14th July 1922

In August, it was reported that the club had lost its home ground.

It is very much regretted that the Football Club of the above village [Meldreth] should lapse for want of a ground for matches and practice, Mr. George Palmer, Sheen Farm, who kindly lent the meadow adjoining the station last season, cannot see his way clear to do so this coming winter. It is a great pity, for the Club was in good working order and financially strong, and gave great pleasure to players and spectators alike besides assisting in charitable objects.
Royston Crow, 18th August 1922

However, in October Mr Charles Harrup came to the rescue, offering a new ground near Bury Lane.

THE FOOTBALL CLUB.  Mr Charles Harrup of Chiswick End Meldreth has kindly offered the Football Club a meadow adjoining Bury Lane, for their matches, and the Club wish to record their sincere thanks to Mr Harrup for his kindness. After the excellent start made last year it would have been hard lines if the Club had had to disband for lack of a playing field. The Club are now prepared to fix up matches with neighbouring clubs.
Royston Crow, 6th October 1922

1922 did not end well for the Club, however, when George Farnham suffered a broken leg in their match on Christmas Day.

FOOTBALL The Charity match for Addenbrooke’s Hospital on Christmas morning was abandoned after the sad accident to George Farnham, of Meldreth, who had his leg broken in two places. First aid was rendered by Sergeant Martin and Farnham was then conveyed to Addenbrooke’s in Mr. A. R. Fordham’s motor. We are glad to hear that he is progressing as well as can be expected.
Royston Crow, 29th December 1922

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