THE BUDLEIGH SALTERTON LAWN TENNIS AND CROQUET CLUB
THE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS by Dr Ralph Bucknall PhD.
INTRODUCTION by Martin Granger Brown 2012
During the 140 or so seriously. He years of its existence, recommended the the Budleigh Salterton Budleigh May (Lawn Tennis and) tournament as the finest Croquet Club has been in the land, and created well served by many in one pupil a local link distinguished members. surviving unbroken for 46 Among such heroes and years. By curious their work, this labour of circumstances his love by the late Ralph Membership in 1968 was Bucknall PhD. has for proposed by the same too long remained young man whose hidden from general enthusiasm he had view. It is a work of kindled only seven years scholarly reference for earlier! those interested in the He coached many Club’s history and the minutiae of members’ club members over 25 years, and played interactions over the years to 1970. croquet well into his 80s until a stroke Ralph Bucknall PhD. was a giant in the deprived him of communication. At his peak world of Club croquet. His enthusiasm for he played to scratch (equivalent to 3 on the game was firmly established by his today’s scale), and made a formidable foundation of the Norton Hall Croquet Club, doubles partnership with a deaf friend at the ( CA affiliated ), as part of the ICI staff club in Club, Jack Lee. Their tactical disagreements Norton-on-Tees. That small Club exists in play were a source of some amusement today, after several metmorphoses, as the on the lawns, and they were terrors to Middlesbrough Croquet Club. forestall when errors occurred! This “biography” of his great love, the Ralph Bucknall’s great work of Budleigh Salterton Croquet and Lawn Tennis distillation of the essentials from 100 years Club, where his heart beats even today, is a of the minutes and records of the Club has fitting memorial to his penetrating intellect been well summarised by Roger Bowen in which had been captivated by this his excellent short history. Since Bucknall’s challenging and complex game. He taught a day, the playing of croquet here has been in generation of young men from ICI the skills a long decline, whilst in terms of facilities and tactics of the game until 1968 when he the Club has never been finer. For the retired to his croquet heaven here. His student of Club history, Bucknall’s work is a innocent good humour and patience, fired compelling read. It well deserves the by his dedication to the game, inspired his attention of all who love this great Club and work for the game’s survival in that difficult seek to understand the reasons for its long period when many clubs were failing. A survival. Therein may lie its treasure for the father figure, he inspired this young man future. among many from ICI to take the game 0
FOREWORD by Dr. Ralph Bucknall.
Having played at several croquet tournaments at Budleigh Salterton over the previous few years, the author, very impressed by all that he had seen there, came to live in Budleigh in March 1968 and joined the Club at once, primarily to play croquet. In the course of preparing an article on "Croquet at Budleigh Salterton", which was published in "DEVON LIFE" in August 1973, he had the opportunity of studying a document prepared in 1947 by Capt. S.S.C.Parsons,R.I. ( who was then Secretary of the Club ) which summarised the Club Committee minutes from 1885 up to the outbreak of war in September 1939. This led to an offer to extend and enlarge the story, to which the Club Committee kindly agreed, granting access to all relevant Club documents. The opportunity was taken of broadening the story of the early history of the Club, by consulting other organisations and individuals who might be able to throw more light on these early days, and so resolve some of the doubts and uncertainties contained in Capt. Parsons' notes. In this connection the author's sincere thanks are due to the Clinton Devon Estates, whose officials searched old records and produced old maps which appear in this history; to Mr. Meynell, Clerk of the Budleigh Salterton Urban District Council for similar help; to Mrs. Jones Bateman for many anecdotes particularly of the Club's experiences during the 1939-45 war, and for searching her memory so patiently; to ex-groundsman West, who possesses a great fund of information about the Club; and to many others who have borne the author's questions with great patience. Apart from the Club Committee minutes and Balance Sheets, the Croquet Record Books and Minute Books, the "Croquet Gazette", the Tennis Tournament Programme file and the various sectional committee minutes, have all provided much information. Finally, the author's thanks are due to his wife, who has borne his activities in connection with this history with tolerance and understanding. The plan of this history is essentially chronological and covers the period from the earliest days around 1870 to the end of 1970. In the century of the Club's existence there have been several distinct phases which make convenient sub-divisions of the whole story. At the end of each of these sections, a summary of the period covered is given. A series of Appendices is given at the end of the story in which tabulated annual data on a number of topics is given. It should be noted that one of the difficulties of elucidating the gradual evolution of the Club's grounds is that the numbering of the various lawns was altered on several occasions without being recorded. This has led to the necessity for a considerable amount of deduction from later information. In some cases there is still doubt about the exact piece of land which is referred to in various minutes.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS. Page Diary of Major Events. 3 Section 1. From Small Beginnings-The Early years to 1888. 5 Section 2. The First Expansion. 1889 - 1898. 10 Section 3. A Period of Consolidation. 1899 - 1912. 17 Section 4. The Second Expansion started. 1913 - 1918. 30 Section 5. A Great Leap Forward. 1919 - 1923. 34 Section 6. The Peak of Activity. 1924 - 1939. 43 Section 7. The Second World War. 1939 - 1945. 75 Section 8. The Long, Slow Haul Back. 1946 - 1951. 83 Section 9. A Difficult Decade. 1952 - 1961. 99 Section 10. A Period of Financial Ups & Downs. 1962 - 1970. 133
APPENDICES.
1 Club Officials from 1884. 172 2 Summarised Club Financial Data from 1917. 174 3. Summarised Tennis Tournament Financial Data from 1920. 180 4. Tennis Tournament Open Event & Trophy Winners from 1908. 184 5. Club Junior Tennis Trophy Winners from 1962. 187 6. Club Bowls Trophy Winners from 1946. 188 7. Croquet Tournament Trophy Winners from 1896. 190 8. Club Croquet Trophy Winners from 1925. 194 9. Croquet National Championship Successes for Club Members. 196
Illustrations.
Fig 1 . Reprint of 1888 Ordnance Survey Map 9 Fig 1a. Likely Map of Club Grounds 10 Fig 2. Reprint of 1903 Ordnance Survey Map 20 + Likely Map of Club Grounds. Fig 3. Reprint of 1912 Ordnance Survey Map 28 Fig 4. Likely layout of Grounds in 1933 59 Fig 4a. Reprint of 1933 Ordnance Survey Map 61 Fig 5. Reprint of 1952 Ordnance Survey Map 109 Photograph of 1956 Croquet Test Team 115 Fig 6. Use of Grounds 1970 166
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DIARY OF MAJOR EVENTS.
1872 Croquet first played; probably on area north of pavilion. 1887 Two more tennis courts added ( Nos. 4 & 5 ? ) -probably 5 altogether. 1890 New Pavilion built ( the present Croquet Pavilion ). 1895 Second Croquet lawn added ( in area of present Bowling Green ?). 1896 First Open Croquet Tournament; Ross Cup presented. Club affiliated to L.T.A. 1897 Budleigh Salterton Railway opened. 1898 Third Croquet lawn added ( in area of present No. 3 Croquet lawn?) 1899 Club name changed 1900 Bottom Tennis court area enlarged to take 2 Tennis Courts or 1 Croquet lawn. 1901 First Open Events in Tennis Tournament. 1903 Railway extended from Budleigh Salterton to Exmouth. 1906 Dressing Rooms constructed. Old Tool Shed became Secretary's Office. Non-playing members admitted for the first time. 1908 Fourth Croquet lawn added. 1913 Took over field 214 (Sellick's field) for 4 more tennis courts. 1914 Lease for 14 years granted. War declared. 1918 War over. 1919 There were now 10 Tennis courts + 4 Croquet lawns. Took over land of northern strip (Keslake's field and Palmer's building site.(fields -212 +211). 1920 Two Hard Courts made + No. 6 Tennis court. Trustees appointed. 1921 New lease for 50 years from 29 September 1920. Two Tennis courts + 1 Croquet lawn made on northern strip, also turf nursery. 1922 First stage of Club House built, financed by £ 1500 of Debentures. 1923 Dressing Rooms extended at both ends. 1924 First motor mower bought. Full-time paid Secretary appointed ( S.E.Langmore.). 1926 General strike. New Secretary's office built on to Lower Pavilion. 1930 Bridge Room added to Club House. 1931 No. 1 Tennis court allocated to Bowls. 1934 Hard Courts relaid. Verandah built on to Lower Pavilion. 1935 Last of Debentures redeemed. 1936 No. 1 Croquet lawn converted into proper Bowling Green. Old Secretary's office became Bowls shed. 1937 Small Bridge Room added to Club House; Winter Bridge started. Capt. Parsons became Secretary. Professional Auditors appointed. 1938 Bar established in Club House. 1939 Sunday afternoon play agreed. War declared on Sept. 3rd; Club put on to wartime footing with reduced activity. 1940 Entrance fee abolished for duration of war. Military took over Dressing Rooms and both Bridge Rooms. 1942 Nissen huts built on Nos. 15 & 16 Tennis courts. 1945 Daylight bombing raid on Budleigh Salterton 3
VE Day, 8th. May, war in Europe ended. Club Rooms released by military in July. 1946 Entrance fee re-established. 1947 Hew lease for 75 years from 29 September 1947. 1948 First payments to players in Tennis Tournament. 1950 First Inter-County Tennis week. Bad feeling over Bridge - lasted several years. Capt. Parsons resigned Secretaryship. 1951 Reverted to Hon. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer and Hon. Auditor to reduce expenses. 1954 Major meetings re continuance or not of Tennis Tournament decided in favour of continuing, but with new type of Committee. Started playing Chess. 1956 Hew Secretary's Office built on Club House verandah. Croquet Test Match v. New Zealand. First stage of concrete grandstand on No. 1 Court built. 1957 More discontent in Bridge Room. 1958 Football Pools scheme started. 1959 First Fruit machine installed. Kitchen renovated. 1960 Hew gas supply to Dressing Rooms. Croquet locker room established in Lower Pavilion. 1961 Tennis Tournament Committee took over whole Club for the week. Three Croquet Tournaments per year from now on. Juniors' Den established in Men's Dressing Room - lighting installed. 1962 Club bought its own Fruit Machine. 1963 New Bar installed in Club House tea room. Burglary at Club House in February. Another big meeting re Tennis Tournament decided to continue it. Football Pools scheme ceased. Games Club Pavilion burnt down. Extensive frost damage to all Tarmac paths. 1964 First sponsored Tennis Tournament. 1965 Verandah Bridge Room built. 1966 Selective Employment Tax imposed. Remarkably successful year for Croquet members in outside tournaments. Junior Affairs declining fast. Sunday morning play permitted on special occasions. 1967 New Car Park built, financed by special donations. Croquet Association Centenary year. Railway to Budleigh Salterton closed. 1968 Cricket Field at Ottermouth seriously damaged in floods in September. Differential Subscription scheme introduced. 1969 Sunday morning play agreed generally. First offer of Freehold of site. Challenge & Gilbey Cups tournament ( C.A.) played at Budleigh Salterton for the first time. 1970 Centenary of the first Pavilion (and perhaps of the Club) passed unnoticed.
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SECTION 1 - FROM SMALL BEGINNINGS - THE EARLY YEARS TO 1888.
The earliest records of the Club which still exist are the General Committee Minute Books, the first of which records a meeting of members of the Club on 5th. March 1885. The Club was then known as "THE BUDLEIGH SALTERTON ARCHERY & LAWN TENNIS CLUB ", and the Chairman was General J.E. Goodwyn, C.B. The Club had certainly been in existence since before 1870, as it is recorded that in that year the Hon. Mark Rolle had given the materials with which to build the first Pavilion. How long the Club had been in existence prior to 1870 is not known, neither are the circumstances of its founding, but it is evident that they were already occupying the two fields, nos. 739 & 740 on the 1888 Ordnance Survey map, which comprised 2.232 & 0.754 acres respectively. ( See Fig.1, page 10.) These fields were on the plateau overlooking the town, and whilst the plantation shown in field 740 sloped steeply to the south, the general area of field 739 was fairly level from south to north, but fell about 10 ft. or so from west to east. These two fields were let by the Rolle Estate to a Mr. J. Harwood, who presumably sub-let them to the Club. From 25th. March 1870, these two fields were let direct to the Club by the Rolle Estate for a rent of £4 per year. ( See Clinton Devon Estates Back Rentals Book ). It seems that the Club had probably approached the Rolle Estate for a direct tenancy, which was arranged by Mr. Harwood's being given the tenancy of Frogmore Meadow ( in East Budleigh ) in exchange for the two fields used by the Club. There was considerable encouragement to the Club by the Hon. Mark Rolle, and throughout the early history of the Club, the benevolence of the Rolle Estate is very noticeable, not only for the low rent charged but also for the numerous gifts of building materials, etc. The first Pavilion was built in 1870 at a cost to the Club of £12, with materials given by the Hon. Mark Rolle. ( This is referred to in a letter from the Rolle Estate Agent dated 4th March 1890.) The Pavilion was 35ft. x 10ft. and comprised a 20ft. shelter with a 5ft. cupboard at each end for "Plant". It was situated just to the north of the present Lower Pavilion, roughly on the site of the present wide Tarmac path, and is shown on the 1888 Ordnance Survey Map. ( See Fig 1.) The entrance to the Club premises was from Cricket Field Lane, opposite to the Cricket Club ( now the Games Club ). Archery was the main activity and probably took place on the south strip of land now occupied by the Bowling Green and Nos. 3 & 4 Croquet Lawns, but there is little information now remaining about Archery. Lawn Tennis was invented about 1872 by two young men in Birmingham, and its popularity quickly spread throughout the country. It is not clear when the first Tennis Courts were established at Budleigh, but it is probable that it was in the late 1870's. There were soon 3 Tennis Courts in use, one in the area of the present No. 1 Croquet Lawn, and two others to the west of the then Pavilion. Croquet is said to have been played as early as 1872. The site, of the original Croquet Lawn has not been definitely established, but in a Minute reporting a discussion in the Autumn of 1899 reference to the area of the "Original Croquet Lawn " can only mean that this was on the north side of the Pavilion ( i.e. on the area of the present No. 2 Croquet Lawn.). On the other hand, some years later the area to the south of the Pavilion ( now occupied by the Bowling Green ) was termed No. 1 Croquet Lawn. Furthermore, the old photograph, now in the Club House, reported to have been taken in l879 ( and presented to the Club in 1958, q.v. ) shows a group of players facing a croquet lawn and standing alongside what appears to be the original pavilion. The croquet hoops visible in the picture 5
are of the wide, round top, type, confirming that it is a very old photograph, and the relationship between the position of the group and the surrounding features suggests that the croquet hoops are in the area of the present Bowling Green. It is possible that the "original" croquet lawn was, in fact, north of the Pavilion, but that a switch was made very soon to the area of what became No. 1 Croquet lawn, and later the Bowling Green.
1884. The first reference to a Tennis Tournament is in a letter dated 8 September 1884, from the Rolle Estate Agent to Dr. Brushfield, regarding a report of the tournament in the local press, but this was probably only a very local type of tournament. There is another reference to a Tournament in August 1886 in a letter to Dr. Brushfield about subscriptions to the tournament from the Hon. Mark Rolle and from Mr. Lipscomb ( the Rolle Estate Agent, who was a member of the Club ), in which pleasure was expressed that some of the prizes had been won by visitors, which " was a very good advertisement for the place ". There is an agreement dated 18 April 1884, over a 6d stamp, by which Matthew Davey agreed to undertake the duties of "caretaker of the grounds' , as he had hitherto done", for 2/6 for each working day from 21st. April to 21st. October 1884, and undertook to keep an eye on the grounds during the winter months. This agreement provided for a month's notice on either side, and was signed by Davey and by Gen. J.E. Goodwyn, who was described as Treasurer of " The Budleigh Salterton Archery, Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club ". The title of the Club seems to have had many variations in actual usage.
1885. In this year, Gen. Goodwyn resigned the office of Treasurer and became Chairman of the Club, Dr. Brushfield becoming Hon. Secretary and Treasurer. Thus Gen. Goodwyn, C.B. is the first recorded Chairman ( President ). He was assisted by a committee, consisting of 9 men and 8 ladies, plus the Hon. Secretary & Treasurer and a "Pro-Secretary". There was no rule regarding length of service on the committee and many of its members served for year after year. The accounts for the year 1885 shewed an estimated income of £ 43 odd ( including the balance brought forward from the previous year ), and estimated expenses of £ 34, leaving a balance of £ 9 which was to be spent on a new mowing machine that was needed. The income included £ 1-10-0 for winter grazing, which was a useful way of keeping the lawns cut in the winter.
1886. During this year, Mr. S.W.Ravenscroft, C.S.I., became Chairman, assisted by the same committee as in the previous year.
1887 In this year, it was decided to add Bowls to the games played, but the records do not state where this would take place. This was apparently a year of great drought, and in September repairs of a fairly major nature were needed to the Tennis Courts. It was also decided to enlarge the "Upper" Tennis Courts ( i.e. those to the west of the Pavilion ) by providing a longer run-back behind the base lines, and at the same time to make a path from the Pavilion to the west end of the field and to provide some shelter for players and onlookers. The bank and hedge which were then the boundary between the two fields 739 & 740 ( i.e. between the Tennis grounds 6
and the Archery area ) was to be removed and the area ploughed and turfed, and a 7 ft. high paling built in line with the north wall of the "Dial House" garden from the west end of the Pavilion to the "West Plantation". ("Dial House" was then called "Rougemont".) The paling would therefore be a few yards to the south of the former hedge, and the timber for it was provided by the Hon. Mark Rolle. In addition, two more Tennis courts were to be made at the west end of the grounds. The 1887 Accounts shewed receipts to have been £ 60 odd and the expenditure almost £ 59.
1888. Mr. Ravenscroft was again Chairman, with Dr. Brushfield as Hon. Secretary & Treasurer, and Mr. R.W.Friend as "Pro-Secretary". There was now a Committee of 5 men and 5 ladies, as per new rules. These new rules, of which a copy is pasted into the Minute Book, prescribed that :- 1. The Club should be called the " BUDLEIGH SALTERTON ARCHERY, BOWLS, CROQUET & LAWN TENNIS CLUB ", but from the following year it seems to have been called ( even on official documents ) the " BUDLEIGH SALTERTON ARCHERY & LAWN TENNIS CLUB". 2. New members could be elected by a minimum of 8 existing members. The names of the candidates were posted on a notice board, together with the names of proposer and seconder and had to remain there for 8 days. Voting took place every Monday and, of course, at the Annual General Meeting, also.). A list of members with the subscriptions paid ( and the date paid ) was to be posted in the Pavilion. 3. Subscriptions were 10/- per year for a single member, and £ 1-1-0 for a family ticket limited to 3 playing members, with an additional 7/- per year for any further member of a family. Visitors could join, if introduced by a member, for one month for 7/6 for a single ticket and l8/- for a family ticket limited to 3 people, with additional members of the family at 6/-. An extension of the period was possible at the rate of 3/- per person per week. A house guest of a member could play free for 2 weeks, but would be charged 3/- per week for any further play. 4. The grounds were open from 2 p.m. to sunset, but not at all on Sundays, and in the summer only. Morning play, after 11 a.m. could be arranged, at a rate of 2/6 per court, by arrangement with the Secretary. 5. No children under the age of 14 could become members, and in fact were not allowed in the grounds unless accompanied by an adult. 6. Smoking was not allowed in or near the Pavilion, or anywhere in the vicinity of the courts. No dogs were allowed in the grounds, on pain of a fine of 1/- for a first offence and 2/- on any subsequent occasion. 7. In respect of ARCHERY. Mondays were the important days, as only scores made on a Monday counted towards the season's prizes. There was an Archery Secretary. 8. Regarding BOWLS, this was apparently played on the Archery Ground, but was only permitted when the ground was not required for Archery, which had priority. This implies that although Bowls had been added to the games played, in 1887, it could not have been thought much of, and the quality of the ground on which it was played must have left a lot to be desired. If there were any members waiting to play, and there were no more "Balls" available, the waiting players were to be allowed to take over the "balls" of those that had been playing longest, when their game was over. 9. For CROQUET, the Club did not undertake to provide mallets. No groups were permitted to play more than one game if newcomers wanted the ground. A group of less 7
than 4 players was not permitted to occupy "any ground", if it was required for 4 other players. ( The use of the term "any ground" in the Minutes seems to imply that there was more than one Croquet area, although the second Croquet lawn was not constructed until 1895. Perhaps they also played a sort of Croquet on the Archery field! ) 10. TENNIS players were to provide their own " bats " and balls, and anyone caught playing without tennis shoes was to be fined 5/-. If players were waiting, no more than one set was to be played. During August and September, two of the courts were reserved for members, and visitors were not allowed to use those courts if a set of members was waiting. Singles was allowed on only one court as of right, but could be played on the other courts if there was no set of 4 players waiting. No deuce or advantage sets were allowed during August. The varied use to which the Archery ground was put is illustrated by the decision at the beginning of this season not to open the Tennis grounds for play until 1st. May, but that some courts would be opened on the Archery field from mid-April. From the Accounts for the 1888 season, it would appear that there were about 100 members, since the total subscription income was £ 46-1-0. Total receipts were £ 64-14-0 and expenditure totalled about £ 62, of which wages amounted to £ 21 ( i.e. 28 weeks @ 15/- per week.).
SUMMARY.
Thus at the end of 1888, the Club grounds consisted of the two fields, 739 & 740, on which there were 5 Tennis courts and 1 Croquet lawn. The hedge between the tennis courts and the Archery area had been replaced by the paling fence, which is marked on the Ordnance Map, given in Fig. 1. The Archery area was south of this fence, but there is some doubt as to the area occupied by Croquet. Bowls was played on the Archery ground. At that time there were no houses north of Upper West Terrace. The Railway had not been built, but this was in process of being planned. The only roads in the area of the Club were Cricket Field Lane, which continued through to Greenway Lane; Greenway Lane itself, which continued right through to the East Budleigh Road along the easterly part of the present Upper Stoneborough Lane; Copp Hill Lane, which ran from Greenway Lane down to Kersbrook; and Moor Lane, which ran right through to the High Street. There was no Station Road or Upper Stoneborough Lane. On the Northern edge of the Club's land, there was a hedge, which appears to be the one which can be seen in the 1879 photograph. After about 20 years existence, the Club was now poised for further development.
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Fig 1. Reprint of 1888 Ordnance Survey Map of the Area
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Fig 1a. Tracing of 1889 Ordnance Survey Map shewing likely use of Club Grounds.
SECTION 2 - THE FIRST EXPANSION. 1889 - 1898.
1889. At the Annual General Meeting, at which the officers and committee were all re- elected for another year, it was reported that the improvements decided upon in 1887 had all been completed, with the paling fence built together with the adjacent path, and the additional tennis courts made. ( These were probably the present Nos. 4 & 5 Tennis courts.) It was realised that additional Pavilion accommodation was needed, but a Sub- committee appointed to consider this decided in May to defer the matter until the following season, and to devote such funds as were currently available to improving the grounds. At a General Meeting in September, a programme of winter treatment of the lawns, including grazing by sheep in the spring, was agreed, with special reference to the " New Field". In a letter to Dr. Brushfield, the Rolle Estate Agent ( Mr. Lipscomb ) expressed the opinion that the turf on the Tennis field was better than on most such grounds and did not need top- dressing, but that the " New Field " ( i.e. the Archery ground ) needed treatment with lime and soil. At this meeting, Mr. Lipscomb returned to the subject of a new Pavilion and expressed the opinion that the Club needed a " £ 100 Pavilion " - presumably referring to a standard article - which would cost the Club £ 50 to erect, if the Hon. Mark Rolle gave the materials. This then became the Club's next objective, and in December a number of members, keen on Amateur Dramatics, performed two plays in the Budleigh Salterton Public Rooms - " Alone " and " Area Belle " - in aid of Club funds, and raised £ 10 towards the cost of the new Pavilion. The Archery members were allowed to use the field on one day per week during the winter, provided they paid the cost of the " Groundsman ". | The Accounts for the 1889 season shewed subscriptions at £ 48, out of total receipts of £ 70 odd. Expenditure was £ 46, of which wages were £ 24. An interesting item is a
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donation by the Club to the Croquet Tournament, which is the first mention of such an event. It must have been purely a Club affair.
1890. In February, there was another Special Meeting to discuss the new Pavilion, and the preparation of plans was authorised. ( A counterproposal to devote such resources as the Club could muster to the provision of a " Winter Court " was outvoted.) Mr. Lipscomb was asked to approach Hon. Mark Rolle with a view to his contributing the necessary timber, bricks and tiles. His letter, in March, indicates that the Club had £ 26 in hand, and needed a better pavilion than the one that had been in existence since 1870. The new Pavilion was to be 45 ft. x 12 ft., consisting of a shelter shed 25 ft. long, with a Dressing Room at each end, 10 ft. x 10 ft. The plan and specification were agreed by the Rolle Estate Agent in June, ( see letter of 7th. June to Mr. Friend ) who thought it could be erected in about 6 weeks, and ought to be ready for the Tennis Tournament, which was fixed for a date after the Exmouth Tournament. The old Pavilion was left in use whilst the new one was being erected, but presumably was demolished shortly afterwards, although this is not recorded in the Minutes. The new Pavilion was sited just to the south of the original one and is shewn on the Ordnance Map of 1903 ( see Fig. 2. ). This is the present Croquet Pavilion ( often called the Lower Pavilion ) but without the verandah or the present Tournament Office. The actual cost to the Club was £ 66-8-0, including a separate Tool Shed, which is probably now the Bowls Shed. Although it is not specifically stated that the Hon. Mark Rolle did provide the materials for the new Pavilion, it is probable that he did, since the cost to the Club was very similar to that estimated on the assumption that materials would be provided free. ( see 1889.) During the season, the Groundsman's wages were raised from 15/- to 16/- per week. At the Annual General Meeting in April, it had been decided to hold the Tennis Tournament in August. In Capt. Parsons' account he has a note to the effect that " in 1890, the first recorded Tennis Tournament took place, but it is not clear whether this was an Open Tournament or not". We have already seen, from the Clinton Devon Estates letter files, that there had been Tennis Tournaments in 1884 and 1886, so the 1890 Tournament was certainly not the first. Furthermore, in 1892, 1893 and 1894 only Club Tournaments were held, so it is most unlikely that the 1890 Tournament was an Open one. For the 1890 season, the total receipts, excluding the balance of £ 24-14-6 brought forward, amounted to £ 64-14-0, mainly from members' subscriptions. The special arrangements for Morning Play and for Winter Archery practice do not seem to have been made much use of, as receipts under the heading of "Extra Play" were only 9/-. The expenditure was £ 107-3-0, including £ 63-5-0 for the erection of the new Pavilion plus £ 3-3- 0 for design and supervision of the work. Wages amounted to £ 23-14-6 and the Rent was £ 4. For the first time, the Club was in deficit, to the extent of £ 17-14-6.
1891. A rule was adopted imposing an admission charge, probably 6d., to the grounds during the Tennis Tournament, except to members and temporary members. The groundsman's wages during this season were only 12/- per week. At the end of the season, the bank overdraft had been reduced to £ 6-4-7. Members' subscriptions had amounted to £ 52-6-0 out of total receipts of £ 61, and expenditure totalled £ 51 of which wages accounted for only £ 14-8-0. 11
1892. At the start of the season, Dr. Brushfield M.D. resigned from the office of Hon. Secretary & Treasurer and was succeeded as Hon. Secretary by Mr. R.W. Friend (of Kersbrook) who had been "Pro-Secretary", with H.B. Russell (Cashier at Lloyds Bank) as Treasurer. The office of Vice-President was established with Dr. Brushfield as the first occupant. Mr. Ravenscroft remained as President.
At the Annual General Meeting, a proposal that the "usual Lawn Tennis Tournament" should take place, was defeated, but in August, this decision was reversed, and a Club Tournament was held commencing only 3 days later. A new groundsman, T.Staddon, was appointed in April at a wage of 14/- per week in the summer and 2/6 per week during the winter, and the purchase of a pony was authorised, at a cost of not more than £ 10. The Secretary was also empowered to engage additional labour, as necessary. The pony stable near the south end of the Dial House garden was presumably erected in this period, as it is shewn on the 1903 Ordnance Map (see Fig. 2), Staddon offered to look after the pony during the winter. It actually cost £ 9 with harness. Evidently, the demand for tennis courts by visitors was causing some anxiety among members, as at a specially convened General Meeting a proposal was put forward that on Saturdays in August and September the grounds should be reserved for Resident Members only. This was defeated, but an alternative that one court should be reserved for the whole season for Annual Members was adopted. There were several meetings to decide a modified form of wording of the Rule concerning friends staying in members' houses. The Rule regarding Smoking was relaxed a little in that it was now permitted in the vicinity of the Pavilion and the Courts, but not actually in the Pavilion or on the Courts. In October, up to £ 20 was authorised for weeding, soiling and seeding the ground, tarring the Pavilion and Shed and painting the palings. This and the purchase of the pony, and leather horse shoes (@ £1-10-0 ) had the effect of increasing the expenditure to £ 69, against receipts of £ 57, thereby increasing the overdraft slightly to £ 11-10-10.
1893. At the Annual General Meeting, it was resolved to stage a Club Tennis Tournament in the 3rd. week of August on the same basis as in 1892. It was also decided to have a Croquet Tournament in July, but again, this was also only a Club affair. It was also agreed that a Badminton Court should be marked out on the Archery Ground, but what had happened to the playing of Bowls in this area is not revealed. There was also renewed pressure for a "Winter Tennis Court". The groundsman, Staddon, was re-engaged at a wage of 18/- per week in the summer. He was to devote his whole time to the Club, except that "he was allowed to cut and roll the Cricket field for matches, provided it was done before the breakfast hour". His winter wages were to be 5/- per week. The Tennis Tournament commenced on Tuesday, 15th. August, and was confined to members and those visitors who had paid at least a month's subscription. The events were to be Ladies' and Gentlemen's Singles, Ladies' and Gentlemen's Doubles and Mixed Doubles, presumably all Handicap events. The entry fees were the same as in 1892, i.e. 2/6 each for Singles and 5/- per pair in the Doubles. Mrs. Thomson and Mr. Friend were the
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handicappers. A Club Dance was held on the Thursday of the Tournament week. The year closed with a further slightly increased overdraft of £ 13, although the food bill for the pony was only 15/4 and the Badminton set had cost a mere 7/6. Expenditure totalled £ 73, of which the main item was £ 30 for an extended water supply to a point halfway up the grounds, with hoses etc. The total income was £ 71, of which visitors' subscriptions amounted to nearly £ 14. At the end of the season, it was thought desirable to put the financial position of the Club on to a better footing, ( a situation that was to repeat itself on many future occasions ).
1894. Mr. E.W.Ravenscroft, who had been President since 1886, resigned his office, and was succeeded by the Hon. Mark Rolle, who, however, appears to have taken little active interest in the Club. To improve the finances of the Club, the annual subscription was raised to 12/6, with the family ticket at 25/-. Visitors' fees were also increased and they were required to pay nearly as much for a month as a member paid for the whole season. Also, after much argument, it was decided to charge Entrance Fees for new members at a rate of 5/- single, and 7/6 for a family. Staddon was re-engaged on the same terms as in 1893. It was decided to put all the wire-netting in a first-class state of repair. The cost for 342 ft. run of 6 ft. x 2 in. netting and 15 new iron stakes, together with the labour for fixing, was only £ 4-6-6. The Club also bought 3 new tennis nets and 3 new Archery targets, (so Archery was still flourishing ). From the report to the 1895 A.G.M., it is evident that a Croquet Tournament was held this year, but it was probably only a Club event. The Tennis Tournament was again confined to members, to visitors staying in members' houses and to other visitors who had paid at least a month's subscription. The Secretary was asked to find out whether any of the Salterton bakers would undertake to supply refreshments during the Tournament, and it was considered that they should pay something for the hire of the tent for the privilege of catering. ( Thus at this early date, a tent was being hired for the Tennis Tournament.) At the end of the financial year the overdraft had been reduced to £ 4-16-1. Expenditure was £63-7-0 including £ 31-9-0 for wages and £ 21-4-8 for ground improvements. The income was £ 71-14-6, which included £ 59-14-6 for members' subscriptions, £ 7-12-6 for visitors' fees and £ 1-15-0 for Tournament members. Entrance fees for new members yielded only £ 2-12-6. Again, on some documents the Club was entitled "THE BUDLEIGH SALTERTON ARCHERY, BOWLS, CROQUET & LAWN TENNIS CLUB, on others it was described as "THE BUDLEIGH SALTERTON ARCHERY & LAWN TENNIS CLUB".
1895. At the Annual General Meeting, it was resolved to make a second Croquet Lawn at a cost not exceeding £ 10. ( It is not clear whether this was to be on the area of the present Bowling Green, or on the present No. 3 Croquet Lawn.) It was also decided to run Croquet and Tennis Tournaments on the same lines as in 1894, i.e. purely Club events, but admitting visitors who had paid a month's subscription. The provision of a "Winter Court" was again urged but received little support. Lockers were provided under the seats of the two Dressing Rooms, which were at each 13
end of the Pavilion, the rental being 2/6 for the season per locker. The lockers provided for the Ladies' Dressing Room are still in existence in what is now the Croquet Locker Room. The Croquet Tournament took place in July, and the Tennis Tournament in mid-August, with a Mr. Marks (presumably one of the local bakers) supplying the refreshments. At the close of the financial year, the Club was still in deficit to the extent of £ 9-4-1. Expenses were £ 73, of which wages were £ 33, and the cost of making the second Croquet Lawn was £ 14 odd. Income was £ 68, made up of £ 57 from subscriptions, £ 2-5-0 from entrance fees, and £ 7 odd from visitors; locker rents only amounted to 12/6, and morning play yielded only 10/-.
1896. This was an important year in the Club's history, as it was decided a. to stage an Open Croquet Tournament for the first time, and b. to affiliate to the Lawn Tennis Association, and arrange home and away matches with neighbouring clubs. For the Croquet Tournament ,"the 3 tennis courts next above the Croquet ground" were used as additional Croquet lawns. ( This description would fit in with the idea that the present No.2 Croquet lawn was the "original Croquet Ground", and that extra lawns were laid out on what are now Nos. 2, 3 & 4 Tennis courts.) A Challenge Cup was presented by Surgeon-General Ross (Grandfather of Lt. Col. G.E.Cave) for annual competition, with a proviso that if it were won by the same player for three years in succession it would become his property. Later on, this was described as the very first Croquet Trophy in the country; a list of the winners of this cup is given in Appendix 7. The Tournament took place in mid-July, with 3 or 4 lawns in use. Gate money of 6d. was charged to non-members, and teas were provided each day in the open part of the Pavilion. Mrs.T.G.C.Evans was the first singles champion. Apparently teas were being provided regularly on Saturdays, but the Ladies' Tea Committee had been experiencing difficulty in that the tea had to be made in a shed some distance from the Pavilion. (But where this shed was cannot be deduced). It was therefore decided to convert the Gentlemen's Changing Room ( at the east end of the Pavilion ) into a "Pantry" with water laid on and a sink, etc. at an estimated cost of £ 8, and to convert the "present Tool Shed" into a Gentlemen's Changing Room. It seems likely that the Tool Shed referred to is what is now the Bowls Shed, since after the separate Dressing Rooms were built in 1906, and the Gentlemen would have no further need to use the Tool Shed for changing, the Tool Shed would become available for another purpose, and this was then turned into an office for the Secretary. The Tennis Tournament, again a Club affair, was held in mid-August. Staddon's winter wages were fixed at 9/- per week. The Croquet ground was levelled, and repairs to the tennis courts undertaken during the winter. Another Special Meeting took place in October to discuss the Club's finances, as apart from the improvements planned for the winter, there was expected to be a deficit of £ 25. It was decided to ask for donations to liquidate the overdraft. In actual fact, the overdraft at the end of the year was £ 34-11-5. Expenditure had grown to £ 95-11-10, including £ 36-1-6 for wages, £ 11 odd on converting the Tool Shed to a Gentlemen's Changing Room, and £ 8- 14-0 for extra labour on the Croquet grounds. Income was just over £ 70, of which £ 52-9-0 came from subscriptions, £ 14-10-0 was from visitors' fees, and £ 2-12-6 from new members entrance fees. Only 3 lockers had been hired ( 7/6 ) and receipts from morning play were only 3/-. 14
1897. At the Annual General Meeting, the decision, to invite voluntary donations from members towards a liquidation of the overdraft, was confirmed, but, as will be seen later, there was not a very good response. It was also decided to open one of the Croquet lawns at 11 a.m. daily, without extra charge. There had been so much pressure on the lawns in the afternoons, and it was thought that opening one of the courts in the mornings would relieve this pressure in the afternoons. A proposal to open both of the Croquet lawns at 11 a.m. was defeated, as was a proposal to open the Tennis courts in the mornings, free. An Open Croquet Tournament was again held in July. Regarding Tennis, Club matches were arranged against many local clubs, including Victoria Park, Exeter; Exmouth; Dawlish; Seaton; Honiton; Sidmouth and Torquay. The Club agreed to defray the cost of balls used in these matches. For the Tennis Tournament, it had been intended that 3 or more of the events should be open to members of other clubs in the county, but owing to difficulties in raising money for prizes, the idea of holding an Open Tournament was later abandoned, and a Club Tournament was held as before. The Minute Book includes a newspaper cutting from a local paper, which gives the results of all the matches in this Tournament. There were 5 events, Ladies' & Gentlemen's Singles and Doubles, and a Mixed Doubles, all Handicap events. The Tournament was held in beautiful weather and a Ball held in connection with it was highly successful. Afterwards, Mr. McFea promised a small silver Challenge Cup for Mixed Doubles, 15
but no further reference to this can be found. This was the year of the opening of the "Budleigh Salterton Railway" from Tipton St. John to a terminus at Budleigh Salterton, at which the local population rejoiced greatly. To improve the revenue of the Club a BYCYCLE GYMKANAH was held which raised £ 16. The Voluntary donations yielded only £ 9-16-6, but a new source of revenue appears in the accounts, "Profit on Teas", which Mounted to £ 3. Membership must have fallen off somewhat, as Members' Subscriptions were only £ 43-18-0 against over £ 52 in 1896. Entrance Fees for new members only yielded £ 1-12-6, whilst Visitors' Fees at £ 14 were very similar to the 1896 total. The total income was £ 90-6-0, and expenditure amounted to £ 68. Wages were £ 36-9-0, Tennis match expenses were £ 3-7-3, and the pony needed new harness which cost £ 3-12-0, but only 16/6 was spent on his food bill. The overdraft at the end of the year had been reduced to £ 12-2-9.
1898. At the Annual General Meeting it was decided a) to run a Club Tennis Tournament, b) to run another bicycle gymkhana, if possible, and c) to run an Open Croquet Tournament, with a third lawn made out of tennis courts. Gate money would again be charged ( 6d. ) to non-members. Tennis matches were arranged with Victoria Park, Exeter; Dawlish; Teignmouth; Seaton and Torquay. The grounds were opened for the season on April 11th ( Easter Monday ). In September it was decided to level another piece of land to make a third Croquet Lawn, at a cost of not more than £ 10. This was probably on the area of the present No. 3 Croquet Lawn. Early in the season, Staddon's wage arrangement was altered, so that he would receive 15/- per week throughout the year. During the winter he was to work 4 days per week for the Club, repairing fences, and wire netting, painting, etc. At the end of the financial year the overdraft was down to £ 5-14-7 in spite of the cost of the new Croquet lawn, which was nearly completed by the opening of the 1899 season. But no detailed accounts are available.
SUMMARY.
Thus by the end of the 1898 season, the position was that a great deal of development had taken place over the previous 10 years. The original 1870 Pavilion had been replaced by a much larger one, two more Tennis Courts and two more Croquet Lawns had been added, so the Club now had 5 Tennis Courts and 3 Croquet Lawns. Outdoor Badminton had been started in 1893, but as there is no mention of it again, it appears to have fizzled out. Archery was still in existence in l894, but subsequently there is no mention of it. From 1896, an Open Croquet Tournament had been held each year, and appeared to be firmly established. Club Tennis was flourishing, and many matches were being played. Club Tennis Tournaments were held each year, and an attempt to start an Open Tournament had failed for lack of donations for prizes. The Railway had been opened, making access to Budleigh Salterton much easier, although the extension into Exmouth was not to be opened for several years to come. The finances were reasonably sound, although the Club was being run on a shoestring. 16
Membership was approximately 100, but Visitors Fees were beginning to be an important part of the Club's income.
SECTION 3. A PERIOD OF CONSOLIDATION 1899 - 1912
1899. At the Annual General Meeting, it was reported that the new Croquet ground was almost completed, but at the end of May the groundsman had to have some extra help to finish off the lawn and turf the banks. An Open Croquet Tournament and a Club Tennis Tournament were held again, and tennis matches with local clubs arranged as before. As there was need for some refreshments in addition to teas, the groundsman was authorised to sell non-intoxicating liquors at prices to be agreed with the Secretary. Teas were provided by the Ladies' Committee regularly, and during the Croquet Tournament, to which spectators were charged 6d. per day or 2/- for the whole tournament. Five of the Croquet members were asked to be Associates of the Croquet Association and their subscriptions were paid by the Club. Another BICYCLE GYMKHANA was held in August, with teas again provided by Mr. Marks, who also supplied the teas during the Tennis Tournament. In the autumn, there was a discussion on the desirability of levelling 2 or more of the Tennis Courts. A strong feeling existed that much had been done to improve the Croquet lawns, and now it was the turn of the Tennis Courts to be improved. The decision was that the eastern end of the " original Croquet Lawn " ( now No.2 Croquet Lawn ) should be lowered to a level with the " bottom tennis court " ( now No. 1 ) so as to make room there for a second tennis court, which would make it possible to create another Croquet Lawn at the lower level for use if required during tournaments. Also, the "original Croquet Lawn" would be extended westwards and levelled, thus in effect moving the original croquet lawn some feet to the west. These proposals were all agreed at a Special Meeting in October, and it was at this meeting that the name of the Club was altered to its present title;- "THE BUDLEIGH SALTERTON LAWN TENNIS & CROQUET CLUB", presumably because Archery, by this time, must have ceased to be of any consequence. At this meeting, the rules regarding Smoking and Dogs were again relaxed a little, the wording now being that "Gentlemen are requested not to smoke in the Pavilion or when playing tennis with ladies " and " Members bringing dogs into the grounds are requested to chain them up." No financial statement for the 1899 season is available, but at the end of the year, the overdraft had been reduced to £ 3-6-4
1900. At the Annual General Meeting, a number of new Rules was adopted dealing with Visitors' Fees, permitting membership for 1 week @ 5/-, for 2 weeks @ 7/6, and increasing the monthly rate to 10/6. Also, the morning playing of Tennis from 11 a.m. was agreed, for which an additional subscription of 5/- would entitle a member to play on any morning ( except, of course, on Sunday ). For occasional morning play, also available to visitors, the fee would be 2/- per court, whether singles or doubles. The Open Croquet Tournament was in August. In the financial statement, entry fees were £ 15-5-0, but there were also donations of £ 7-17-6 and a subsidy from the Croquet Association of £ 2. (Nowadays, of course, it is the Tournaments that subsidise the Croquet 17
Association.) Gate money amounted to £ 1-17-6, which at 6d. each means that there were some 75 spectators. Prize money amounted to £ 17 and, after paying for the hire of some equipment and for a tent that was shared with the Tennis Tournament in the following week, the profit was only £ 1-19-9. The Club Tennis Tournament income was £ 22-11-0, including £ 10-12-6 for entry fees, £ 10-5-0 from donations and £ 1-2-6 from gate money. ( So there were more spectators for the Croquet Tournament than for the Tennis Tournament !) Prize money was £ 15, out of total expenses of £ 22-3-9, and the profit was only 7/3. It had been suggested in July that there should be 2 or 3 Open Events, but it was too late in the year to secure sufficient entries. Another Bicycle Gymkhana was much more profitable than either of the Tournaments, and took £ 16-2-6 in gate money plus £ 4-2-6 in reserved seats. There was a Band, costing £ 2, and the profit to the Club was £ 16-5-0. The alterations to the courts agreed in the autumn of 1899 were evidently carried out, as there is reference in June 1900 to the "two bottom tennis courts", indicating that a second court had been provided near to the East Gate. A new edition of the Club Rules was produced during the year, in which there is no mention of special rules for Archery or Bowls, presumably because these were no longer Club activities. For the 1900 financial year, the total income was £ 96-16-0, made up of Members' subscriptions of £ 56-1-0, (quite a recovery from the 1897 figure), Visitors' fees of £ 15-13-0, Entrance Fees of £ 5-5-0, and the profit from the Gymkhana. Expenditure was £ 89, including £ 40-10-0 for Wages, £ 4-12-6 for labour on the new Tennis court, and £ 2-13-0 for Digging and Carting Soil. The year closed with a credit balance of £ 4-8-6, an appreciable improvement on the overdraft of £ 3-6-4 with which the season had commenced.
1901. At the Annual General Meeting, reference was made to the construction of the new court near the gate, and it was said that to make it and to top-dress the courts, a total of 60 cart loads of soil had been brought from "Shortwood". A statement that the courts were also to be dressed with fertiliser led to a lively discussion in which the merits of a compost dressing made from rotted turf and stable manure were extolled, together with the benefits to be gained from grazing in the winter. One speaker emphasised the "virtues of soil, as being better for turf than medicine in the shape of artificial manures." It was evidently an example of everyone else thinking they knew more about turf management than did the Sub-Committee appointed to do the work - a not unusual situation ! Mr. R.W.Friend, who had been Secretary for 9 years wished to resign, but as no one else could be found to succeed him, he was persuaded to continue in office. A Grounds Committee of 3 plus the Secretary was appointed. The Open Croquet Tournament was fixed by the Croquet Association for early August, and the Tennis Tournament was fixed for the following week. The Tennis Tournament Committee were empowered to include some Open Events, if they thought it desirable. It is quite likely that this was the first Open Tournament held at Budleigh Salterton. The bottom courts were used for the Croquet Tournament. When these courts were required for Tennis, and an extra Croquet Lawn was also needed, one was to be marked out on the area west of the original Croquet Lawn. In the autumn, a Special Meeting was held to discuss the desirability of levelling the Croquet ground in front of the Pavilion, and 3 Tennis courts to the west of it. The final 18
decision was to level the whole ground west of the Croquet lawn, and the grounds then took on their present arrangement, with the small bank on the west of the Croquet lawn, and the rest level to the top of the field. (It should be noted that the present No.6 Tennis court was not in existence, as the bank at the west end still extended over most of that area) At that meeting, Mr. Friend was presented with a silver salver, subscribed for by the members, in recognition of his long and outstanding, record of service to the Club. He was quite overwhelmed! There is no record of the state of the Club's finances at the end of the year.
1902. By the Annual General Meeting, the levelling agreed in the previous autumn had been completed. The Open Croquet Tournament again took place in early August, with the Tennis Tournament two weeks later. It was intended to hold an evening dance on the Croquet ground during the Tennis week, but it did not take place as the weather was unsettled and the grass would have been too wet. A dance was arranged in a building in the town instead. It should be noted that at this time the Tennis Tournament was financed quite separately and it did not contribute to or take money from the Club's funds; expenses and prizes were met from donations from members and others. Sheep were folded on the grounds during the winter to dress the turf. There are no detailed accounts available, but at the end of the year the Club was in deficit to the extent of £ 59-4-7.
1903. A new edition of the Ordnance Survey Map was published in this year. The field numbers had been changed, the Club's area now being fields 215 and 216 ( in place of Nos. 739 & 740.). A copy of the appropriate area is given in Fig. 2; this shews the Pavilion, built in 1890, and the building at the North-west corner of the Dial House garden which was used as the Secretary's office and later became the Bowls shed, and also the Stable, at the South- west corner of the Dial House garden wall. The Railway is also shewn, and by this time, Upper Stoneborough Lane had been made with the footbridge over the railway, and the road bridge into Leas Road near the station. In spite of the work carried out during the previous winter, repairing the lawns, it was considered that Staddon, the groundsman, had not done as much as he ought to have done, and it was decided to caution him. Staddon vehemently denied that he had in any way neglected his work, and asked to see the Committee to state his case. However, the Committee decided not to call upon him for an explanation, and this was the beginning of the end of Staddon's services to the Club. The Open Croquet Tournament again took place in early August, and it was decided that if the number of members who were Associates of the Croquet Association fell below the level which entitled the Club to a subsidy from the Croquet Association, then the C.A. fees for the shortfall would be paid by the Club. As regards normal Club Croquet, it was decided that at any time that all the lawns were occupied and there were others waiting to play, then games should be limited to 90 minutes. The times of commencing play were to be entered on a slate in the Pavilion.
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Figure 2. Reprint of 1903 Ordnance Survey map of the area, with tracing shewing the likely use of the Club’s grounds.
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The Tennis Tournament was held in mid-August, as usual. In September, a fete was held on the Tennis Ground, at which various competitions were staged and two plays performed, viz. "Browne with an E", and "Who's to Win Him ". Later in the autumn, at a General Meeting, the Treasurer estimated that there would be a debit balance of £ 44 at the start of the next season, and in consequence it was decided to limit the cost of winter work on the grounds to a maximum of £ 20. Also the pony was almost done for, and a replacement would probably be needed. Actually, at the start of the next season the overdraft was £ 61, The Secretary, Mr. Friend, announces his retirement at the end of the year. During the year, the Railway extension to Exmouth was opened.
1904. At the beginning of the season, Staddon, the groundsman, resigned, apparently having taken his admonition of the previous year to heart. He was replaced by Gosling at l8/- per week. Dr. Brushfield, who had been Vice-President since 1892, resigned and Mr.R.W.Friend, who had given up the post of Secretary, which he had also held since 1892, was elected as Vice-President, and Dr.A.Walker became Hon.Secretary. In view of the financial position, it was agreed at the Annual General Meeting to increase members' subscriptions to 15/- single, with family tickets at £ 1-15-0 and 11/6 for any additional member, over three, of a family. Also Entrance Fees were raised to 10/6 single , and £ 1-1-0 for a family. Visitors' Fees were also increased to 5/- for a week, 8/6 for two weeks and 15/- for a month. A family of three could join for a month for £ 1-10-0, with a fee of 10/- for any additional member; any extension would be at the rate of 5/- per person per week. A class of Honorary Members ( i.e. non-playing ) at a subscription of 10/- per year was proposed but not carried. The Committee decided that dogs were not to be admitted to the grounds at all. (These rules about dogs seem to have oscillated from one extreme to the other quite frequently.) An Open Croquet Tournament was held, as also was the Tennis Tournament. At the end of the financial year, the overdraft had been reduced to £ 21-7-3. Mr. R.W.Friend again became Hon. Secretary, and Dr.R.Walker became Vice-President. The groundsman, Gosling, appears not to have liked his job and resigned. He was replaced in April by Walley, also at 18/- per week. In spite of the deficit at the start of the season, a water-ballast roller was bought for £ 10, and a new pony was authorised at £ 15. However, the latter purchase became unnecessary, as Mr. T.G.C.Svans, who had bought a pony for himself, offered to lend it to the Club, as required, provided the Club paid for its keep and housed it. The pony's shed was therefore put in order. The Grounds Committee was re-elected. The Open Croquet Tournament took place in early August, and the Club became a subscriber to the "Croquet Gazette“. The Tennis Tournament was in late August. In September, it was recognised that better Dressing Rooms and Lavatory accommodation were needed for both men and women. After an approach from the Hon. Secretary, the Hon. Mark Rolle again agreed to give all the building materials needed. The first scheme was for a new building at the top of the field ( i.e. at the west end ) with 21
drainage to Station Road, and this was likely to cost £ 100 excluding materials. Doubt was expressed at the wisdom of spending so much without some guarantee of security of tenure from the ground landlord. The Rolle Estate agent (now Mr. Chamier ) stated that although it was not possible to give any absolute guarantee, short of a lease at full rent, there would be no practical risk in making the proposed outlay, and that it was most improbable that so long as the Club continued to be of benefit to the place, the landlord would think of altering the rent ( £ 4 per year ) or of putting an end to the tenancy. The builders, Palmer's, suggested siting the building near to the Club entrance, with drainage to Cricket Field Lane. This new site was agreed by the Rolle estate and by the Urban District Council, and a Club General Meeting approved the scheme, with a suggestion that there should be a verandah in front. At the end of the financial year, the overdraft had been reduced to £ 5 odd.
1906. The great event of this year was the construction of the new Dressing Rooms and Lavatories in the middle of the plantation at the east of the present No. 1 Court. A tender of £ 162-15-0 from Mr. G. Bennett for the erection only was accepted. The Hon. Mark Rolle notified the Club that instead of giving the building materials, as he had previously promised, he would give £ 60 towards the cost, and this was gratefully accepted. Work seems to have proceeded rapidly, as a Committee meeting was held in the new building in June. The new building necessitated the purchase of some furniture, such as Chairs, Forms and Tea Tables, and a double wash-stand was bought for each lavatory. The new groundsman apparently did not give satisfaction and he was replaced, early in the year, by Fred Creasy, on the same terms. Now that the ladies were able to use their new Dressing Room, the partition between the open area of the Pavilion and the former Ladies' Room, (now the Croquet locker room ) was removed, so as to make the open area somewhat larger. Also the gentlemen no longer needed the changing room that had been made for them in the former Tool Shed, and this became available for other purposes. The builder of the Dressing Rooms was complimented on doing a good job. At that time the Dressing Rooms were not so large as they are today, enlargements having been made in 1923. The cost was £ 213-10-5, towards which there was the donation from Hon. Mark Rolle of £ 60, and a further £ 5 from the Vice-President, Dr. R.Walker. At the Annual General Meeting, the class of " Honorary Member ", which had been opposed at the 1904 meeting, was established after all, at an annual subscription of 10/-. There had been difficulty in getting members to pay their subscriptions in good time, and a new rule was adopted by which those not paying by 1st. July would lose the privileges of membership. New bye-laws were adopted for Croquet to establish a priority order for claiming vacant courts, and limiting play if others were waiting for a lawn. A statement of accounts for the Croquet and Tennis Tournaments combined is available, of which the main items are :- Tennis tournament entry fees £ 55-14-6 Prizes (Tennis) £ 48-3-6 Croquet " " 30- 1-0 “ (Croquet) 24-8-0 Donations 11-18-6 Gate money 21- 2- 0 Miscellaneous 4- 0- 4 Profit £ 23-4-11 Total receipts £ 122-16-4 22
The very generous proportion of receipts disbursed as prizes was very different from that adopted in later years. The profit was handed over to the Club (as had apparently been done in 1905 ), quite the opposite to the practice reported in 1902. When the change was made is not known precisely. Teas were apparently now being provided every day, and in July the price of tea to non-members was raised to 6d., leaving members to pay only 3d. The financial year ended on 14th. January 1907. Membership consisted of 17 families, 74 single members and 7 "Honorary members", the total subscription income being £ 89-18- 0. Entrance fees were £ 8-8-0 and Visitors' Fees, which were becoming a very lucrative source of income, amounted to £ 36-10-0 (about 40% of the subscription income ). Apart from the tournament profits, there was a profit on teas of £ 5-7-2. Including the donations towards the new Dressing Rooms, the total income was £ 232-12-7. On the expenditure side, the groundsman's wages totalled £ 45-3-0 with an extra £ 14-2-8 for extra labour. Apart from the cost of the new Dressing Rooms, which cost £ 213-10-5, the Club's 'normal' expenditure was £ 136-3-6, well below the 'normal' income. At the end of the year, the overdraft had risen to £ 122-6-11, entirely the result of building the new Dressing Rooms.
1907. The Croquet Tournament, in early August, included an Open Singles for Class "B" players (i.e. those of over 7 bisques). The Tennis Tournament took place a fortnight later, and one event was included which was open to Club members only. For the first time, the Tournament Committee included Mr. & Mrs. D.R.Larcombe. In the autumn, a proposal was put forward for making an additional ( i.e. a fourth ) croquet lawn, by levelling some waste land at the west end of the Club. (Evidently the area now occupied by No. 4 Croquet Lawn) In view of the large numbers entering for the Croquet Tournament, the number of courts available was insufficient, and unless another court could be made, entries would have to be limited. This work was started, but, at the same time, there was also pressure for a Bowling Green to be built where No.6 Tennis Court now is. The Tournament Accounts were very similar to those of 1906, except for the inclusion, for the first time, of a Fee ( £ 3-5-0 ) to C.B.Evelegh as Handicapper. The profit to the Club was £ 15-14-9. For the Club as a whole, the year's income totalled £ 157-2—2, the various items in this total being very similar to the 1906 figures. Expenditure totalled £ 111-7-0, Wages being £ 46-16-0. There were items of £ 8-15-0 for soil and carting, and £ 7-5-6 for extra labour, in connection with the new Croquet Lawn. This year the pony's food bill was £ 7-15-5 and he needed some new Lawn Boots at £ 1-10-0. ( To us, in 1973, it is incredible that new courts could be made for so little.) At the year end, the overdraft had been reduced by some £ 46 to £ 76-11-9.
1908. The Hon. Mark Rolle, who had been President since 1894, had died during the previous year. Although it had been said earlier that he did not take a very active interest in the Club, nevertheless, he had always contributed liberally to the Tournament Prize Funds, and he had made numerous gifts to the Club in connection with various new buildings. In his place, Dr. Brushfield was elected President. It began to be realised that a change in the Committee personnel might be a good thing, as all of them had served for a very long time. To facilitate changes, two of the 23
members resigned. At the start of the season, the new Croquet Lawn was still under construction and was costing more than expected. Nevertheless, the work was pressed on as otherwise the court would not have been ready for the 1909 season. For the first time, the term "Secretary's Room" is used as the location of a Committee meeting in February. Up to this time, Committee meetings and General Meetings had generally been held in a hotel, coffee house or other room in the town. This "Secretary's Room" is presumably the same as Secretary's Office, which for many years was in what is now the Bowls Hut. As mentioned earlier, this building ( the original Tool Shed ) was converted into a Gentlemen's Changing Room in 1896, and then became available for other uses after the Dressing Rooms were built in 1906. The Open Croquet Tournament took place in early August, some additional lawns being laid out on the Cricket Field to provide sufficient. The tournament was so popular that it was suggested in September to run a supplementary Tournament in May 1909. The Tennis Tournament was held in late August. This is the first Tournament of which the names of the winners of various events are available. A list of all the known event winners is given in Appendix 4. These two tournaments yielded a profit of £ 5. Entry fees for the Croquet Tournament were up to £ 40-7-6 compared to £ 30 a couple of years earlier, but Donations were down to £ 3-10-0 and Gate Money down to £ 17. The total income was £ 122 -0-6. Included in the total expenses of £ 117-0-6 were a Fee off £ 4-4-0 to the handicapper ( again Mr. B.C.Evelegh ), and £ 1-12-0 for the hire of extra Croquet Lawns from the Cricket Club. The Club's total income was very similar, at £ 153-17-9 to that of 1907. There were now 24 families, 58 single members and 9 Honorary members, a total of about 140 individuals. Entrance Fees at £ 15-15-0 imply that 30 new members had joined during the year, and Visitors' Fees were £ 31-7-6. Expenditure totalled £ 133-16-11, of which Groundsman's Wages was £ 46-16-0, and £ 26-10-6 was spent on extra labour on the courts. At the end of the year, the overdraft had been reduced by approximately £ 20, to £ 56-10- 11.
1909 Layout of Grounds Recapitulating the extent to which development of the grounds had proceeded, there were, at the beginning of this year:- North of the Pavilion, on field 215, from east to west 2 Lower Tennis Courts on area of present No.1 Lawn. 1 Croquet Lawn - now No. 2 Croquet Lawn. 4 Upper Tennis Courts - now Nos. 2, 3, 4 & 5 courts. South of Pavilion, on field 216, from east to west 3 Croquet Lawns - now the Bowling Green and Nos. 3 & 4 Croquet Lawns. Thus there were a total of 6 Tennis Courts and 4 Croquet Lawns. Apart from the extreme west end of field 215, where there was a long bank, ( where No. 6 Tennis Court now is ) all the available land was in use. Annual General Meeting. Dr. Brushfield resigned as President and Lord Clinton was elected in his place. Entrance Fees for new members were raised to £ 1-1-0 single and £ 2-2- 0 for a family ticket. The small profit on teas in 1908, which was only £ 4-7-3 led to the conclusion that some members were not paying for their teas. A scheme involving a book of tickets with counterfoils, with everyone taking tea having to purchase a ticket in advance, was adopted. 24
Tennis Tournament. Events were the same as in 1908, except that an Open Men's Doubles (level) was added. Mr. D.R.Larcoombe was the handicapper. For the first time, a separate Tennis Tournament Account was prepared, which shewed total receipts as £ 99-19- 0, including £ 62-16-0 for entry fees, £ 7-10-0 as donations and £ 23 as gate money. Expenses totalled £ 86-6-8, including £ 50-18-0 for prizes and a gift of £ 2-7-0 to the handicapper. The hire of equipment and balls cost £ 17-4-0. There was a profit of £ 13-12-4. Croquet. The Committee decided that the Ross Cup, presented in 1896 by the late Surgeon-General Ross, should become the property of anyone who won it three times ( as distinct from the original condition of having to win it three times in successive years). This decision caused much distress in later years to Gen. Ross's descendents. Two Croquet Tournaments were held, one in May and the main one in early August. For the main tournament there were the following events:- Class A - Open Singles - best of three games Class B - Singles (5-8 bisques) - single games Class C - Singles (over 8 bisques) - single games A Big Handicap, divided into 2 classes, less than 7 bisques, and over 7 bisques.. Handicap Doubles, not restricted in any way as regards partners. For the two tournaments combined, entry fees totalled £ 46-16-0, and there was £ 5-2- 6 taken in gate money. Prizes accounted for £ 36-2-0, and the net profit was only £ 2-4-4. Finance. Membership was slightly lower than in 1908, subscriptions totalling £ 84- 19-6. Entry fees were £ 10-10-0, and Visitors' Fees were £ 32-13-6. Although there had been a good deal of agitation to allow play in a morning, (see 1900), receipts under this heading were only l6/-. The profit on teas improved to £ 9-12-0, possibly as the result of introducing the ticket system. With the Tournament profits the total receipts were £ 155- 14-8. Expenditure was £ 101-10-9, of which Groundsman's wages accounted for £ 46-16-0. There was also £ 6-16-9 for extra labour and £ 5-5-0 for soil and carting. The pony's feed cost £ 5-7-2. Thus the profit on the year's working was approximately £ 54, about one third of the income, bringing the overdraft down to only £ 2-7-0, a very healthy state of affairs.
1910. Dr. R.Walker resigned the Vice-Presidency after 5 years in office, and Mr. Friend, who felt that the time had come for him to give up the Secretaryship, was elected in his place. Mr. Friend had served the Club for 21 years, first as Pro-Secretary, and then as Hon. Secretary since 1892, with a break of only one year, and he was presented with a testimonial for his untiring efforts on the Club's behalf. The new Hon. Secretary was Mr. St.J.Carmichael, who was a top class Croquet player, who won the Ross Cup in both 1909 and 1912. Croquet. This year there was only one Tournament , a proposal for an extra tournament in May, as in 1909, having been defeated at the Annual General Meeting. The Tournament yielded a profit of £ 11-5-11. Entry fees were £ 35-10-0, and there was a subsidy from the Croquet Association of £ 3. There was also £ 4-18-0 in gate money, which implies about 200 paying spectators, a state of affairs that would be very welcome today. Tennis. The Tennis Tournament, in mid-August yielded a profit of only £ 7-0-10. Of the total income of £ 79-16-0, entry fees were £ 54-11-6, and gate money was only £ 16-5-6. The expenditure was £ 72-15-2, of which prizes took £ 43-6-0, the handicapper's fee was £ 3- 3-0, and the cost of balls, etc. was £ 13-8-3. The Devon County Ladies' Club were granted the use of the courts for one day in July, 25
for an American Tournament. Grounds. In the autumn, it was decided to refloor the pavilion and board in the roof, and also to re-level the lawn in front of the Pavilion. Finance. The Accounts for 1910 shewed a great increase in Visitors' Fees, which reached £ 56-4-0. Morning play had been much more popular and brought in £ 6-3-6. Members' subscriptions and Entrance Fees were much the same as in 1909, and total receipts were £ 186-17-7. Expenditure totalled £ 142-6-5, including £ 47-14-0 for groundsman's wages; extra work on the lawns cost £ 24-1-9 for wages and £ 25-14-0 for soil and cartage. The pony consumed £ 6-1-5 worth of corn, etc. There was therefore a very satisfactory profit of £ 44 on the year's working, which ended with a credit balance of £ 42-4-2 in place of the small overdraft at the start of the season.
1911 General. The groundsman, Fred Creasey, had left after 5 years service and had been replaced by one Hutchins. However, he was not satisfactory and a replacement was sought. ( Capt. Parsons notes that the successor's name is not recorded, but it must have been Till.) At the Annual General Meeting, it was resolved that the Club grounds should be open from 11 a.m. until sunset. This would have the effect of eliminating the special fee for morning play. Also the feeling about dogs must have risen to a new high level, since it was resolved that "under no circumstances shall a dog, of any kind, be allowed in the Club Grounds." Croquet. The Croquet Tournament was held in early August, finances being very similar to the 1910 figures. There was again a subsidy from the Croquet Association of £ 3. The accounts also include an item of £ 1-5-0 paid to "The Games Club" for the hire of a court there. This is the first use of that title, and it suggests that some change had taken place there. However, as far as can be ascertained, cricket continued to be played there until the start of the First World War in 1914, when the Cricket Club folded up, and never played cricket on that field again. The Tournament yielded a profit of £ 5-6-7. Tennis. The Tournament took place, as usual, in late August. On the receipts side were £ 58-8-0 for entry fees, a £ 2 donation from Lord Clinton, and gate money of £ 14-2-0, well over half of this coming on the Friday and Saturday. The total receipts were £ 81-1-0. Expenditure was £ 75-6-11, and included £ 45-1-3 for prizes, £ 3-3-0 to the handicapper ( Mr. Larcombe ), and £ 14-6-10 for balls and hire of equipment. The profit was only £ 5-14-1. Grounds. In the autumn, it was decide to repair the fences etc. and the Rolle Estate were again asked to give the timber required. After completing the winter treatment of the lawns, a start was made in removing the bank at the west end of the field, so as to make another tennis court, which was badly needed. Finance. The year's Accounts for the Club shewed a considerable rise in both income and expenditure. On the income side, member's subscriptions exceeded £ 100 for the first time, the membership being about 140 playing members plus 14 "honorary" members. Entrance fees realised £ 32-0-6, implying that 31 new members had joined. Visitors' Fees rose to £ 58-9-0, and were now approximately 50% of the subscriptions. Apart from the profits shewn on the tournaments themselves there was a profit on refreshments of £ 11-2-4, and a profit on 26
normal teas of £ 7-9-8. The total income was £ 224-14-8, an increase of about 25% on the previous year. Expenditure was also much higher at £ 258-18-10. Apart from the normal groundsman's wages of £ 46-16-0, about £ 100 was spent on lawn improvements, for labour, grass seed, turf, soil, sand and cartage. A new pony had cost £ 16 plus £ 5-4-6 for new harness, and a cart was bought for £ 6-5-0, so that the Club could save cartage costs. The balance in hand was therefore reduced by about £ 34 to £ 8-0-0.
1912. Layout of Grounds. Another revision of the Ordnance Survey was published this year, a copy of which is given in Fig. 3. This is at a scale of 1:1250, which is twice the scale of Figs. 1 & 2. The Pavilion, the Dressing Rooms, the Secretary's Office together with another small building adjacent to it, and the Stable (in the south-east corner of the site are all shewn. The Games Club area is still designated "Cricket Field". There had been appreciable development in the area since the previous map was published in 1903, and although there were no houses in that part of Upper Stoneborough Lane near to the Club, there were several new houses in Westfield Close. Annual General Meeting. At this, it was decided that "Honorary Members" would, in future, be designated as "Non-playing Members". Visitors' Fees were again modified and a daily rate was introduced. The new fees were:- 1/6 per day, except in August when it would be 2/6. 7/- per week; 12/- for two weeks; l6/- for 3 weeks; and 20/- for 4 weeks. Family tickets would cost £ 2-2-0 for 4 weeks (for three playing members) with 14/- for each additional member of a family In August, only daily and weekly tickets would be granted. Grounds. The work of removing the bank at the west end of the tennis courts was continued, and the groundsman (Till) had his wages raised from l8/- per week to 20/- per week in March. However, in May, the work was suspended until the autumn. Till was given notice, and was replaced by Lawrence, who was to stay a very long time. At the end of the year, tenders were invited for the removal of the bank. Croquet. The 1903 rule, limiting Croquet games to 90 minutes if other players were waiting, was relaxed to a limit of 2 hours. Golf Croquet, which had been introduced not long before, was similarly extended from a time limit of 1 hour to a new limit of 90 minutes. This year saw the revision of the Croquet Law related to wiring an opponent's ball, in that, if the ball had been used by the player who left it wired, the opponent could claim a "lift". Also, the Law relating to the playing of balls in colour sequence was abolished as an optional alternative ( it was not made universal until 1920 ). There seems to have been a serious disagreement over the use of tennis courts for the Croquet Tournament. At a Special General Meeting in March, the Committee was instructed that, apart from the two lower courts, no other tennis courts were to be taken. In May, the Horn. Secretary announced that he could not manage a Croquet Tournament under such a limitation, and another Special General Meeting was held at which the limitation was removed, and the same number of tennis courts (4) as in the previous year would be taken for the Croquet Tournament.
27
Figure 3. Reprint of 1912 Ordnance Survey Map of the area.
The Tournament was held in early August. Apart from the 2 lawns laid out on tennis courts, one was hired from the Games Club, which implies that a total of 7 lawns were used for the tournament. Total receipts were £ 54-5-0, including £ 36-18-6 for entry fees, £ 3
28
subsidy from the Croquet Association, and gate money of £ 8-3-0 (nearly 250 paying spectators!). Expenses totalled £ 44-13-0, including £ 30 for prizes, and the overall profit was £ 9-12-0. Tennis. The Devon County Ladies' American Tennis Tournament was again played on the Club's grounds. For the Tennis Tournament, a new event was included ( Open Mixed Doubles ). The tournament itself yielded a profit of £ 7-6-5. Entry fees were £ 67-11-0, the highest ever to date, and Lord Clinton gave another donation of £ 2. The gate money totalled £ 15-3-0, as much being taken on the Monday as on the Saturday. Receipts totalled £ 90-6-9. This year the handicapper (Mr. Larcombe) was paid £ 4-4-0, prizes cost £ 45-12-6, and Slazenger's bill for balls and for equipment hire came to £ 19-4-1. At Wimbledon, Mrs. Larcombe had won the Ladies' Singles, the Ladies' Doubles and the Mixed Doubles Championships, and, in recognition of her achievement, the Club did her the honour of making her a life member. Finance. Over the year, the income was £ 198 odd, with no great changes from the previous year. Expenditure totalled £ 194 odd, including £ 51 for groundsman's wages and extra labour at £ 24. A new lawn mower was bought for £ 21-10-0; the pony's corn cost a lot more at £ 14, and £ 18 was spent on a new stable and repairs to the old one. (it may well be that the present building is the one built in this year.) The expenses also included an item of rent of £ 5 paid to W.H.Sellick for the use of field 214 (see Fig. 3 ) into which the Club was considering expanding, in addition to the normal rent of £ 4 paid to the Rolle Estate. The year closed with a slightly increased balance of £ 12-4-2.
SUMMARY.
Although the period 1899 - 1912 has been labelled a period of consolidation, there were also quite a number of developments. The number of courts had been increased to the capacity of the area rented (except for the area which later became No. 6 Tennis court). A fourth Croquet lawn had been made in 1907-8 in the south-west corner of the site. In 1899 the lawn in front of the Pavilion had been modified, so as to make 2 Tennis courts instead of only one at the lower level, and extended by a corresponding amount westwards. There were 4 Tennis courts on the upper level, and steps had been put in hand to remove the bank at the west end of the ground to make room for a further Tennis court. A lot of work had been done on improving the level of the various lawns. Open Croquet Tournaments had continued, with an additional one in May of 1909. The Club Tennis Tournament had become an Open one, some open events having been included for the first time in 1901. The major development was, of course, the building of the new Dressing Rooms at the east end of the grounds in 1906. Members' subscriptions were increased in 1904, and Entrance fees had been increased twice, in 1904 and 1909. The class of Honorary or Non-playing member had been established in 1906, and Visitors' Fees were also increased, and were becoming a very useful source of revenue. By the end of the period, the Club was again out of debt. There is no mention of Archery, and very little of Bowls, so it would appear that these had ceased to be of any consequence. Tennis and Croquet were booming, and at the end of the period, further expansion of the Club was imminent. 29
SECTION 4. - THE SECOND EXPANSION STARTED. 1913 - 1918.
1913. This year marked the beginning of another period of expansion. At this time, the Club facilities consisted of 6 Tennis courts and 4 Croquet lawns, all contained within the limits of fields 215 and- 216. The Club Pavilion was the present Croquet Pavilion, and the Dressing Rooms at the east end of the grounds were in use, but neither of these buildings was quite as large as they are today. The Secretary's Office was in what is now the Bowls Shed. Annual General Meeting. A number of changes were made, which were 1. The Committee would, in future, consist of 6 elected members instead of 10, and there would be no necessity for a particular number of men or of women on the Committee, 2. Members' subscriptions were increased again, to £1-1-0 each, and this would apply to the first two members of a family. Third or subsequent members of a family, residing under one roof, would pay 10/6. 3. No family would be called upon to pay more than £ 3-3-0 in Entrance fees. 4. Non-playing members were to be entitled to a vote. At a Special General Meeting in April, Mr. G. Hampton was made a life member in recognition of his valuable services at Tennis Tournaments. Croquet. The use of flat-soled shoes or boots had to be again insisted upon. This had had to be re-stated on several occasions previously, and it is surprising, in these days, how often the rule seems to have been disregarded. Timber surrounds for the lawns were adopted in place of wire-netting, which had previously been customary. The Croquet Tournament took place in early August, entries being similar to those of recent years. There was again a subsidy from the Croquet Association, of £ 3, and £8-11-0 was taken in gate money. An extra court was again hired from the Games Club. There was a profit of £ 6-11-8. Tennis. The Devon Ladies again played their American Tournament at the Club. The Tennis Tournament took place in August, and was rapidly growing. This year, entry fees were at the new high level of £ 90-15-0. The gate money was also much higher at £ 38-9-0, Monday again being the second most popular day. Lord Clinton gave his usual donation of £ 2, and receipts totalled £ 144-16-11, much higher than ever before. Expenses totalled £ 115-14-7, including £ 62 for prizes, and a fee of £ 5-5-0 to the handicapper, who this year was F.R.Burrow. The cost of balls was then 7/- per dozen, and 47 dozen were used ( £ 16-9-0)). The used balls were sold for £ 8-8-11. Fees to the L.T.A. were £ 4-10-6, and the profit to the Club was £ 29-1-4. Extensions. It was decided to enlarge the Dressing Rooms at a cost of £ 10, but what was done is not clear. Also, the two windows in the back of the Tea Pavilion were inserted. At the very end of the year, a Special General Meeting endorsed the Committee's proposal to spend up to £ 300 in laying out additional courts on Sellick's Field ( Field No. 214 ), an extra 4 Tennis Courts being needed. The new groundsman, Lawrence, was complimented on his work during the 1913 season, and especially during the following winter during the enlargement of the grounds. Finance. The Club's financial year was altered to terminate on the 31st. December instead of on the 14th. January, as it had been for some years. Receipts were £ 252, an increase of 25% over 1912. Whilst membership was approximately the same and subscriptions totalled £ 99 with £ 21 in entrance fees, there was a large increase in Visitors' fees, which yielded the record amount of £ 71-15-6. Apart 30
from the profits on the Tournaments themselves there was also an associated catering profit of £ 21. Expenditure totalled £ 165, including £ 50 wages to the groundsman, plus £ 21 for extra labour. Alterations to the Dressing Rooms cost £ 20, and rent was again £ 4 to the Rolle Estate and £ 5 to Mr. Sellek. Over the year, there was a profit of £ 87 odd, and the balance in hand had risen to almost £ 100.
1914 As from 1st. January, Lawrence's wages were raised to 25/- per week, and at the beginning of the year, the work of laying out the additional courts on Sellek's Field was in progress, supervised by a sub-committee of four. During the year, the Rolle Estate purchased this field, and included it in a new lease to the Club, which covered the total area of the three fields, 214, 215 & 216, which ran for 14 years from 25th. March 1914 at a rent of £ 15 per year. Croquet. In spite of the Declaration of War on 4th. August, the Croquet Tournament was held in early August, on the same lines as usual. Entry fees were £ 51-5-0, and there was again a subsidy of £ 3 from the Croquet Association. There was £ 2-3-0 in gate money, and the total receipts were £ 57-10-6. An extra court was again hired for £ 1-10-0. Mr. Raydon Stone (father of Major G.F.Stone) won the Ross Cup for the third time, and therefore won it outright under the ruling of 1909. He returned it to the Club as the "Raydon Stone Callenge Cup" to be played for annually and was presented with a replica. This cup was played for each year, except for the war years, until 1947, and then in 1954 it became the trophy for the Club Championship ( see Appendix 8 ). The Tournament made a profit of £ 12-15-1. During 1914, Three and three quarter inch hoops were adopted as standard, in place of the previous 4 inch hoops. Tennis. Early in the year, it had been decided to hold the usual Tennis Tournament, and include a new event "Ladies' Open Singles". Mr. J.Hartree was to be the Tournament Secretary, the work involved now being too great for the Club Secretary to do alone. A Club Tournament was also to be held the week after the Open Tournament. The Devon Ladies held their American Tournament at the Club in late July. Then, on August 10th, in view of the unsettled state of the country, it was decided to abandon the Open Tournament, and to substitute a purely local event, open to members and visitors, with new balls being supplied for the finals only. Bridge. This is the first year in which card-playing is referred to, and it was agreed that Bridge should be the only game allowed, and that was to be restricted to those who had paid a subscription to the Club. Bridge was played in the open part of the Pavilion. Finance. Receipts for the year totalled £ 262, including a record figure of £ 123 for subscriptions and £ 39 for entrance fees (37 new members). Visitors fees were again £ 71. Expenditure totalled £ 189, apart from the cost of the new courts, and included £ 65 for groundsman's wages plus £ 30 for extra labour. The pony's feed cost £ 8 odd, and an interesting item in the accounts is a payment of £ 4-3-0 to the Gas Company for pipes, so presumably gas was laid on to one of the buildings during the year. The new courts cost £ 306, including £ 140 for labour and £ 40 for 10,000 turves and £ 19 for carting them (from Sidmouth ? ), and £ 37 for carting soil and sand, and £ 37 for fencing. At the end of the year, the Club was in debit to the extent of £ 133-8-11, against a credit balance of about £ 100 at 1st. January. In the light of the expenditure on the new 31
courts, this was considered satisfactory.
1915. Lawrence, the groundsman, had joined the Army, and while a replacement was sought, Mr. Fulton (who lived at Dial House ? ) agreed to loan his under-gardener to the Club for 3 days per week. The replacement was probably Perry. It was decided to try to keep the Club open during the war, but no Tournaments were held. Belgian refugees and serving officers were granted the free use of the grounds, and if they wished to play, they could do so for half the normal fees and without Entrance Fee. This decision led to the question of opening the Club on Sundays. After much discussion it was decided to allow serving officers to use the courts from 2 p.m. on Sundays, but a ballot as to whether members should be afforded the same privilege resulted in a decidedly adverse vote. In June, the groundsman's wages were raised from 24/- to 27/- per week. He was kept on until the end of October, and then given 2 or 3 days work per week at 4/- per day. Income for the year was down to £ 197, members' subscriptions falling to £ 94. There was only £ 7-17-0 from Entrance Fees, but Visitors' Fees remained high at £ 69. The pony was sold for £ 20. Expenditure was also down at £ 149, wages amounting to £ 68, and rent to £ 15. There was a profit on the year of £ 491 which reduced the overdraft to £ 85.
1916. At the Annual General Meeting, Mr. J.Hartree J.P. was elected as Vice-President, a post he was to occupy for 21 years to 1937. Later, Mr. Russell resigned as Hon. Treasurer after 25 years in office, and he was succeeded by Mr. Penny, who was Mr. Russell's successor at Lloyd's Bank. Mr. Russell was made a life member in recognition of his long service. In May, the groundsman's wages were raised again, to 30/- per week for whole time work at the Club. From mid-October he was paid 25/- per week, until the Club re-opened in the following Spring. In August, a Croquet Lawn was marked out on the Lower Tennis Courts, and the courts on the new field were brought into use for Tennis, along with the 4 Top Tennis Courts (now Nos. 2 - 5 ). This was probably the first commissioning of the new courts, and it indicated that there was still a considerable demand for play. The income for the year totalled £ 189, subscriptions being about the same (at £ 92 ) as for 1915. There were 14 new members with Entrance Fees of £ 14-14-0, and Visitors' Fees reached a new high level of £ 75. At 75% of the subscription income, this was a very lucrative source of revenue. Expenditure was £ 155, including £ 68 for wages. Rates and Taxes had risen to £ 14. A new Black Horse was bought for £ 14 plus £ 3 for lawn shoes. There was therefore a profit of some £ 33 and the overdraft was reduced to £ 51-3-11.
1917. The Annual General Meeting was held at the Club for the very first time, presumably in the Dressing Rooms. Prior to this, it had usually teen held in the Masonic Hall or in some other building in the town. In May, Mr. Carmichael, who had been Hon. Secretary since 1910, resigned owing to difficulties with the railway service, which prevented him from giving as much time and personal attention to the work as he would have liked. Mr. A.M.Caldecott Smith was elected in his place. 32
There is very little information available regarding the activities of the Club or about war-time restrictions. Naturally, no Tournaments were held, but there was evidently a considerable demand for Croquet lawns, as it was necessary to introduce a reservation system for booking lawns, when they were all occupied. As one might expect in wartime, there were some problems regarding the provision of teas. From now on, the accounts were to be made up to the end of November. Receipts for the year were £ 188, including £ 88 for subscriptions, and £ 16-16-0 for Entrance Fees, very similar to 1916. Visitors' Fees were again up at £ 76-10-0, over 80% of the subscription income. ( Evidently, there were still plenty of people holidaying in the area). Teas were evidently still available, and yielded a profit of nearly £ 4. Expenditure was £ 156, much the same as for 1916. Rates and Taxes had risen to £ 20, and the horse's food cost £14. The net result was a profit for the year of £ 31 odd, and the overdraft was reduced to only £ 19-12-1.
1918. Apart from the ending of the war in November, this was a rather uneventful year. No Tournaments were held. It was decided that a member could introduce one wounded officer on the active list, to play free, on one day, except between 1st. August and 15th. September - a rather niggardly recognition of the national situation. The restriction on dates implies that there was still considerable pressure on the lawns between those dates, particularly from visitors. Advantage was taken of this, by increasing Visitors' Fees during that period to 2/6 per day, 10/- per week, and 30/- for 4 weeks, with no tickets for 2 or 3 weeks. There is no detailed record of finances for 1917, but there must have been a handsome profit of £133 since at the end of the year, there was a balance in hand of £113 odd, compared with the overdraft of nearly £ 20 at the beginning..
SUMMARY.
In 1913 another period of expansion had been beginning, with the take-over of another field ( No. 214 ) on which an extra 4 Tennis courts were made. A new lease had been granted for 14 years from 25th. March 1914, covering the whole of the area, and £300 was spent in laying out the new courts. Subscriptions had been increased in 1913 to provide for this extension. The advent of war in August 1914 had put a considerable brake on developments, and for the duration of the war, the Club had concentrated on keeping going as it was, without, of course, any Tournaments. During the whole of the wartime, Visitors' fees had remained at a high level, and contributed greatly to the finances of the Club. In spite of the expenditure on the new courts, the Club's credit balance had improved over the period from approximately £12 at the beginning of 1913 to over £113 at the end of 1918. With the ending of hostilities on 11th. November 1918, the Club was in a good position to resume further expansion.
33
SECTION 5. - A GREAT LEAP FORWARD. 1919—1923.
1919. Layout of the Club. As this was a year in which plans for a still further extension of the Club were put in hand, it is worth recapitulating the position at the beginning of this period. The grounds consisted of the three strips of land, corresponding to fields Nos. 216, 215 & 214. On the southerly strip were three Croquet lawns with an East to West orientation, known as Nos. 1, 2 & 3 Croquet Lawns. On the centre strip were the two Lower Tennis Courts, on which a Croquet lawn had been made in 1916, then the original Croquet lawn (then called No.4, and now called No. 2), and then 4 Tennis courts at the west end ( now Nos. 2 - 5 ) The bank at the west end, the removal of which had been started in 1911, was still there. On the northern strip there were 4 Tennis courts, but precisely where is not known. The area subsequently occupied by the Hard Courts was rough field. There was a hedge between the centre and northern strips, which was later removed and replaced by a fence built by Palmer's. The Dressing Rooms were only as long as the length of the present verandah. There were lavatories, but not hot water, no showers and no lighting. The Pavilion (now the Croquet Pavilion) had no glass-covered verandah, and the floor was only of Tarmac. The floor of the present Croquet Locker Room was at a slightly higher level and this was where Bridge was played, the partition between the main area and the raised area having been removed in 1906. Teas were made in the present Bar there, and kettles were boiled on Primus stoves. The present Tournament Office did not exist. No drinks were served from the Tea Kitchen, but at some time later, drinks were served from a lean-to shed, near the Secretary's Office, which was in what is now the Bowls Shed. The long Green Shed had not been built, and there was only the Stable and a small shed in which the hand mowers were kept. The Croquet Lawns were always cut with the hand mowers, and the horse mower used for the Tennis Courts. For Tennis Tournaments, the Referee was provided with a tent which was put up on the original Croquet Lawn in front of the Pavilion, much to the annoyance of the Croquet players, who were thereby deprived of a lawn. No Bowls was being played, and there was some Archery on the Northerly field. Personnel. In March, Mr. Caldecott Smith resigned as Hon. Secretary and was replaced by Mr. P.R.Hudson. Lawrence, the groundsman, had returned from the Army, and in May, his wages were raised from 35/- to 42/6 per week. The second groundsman, Perry, had had his wages raised to 35/- per week, but when he asked for a further rise, this was refused. It was during 1919 that West joined the ground staff as a young man of 22. Annual General Meeting. This was held in February, and a new set of Croquet Bye- Laws was adopted, mainly concerned with the procedure for booking lawns in advance. No lawn could be booked for earlier than 2 p.m. There was pressure for more seats with back rests to be provided. Also it was agreed that a member who did not take part in any game could introduce one friend at a time, if staying in his house, to play for one month, free of charge. Tennis. An Open Tennis Tournament was held in August, with Capt. C. Marriott as Manager. It was decided to take over, for Tennis, the No. 5 Croquet Lawn (on the northern strip - probably the present No. 7 or No. 8 Croquet lawn). Whether this Croquet lawn was additional to the 4 Tennis courts already known to be on that area, or a lawn that had been marked out on the Tennis courts, is not clear, but it was reported that 10 Tennis courts were 34
available for the Tournament, and these were presumably the 2 Lower courts, the 4 on the Centre strip, and 4 on the Northern strip. Enemy nationals were debarred from playing, (as was also the case after World War 2). Admission to the ground cost 1/- per day, or 4/- for the week. There is no mention yet of a grandstand. The events were Gents. & Ladies' Open Singles (level), Gents. Open Doubles (level), Mixed Doubles (level), together with Gents. & Ladies' Handicap Singles, Gents. & Ladies' Handicap Doubles, and Mixed Handicap Doubles. The profit from the Tournament was £ 14. Croquet. There was also an Open Croquet Tournament which yielded a profit of £ 14. Further Extensions. Evidently seeking even more land, the Club approached the Rolle Estate, who offered to allow the Club to take over Keslake's Field (No. 212 on the map) and Palmer's Building Site (part of field No. 211) for rents of £ 6-10-O per year and £ 9-10-0 per year respectively. Palmer's Building Site was the remainder of Field No. 211, which was left over when the houses in Upper Stoneborough Lane had been built. The Rolle Estate would grant a new lease covering the whole of the site, and the Club would have to pay "fines" of £ 5 to cover the new area, and of £ 47-10-0 to cover the remainder of the Club's 14 year lease, which was to terminate on 25th. March 1928. In order to give those members who wintered away from Budleigh Salterton an opportunity of discussing the proposed development, a Special General Meeting was held in August. At this, the Chairman explained that the intention was to develop the new area, and also to modify the existing Pavilion or build a new one, and to improve the Dressing Rooms, where shower baths and drying rooms were required, and where the congestion during the Tennis Tournament was very serious. It was reckoned that the Club would have a balance in hand at the end of the year of about £320. The need for Hard Courts was discussed, and also the desirability of providing a large enough Pavilion to accommodate a Badminton court. After considering proposals for spending £ 350 to £ 400 on improving the existing Pavilion, it was finally decided to prepare plans for a completely new one. The proposals for the new area of land were that 4 Tennis courts should be laid out on Palmer's site and 2 Hard Courts on Keslake's Field. Later, the Rolle Estate agreed to a new lease for 50 years, covering the whole area of seven and a quarter acres, at a rent of £ 50 per year, provided that the Club would pay the two "fines" and undertake to spend £ 1000 on a new Pavilion within a reasonable time. The site of the new Pavilion was not finally decided, since, in view of the estimated cost being £ 1125, it was decided to postpone its building because of other heavy commitments. An estimate for making 2 Hard Courts for £ 169 was accepted. During the following winter, additional grass courts were made on the new site. West says that one of his first jobs was to take out the hedge between fields 215 and 214. At the year end, the Committee decided to recommend to the next Annual General Meeting some increase in subscription rates and in entrance fees. Finance. Compared with the figures for 1917 (the last year for which full figures are available), the figures for 1919 are truly astonishing. Receipts had risen to £ 592, about 3 times the 1917 level. Members' subscriptions were £ 195, over twice the 1917 level, and Entrance Fees totalled £ 114. (This implies that about 110 new members had joined during the year, bringing the total membership to about 35
200.) Visitors' Fees amounted to £ 175, nearly as much as the subscription income. For the first time, the item of "Sales of Liquor" appears in the accounts at the modest level of £ 3. On the expenditure side, the total, excluding work on the extension, was £ 448, about 3 times the 1917 level. Wages now accounted for £ 173, as there were now 2 or 3 groundsmen employed. There was an expenditure of £ 102 on seats on the grounds, and painting, and Rates & Taxes had risen to £ 25. On the development of the new area £ 106 had already been spent (by end of November). At the year end, the Club had a credit balance of £ 152. For the years commencing with 1919, the main items of income and expenditure, annual profit or loss, and the year end balance, have been tabulated and appear in Appendix 2.
1920 Annual General Meeting. When the accounts for 1919 were discussed, it was requested that separate accounts should be prepared for both the Croquet and the Tennis Tournaments, a practice that had been normal up to 1914. To meet the large growth in expenditure on the upkeep of the Club, it was decided to increase subscriptions as follows:- 1. Non-playing members from 10/- to 15/- per year. 2. Entrance fees for all new members would be £ 2-2-0. 3. All new playing members would pay a subscription of £ 2-2-0 per year. 4. Existing playing members would pay £ 1-11-6 per year, instead of £ 1-1-0. 5. The new Family subscription would be £ 2-2-0, for the first two members, with a £ 2- 2-0 entrance fee; for third and subsequent members of a family, the annual fee would be £ 1-1-0, with a £ 1-1-0 entrance fee. It was also decided that children, between the ages of 12 and 16, of members and visitors could play tennis for 15/- for the season, on such courts and at such times as the Committee would from time to time determine. ( There had been several occasions previously when it had been suggested that children should be allowed to play, but the idea had been firmly rejected until now.) Visitors' Fees were raised to the August level as from 1st. July. The price of teas, which had not shewn much profit, was increased in June to 6d. for members and 9d. for visitors. A further increase to 9d. and 1/- respectively was made about 2 months later, but after a petition had been presented against it by 23 members, this further increase was rescinded. Hard Courts. These were constructed by the En-Tout-Cas Co., with the ground staff doing the rough levelling of the site, by adding gravel from the bank at the west end of the Centre strip of land, thereby making, at the same time, Tennis Court No. 6, which was then turfed. The En-Tout-Cas Co. built the brick surrounds of the Hard Courts, and put down a layer of cinders, which came by rail, before putting on the top-dressing. They were, of course, built at the west end of Sellek's Field ( No. 214 ) and not on Keslake's Field ( No. 212 ) as had been suggested at the 1919 Special Meeting. When the Hard Courts were commissioned, an extra charge of 12/6 per year was made to those members using them, with the alternative of an hourly charge of 6d. per person. The latter rate also applied to visitors. There was much dissatisfaction with the courts right from the start, but the bill was paid in November. The water supply to them was discussed in September, but there is no record of the outcome. 36
Croquet. It was in 1920 that the "either ball" law was universally adopted, and the playing of balls in colour sequence was abolished, except for Golf Croquet. A Croquet Tournament was held in July, using 7 lawns, the normal 4 lawns plus one on the Lower Tennis courts, plus 2 others, probably the present Nos. 7 & 8 lawns. A second, non-official, Tournament was held in early August, using 6 lawns. Out of total receipts of £79-9-0, entry fees contributed £ 67-5-0, and there was no gate money this time. Prizes absorbed £ 37-10-0, and the hire of equipment took £ 12. Out of the profit of £ 17-2-11, £ 15 was handed over to the Club and the remainder retained. Tennis. The Open Tennis Tournament was held as usual, and was on a much bigger scale than ever before. Entry fees totalled £ 267, about 3 times the 1913 figure. Gate money at £ 133 was also about 3 times the 1913 level, and there was a profit on teas of £ 19- 10-0. The receipts totalled over £ 453. There was a profit of £ 147, of which £ 140 went to the Club. On the expenses side, prizes took £ 141-10-0, the cost of balls plus equipment hire came to £ 47 odd, and the Manager's fee was now £ 26-5-0. Entertainment Tax had reared its ugly head and took over £ 25. The Customs and Excise authorities also had objections to the free admission of non-playing members, as this deprived them of further entertainment tax. There was also an item of £ 15 for the ball boys. The popularity of the Tournament can be appreciated when it is realised that many of the top players in the country came to it. The Ladies' Open Singles was won by Miss E. Ryan, who must have been a great attraction. From this year on, the main financial details of Tennis Tournaments have been tabulated in Appendix 3. The winners of the main events are given in Appendix 4. Personnel. In September, Lawrence's wages were again raised, to £ 4 per week. There were now normally two groundsmen, Lawrence and West, but a third man was taken on for the month of August, and would be kept longer, if necessary. Finance. During the year, up to the end of November, £ 554 was spent on extensions, including the Hard Courts. Over and above this, the ordinary expenditure, at £ 848, was on an entirely different scale even from the previous year. Details are given in Appendix 2, but it should be noted that wages now amounted to £ 268. Receipts totalled £ 1053, a figure twice as high as in 1919, and about 6 times the 1917 level. Subscriptions amounted to £ 325, and entrance fees totalled £ 87. Visitors fees had risen to unprecedented heights at £ 302, and there was a total profit on tournaments of £ 155. Hard Court takings were only £ 4. The heavy expenditure on the expansion had converted the credit balance of £ 152 at the beginning of the year into an overdraft of £ 198 at the year end. At the year end, it was decided to appoint Trustees, who would be authorised to take up the new lease and arrange finance for the proposed new Pavilion. This was to be approved at a Special General Meeting early in 1921.
1921. General. At the beginning of the year, The Hon. Secretary, Mr. F.R.Hudson, resigned, and was replaced by Lt.Col. C.R.M.Hutchinson. The Special General Meeting, in February, Approved the proposal to appoint Trustees, who were authorised to take up the new lease, to invite applications for 300 £5 Debentures @ 7% interest, and to mortgage the lease and property of the Club as security for the Debentures, for the purpose of financing the building of the new Club House. There were to 37
be not less than 3 Trustees, and all the property of the Club would be vested in them, and they would deal with the Club's property as directed by a General Meeting of the Club, and would be indemnified against risk and expense arising out of the Club's property. The first Trustees were Messrs. S.G.Budd, J.Hartree and R.S.Keep. Extensions. The new lease between Lord Clinton and the Trustees was dated 20th. May 1921. It covered an area of 6.922 acres or thereabouts for a term of 50 years from 29th. September 1920, at a yearly rent of £ 50. The lease forbade the use of the premises for other than the playing of lawn tennis, croquet and similar games without previous licence from the lessor, and nothing was to be done to cause a nuisance to any of the lessor's adjacent lessees or tenants. It also called for the building of a Pavilion at a cost of not less than £ 1000 within 5 years. Many suggestions were put forward regarding the facilities to be provided in the new building, including a Bridge Room; a Room for Dancing or Music; a large Sitting Room with Kitchen and Pantry; and a Ladies' Dressing Room, because the existing Dressing Room did not afford adequate accommodation for visitors. It seems to have been Lady Alison, who first proposed that the new Pavilion should be sited above the Hard Courts and that the existing Pavilion (now the Lower Pavilion ) should remain as it was. However, in March, the Committee decided to postpone the preparation of plans and estimates until the success of the Debenture issue was certain, and in September decided to postpone the whole project for a year because of the unsettled state of the building materials market. The Debenture invitations were issued in March and by November £ 995 out of the £ 1500 had been taken up. With the considerable growth of the Club, it became evident that some devolution of authority would be necessary. The first step taken was the appointment, by the General Committee, of a sub-committee to manage the Croquet affairs, and of a sub-committee of 5 ladies to deal with teas. Grounds. West's recollection is that in 1921, the land on the extreme northern strip was being developed. Two Tennis courts were made on the top site (now part of the Car Park ); No. 7 Croquet Lawn ( now called No. 10 ) was sown with seed, but this was not a success, and later it had to be turfed; The present No. 9 Croquet Lawn was also made, as Tennis Courts, and part of the present allotment area ( east of No. 9 Croquet Lawn ) was made into a Turf Nursery ( 120 ft. x 60 ft. ) using turf from Sidmouth. Later, this Turf Nursery was made into a Singles Tennis Court. The rest of the present allotment area was left rough. Hard Courts. These were unsatisfactory in that the top surface material did not bind properly. The En-Tout-Cas Co. were asked for their advice. Croquet. An Open Tournament was held in June. Entries realised over £ 82, a new high record, and there was a small profit of £ 2 on lunches. This was the first year that the Croquet Association demanded a levy on each competitor, and they took £ 16-12-0. Prizes took £ 33 odd, the General Committee having ruled that up to 50% of the entry fees could be allocated to prizes. There was a profit on the tournament of £ 22 odd, of which £ 20 was handed to the Club and the rest retained. Tennis. A Club Tournament, open to members and temporary members, was held in July, and the Open Tournament was in late August. For the latter, total receipts were over £ 593, about 30% up on the previous year. This was now becoming a very big tournament. Gate money was £ 192, and the sale of Grandstand tickets raised £ 30. ( This is the first mention of a grandstand, and it is probable that it was a fixed stand of several rows of seats, on the west side of No. 1 Court.) Further financial details are given in Appendix 3 but it 38
worthy of mention here that there was a profit of £ 222 on the Tournament, of which £ 200 was handed over to the Club. The Committee minutes record the gift of a Cup ( the Tradesman's Cup ) from Mr. Perriem, but there is no information as to which event it was intended for, nor any information as to what happened to it. Subscriptions. In September, the Committee concluded that the Club needed three permanent groundsmen, and to meet the increased cost, a further increase in subscriptions would be necessary. A Special General Meeting in October to consider these matters vetoed several of the Committee's proposals. In the end, the following changes were agreed :- 1. The Trustees would be ex-officio members of the Committee. 2. Entrance Fees for family members would be raised to £ 2-12-6 each for the first two members, and to £ 1-1-0 for third and subsequent members. 3. The Annual Subscription would be raised to £ 2-12-6, and this rate would also apply to the first two members of a family, but for third and subsequent members of a family, living under the same roof, the subscription would be £ 1-1-0. Non-playing members' subscriptions would be £ 1-1-0. Miscellaneous. A new scale of Hard Court charges was adopted in October. Resident members would pay a special subscription of £ 1-1-0 for the winter, or at the rate of 1/- per person for the first hour, and 6d. per person per hour thereafter. Visitors, between 1st. October and 31st. March, would pay 2/- per half day or 3/- per day, or 10/- per week or £ 1- 1-0 per month. Non-resident non-members could join for Hard Court Tennis only during the winter for £ 1-1-0; these were those who resided more than 3 miles from the Club. The last item discussed in December was Worms, which were evidently a great nuisance. It was decided to experiment with the use of lime, but this, of course, was quite the wrong tactics, as worms are encouraged by lime, not deterred. Finance. The accounts for the year to 30th. November 1921 show that receipts were slightly less than in 1920, at £ 985. There were about 30 new members, but no overall increase in membership. Visitors' fees were not as high as in 1920. Hard Court fees totalled only £ 20. The profit on Drinks was beginning to rise and was £ 29. Further details are given in Appendix 2. Expenditure was much the same in total as in 1921, at £ 860, but Wages now totalled £ 295. Apparently the rent for Lawrence's cottage was being paid by the Club. The net result was a profit on the year of £ 125, thereby reducing the overdraft to £ 73, an effect that was principally due to the large profit from the Tennis Tournament.
1922. Organisation. At the Annual General Meeting in February, it had been proposed that Sub-Committees of 5 members each should be elected annually at the Annual General Meeting, to manage all matters concerned with Croquet and Tennis respectively. However, such an arrangement was quite unacceptable to the Committee, who felt that such Sub- Committees would be too independent of them. Later on, the General Committee appointed two Sub-Committees of 5, with the Hon. Secretary as an ex-officio member ( 3 to form a quorum ), " to arrange all competitions and tournaments, apart from finance ". A Tea Committee of 5 ladies with one man as financial advisor was also appointed. The Tea Sub-Committee had the task of putting over to Mrs. Lawrence, the wife of the head groundsman, and Stewardess, that the teas should be run on more economical lines. The Sub-Committee was to be responsible for all catering, a locked cupboard was provided for extra cakes, and free teas were to be given only to actual staff. Each lady on the Sub- 39
Committee was responsible for teas for a week, in turn. Prices were 6d. for members, and 9d. for visitors. These teas were, of course, still being served only in the Lower Pavilion. The Hon. Secretary and his wife were granted free membership of the Club, whilst he remained in office. Extensions. In April, it was considered that the time was favourable for re-opening the question of the new Pavilion, as building materials had become much cheaper, and it was resolved to build the new Club House in 1922. The site above the Hard Courts was confirmed, with access from Westfield Close, and detailed suggestions were submitted to the architect ( Mr. Hatchard Smith.). To save money, drainage was to be to a septic tank, instead of into the Town drainage. ( This turned out to be an unfortunate decision, as later on, there was trouble with the septic tank, and drainage had to be arranged into the Town's system} The building was to consist of what is now the tea room, kitchen, vestibule, cloak rooms and verandah. It would not be wired for electric light but would be lit by gas. The tender from Hayman's of Exmouth, for £ 1085, which was the lowest, was accepted and the contract for the work was signed on 31st. May 1922. The new Pavilion was completed at the end of the year, and an appreciable amount of furniture and crockery was obtained for it. In anticipation of lending out the new building for various functions a scale of hire charges was adopted. For dances, the charge would be £ 2-2-0 up to 11 p.m., £ 3-3-0 up to 12 p.m., and £ 4-4-0 up to 2 a.m., these rates to include for the use of crockery and furniture. The hirer would have to be a Club member, and would be responsible for any breakages. Miscellaneous. Although the year was so largely occupied with matters concerning the new Pavilion, a number of other interesting items were also decided:- 1. It had to be laid down that no drinks were to be sold, except for cash. 2. Visitors' fees were again increased, and from 1st. June became 3/- per day, 12/6 per week and £ 2 for 4 weeks. 3. A proposal was made that the Club should provide tables, cards, markers, etc. for Bridge, and that Table Money should be charged, but this was turned down, the decision being that Bridge should continue "as at present" , presumably on a private basis. 4. The possibility of Mrs. Longhurst's being offered a retaining fee to teach tennis at the Club was investigated, but came to naught. However, she successfully applied, later, for permission for her pupils ( who were not members of the Club ) to receive tennis lessons from her on the Hard Courts at 1/6 per pupil per morning or afternoon. Croquet. An Open Tournament was held, but no financial record remains. This was the year in which the modern Croquet Court lay-out, with one peg instead of two, was adopted. Tennis. In connection with the Tennis Tournament, Major Larcombe was the Referee, and asked for a fee of 30 gns. Two successful Dances were run during the week, and made a profit of £ 50. No financial record of the tournament remains, but enquiries were made about Pluvius insurance, and an extra row of seats was suggested for the grandstand on the Lower Courts. This had been used for the first time in 1921, and was a 4 or 5 tier bolted structure. Grounds. James joined the staff as third groundsman. Work continued on laying out the northerly strip, and the Croquet lawn being prepared there was used for tennis during 1922 as a temporary measure, as it was not yet fit for Croquet. A very considerable amount of turf ( 10,000 pieces 3ft. x 1 ft.) was required in the winter of 1922/23 for the returfing of the worn areas of the tennis courts and of Nos. 2 and 40
6 Croquet lawns. Of this total, 2600 pieces would come from the turf nursery started in 1921. Part of No. 2 Croquet Lawn ( now called No.3 ) was to be returfed after good soil had been put down. No. 6 Croquet Lawn was to be scratched up, levelled, soil added on top of the existing turf, and new turf laid on top of that.
1923 Finance. Early in the year, some consternation had been caused by a demand from the Excise Authorities that Income Tax should be paid on certain items in the balance sheet. Every endeavour was made to avoid such a levy, but without avail. This year, the Balance Sheet was prepared as at 31st. March 1923, and therefore covered a period of 16 months. This was because it had been decided that the Annual General Meeting would take place in mid-April instead of in February, as hitherto. No detailed accounts are available at all, the only known fact being that at the end of the financial year, the overdraft was down to approximately £ 39, which means that the Club had made a profit on the year of £ 33. Buildings. Early in the year, plans were prepared for extending the Dressing Rooms at both ends, a number of trees having to be removed before this could be done. It is likely that some bathing facilities were also added. It had been hoped to complete the work by mid-April, but actually it was much later in being finished. The extensions were carried out by Hayman's of Exmouth, who had built the new Pavilion the previous year, and cost £ 335, plus a design fee of £ 95 to Mr. Hatchard Smith. By these extensions, the Dressing Rooms assumed their present appearance, from the front. Somewhat later in the year, various minor modifications to internal partitions were carried out, and some additional furniture and lockers provided. As regards the new Pavilion, this was licenced for music and dancing, and six Dances were held there in August and September, but the condition of the dancing floor was not very satisfactory. Curtains had been provided to enclose the verandah during dances. At some time after the completion of the new Pavilion, teas ceased to be served in the Lower Pavilion, and the kitchen there was turned into a bar, doing away with the original bar in the lean-to near the Secretary's office. Annual General Meeting. This was held in April, and it was resolved that this should be the normal date in future, and that the Club's financial year should end on 31st. March. It was also decided to equalise the cost of teas to members and visitors alike, at 6d. The rule that the Club grounds were opened only from 11 a.m.( see 1911 ) had been constantly disregarded, so the opening time was altered to 10.30 a.m. but with the proviso that this time would be strictly enforced. Tennis. An Assistant Secretary ( really a Tournament Secretary ) was appointed to deal with all entries, entry fees, etc., thereby relieving the Club Secretary of this detailed work. For the first time, there is mention of advanced booking of Grandstand seats. Pluvius insurance was arranged to cover £ 50 per day for the first 5 days, and £ 70 on the Saturday, finals day. It seems to have been a fine week as there was no claim under the rain insurance. The Tournament itself was a great success, and there were urgent representations for additional spectator accommodation. Receipts were somewhat higher than in 1921, the last year for which figures are available. Details are given in Appendix 3, but a noteworthy item was the £ 122 received for reserved seats. The gross profit was £ 256, of which £ 90 was charged as repairs to the lawns, so the declared profit was £ 166, of which £ 140 was handed to the Club and £ 26 retained in the Tournament account. In June, sanction had been given for the construction of a wall, 8 ft. high x 27 ft. long, 41
in the north-west corner of the grounds, for the purpose of training tennis beginners, of which the cost was to be met by voluntary contributions, but there is no record of its ever having been built. ( Perhaps the voluntary contributors did not come up to scratch! ) Croquet . The Open Tournament was held, and produced a profit of £ 33, of which £ 25 was handed to the Club, and £ 8 retained. Gate money seems to have completely disappeared from the receipts. The Croquet Association levy took £ 20 from the entry fees of £ 82. Further boundary boards were provided to replace the wire netting, Grounds. In the autumn, advice was sought from Messrs. Veitch of Exeter, as to the best seeds and manures to use on the lawns, as repairs to the lawns by seeding had not been very satisfactory. An appreciable amount more turf was bought from Sidmouth, and a Greens Sub- Committee was appointed to supervise the winter work of patching the tennis courts; it was also decided to dress the Croquet lawns heavily with sea-sand, to dress the Tennis courts lightly with sand in the spring, to use worm destroyer on all the lawns and to apply Sulphate of Ammonia to the lawns in the spring. It was also decided to make two more Tennis Courts on the northern strip ( probably on what is now No. 9 Croquet lawn ), and that two of the Tennis courts should always be out of commission to rest them. A new " Northern " ( really Western ) entrance to the Club was arranged, with fencing and gates, and the back premises of the new Pavilion were improved. There were now a number of Private Entrances from surrounding houses into the Club Grounds, which were covered by agreements. Some of these were being mis-used, in that servants were using them, but it was decided not to interpret the agreements too literally. Personnel. At the end of the year, Lt. Col. Hutchinson resigned as Hon. Secretary, and it was decided to advertise for a whole-time paid Secretary at a salary of £ 100 per year. Until one could be obtained, Mr. Hartee ( the Vice-President ) offered to act as Hon. Secretary. Because of the additional work of cleaning the new Pavilion, Mrs. Lawrence's wages were raised from 12/- to 15/- per week during the season. Miscellaneous . A Cup was presented to the Games Club for competition during their annual July Bowls Tournament. ( It is known that the Cricket Club never returned to the Cricket Field Lane ground after the 1914-1918 War, but when the Bowling Greens were made there is not known precisely. ) Finance. By the end of the financial year on 31st. March 1924, a total of £ 1250 of Debentures had been subscribed for, and £ 1237 had been paid for the building of the new Pavilion. The total income of the Club showed a large increase over the 1921 level ( the last year for which accounts are available ), and was £ 1334. Details are given in Appendix 2, but it is worth noting that Subscriptions were £ 555 and Entrance Fees were £ 100, implying an intake of about 40 new members, bringing the total to about 170 playing members and about 100 non-playing members. Visitors' Fees yielded £ 313, a new record. The profit on Drinks was rising fast and was £ 60. Expenditure at £ 1585 included the cost of £ 429 for additions and alterations to the Dressing Rooms. Wages now amounted to £ 396, plus £ 73 for extra labour. The cost of Maintenance was lumped together in one item of £ 470. Debenture Interest at £ 68 was a new item. The year ended with the Overdraft having risen from £ 39 at the beginning of the season to £ 290, mainly the r4sult of the Dressing Room alterations. 42
In comparing, one year with another, the figures given in Appendix 2, note must be taken of the varying practice of sometimes including exceptional items in the normal accounts, and sometimes excluding them. During the year, it was decided that all profits from the hire of the Pavilion for dances would be paid into a separate Debenture Redemption Fund. This year there were 4 Dances in August and 2 in September, yielding a profit of £ 22.
SUMMARY.
Over the past four years the Club had expanded dramatically. Two further areas of land to the North had been taken over, and a new lease for 50 years from 29th. September 1920 had been granted by the Rolle Estate, one of the conditions being that a new Pavilion should be built within 5 years at a cost of not less than £ 1000. The new Pavilion had been built during 1922, and had cost over £ 1200, which had been financed by the issue of 7% Debentures. Trustees had been appointed to hold the Club assets in trust for the members. The Hard Courts had also been built, although they were not really satisfactory. The Dressing Rooms, built in 1906, had been extended at both ends, and made much more commodious, mainly to accommodate the greatly increased number of competitors at the Open Tennis Tournament. The Tennis Tournament had become a very large affair, which attracted many of the top players in the country. The Tournament turnover was now about £ 700, compared with only £ 144 in the last year before the war ( i.e. 1913 ). The grounds had been almost completely developed and there were now normally 5 Croquet Lawns, 17 Grass Tennis courts and the 2 Hard Courts. The Club membership had also grown considerably, in spite of increases in subscription rates and entrance fees. At the end of the period, there were about 170 playing members and about 100 non-playing members, compared with about 130 playing members and 13 non-playing members in 1913. A great number of Visitors were using the courts during the holiday season. There was now a staff of 3 groundsmen, Lawrence, Meet and James. The running of the Club had become such a considerable task that a full-time paid Secretary was being sought at the end of 1923.
SECTION 6. - THE PEAK OF ACTIVITY. 1924 - 1939.
1924. Organisation. At the beginning of the 1924 season, the Club had taken over all the land it was ever to have. The new Pavilion ( first section ) was in use, membership was at a record high level and there was such a high degree of activity that it had been deemed necessary to seek a full-time paid Secretary. Advertisements had produced no less than 56 applications, from whom Mr. S.E.Langmore was appointed as from the end of March, his appointment being confirmed at the Annual General Meeting in April. At the Annual General Meeting, Lt. Col. Hutchinson and his wife were elected life members, in recognition of their hard work for the Club. In April, the General Committee appointed Sub-Committees to manage Tennis, Croquet, Teas and the Greens, 43
It was decided to place all Entrance Fees into the Debenture Redemption Fund, in addition to the proceeds from the hire of the Club House. Tennis. At the Annual General Meeting, a proposal had been agreed that, from 1st. July to the end of the season, three of the grass courts would be reserved for the exclusive use of members, because there was such a demand from visitors that members were frequently unable to get a game. The three members' courts could be booked only one day in advance, and no-one could have more than one reservation at a time. Singles were permitted on two of these courts, but only in a morning and after 6.30 p.m. A new Grandstand was purchased for the Tennis Tournament for £ 75 from the Teignmouth Cricket Club, and used for daily seat holders, the older stand being for weekly seat holders only. This was a sectional stand and was erected and dismantled each year. A shed to house it, when dismantled was built north of the Dressing Rooms for £ 35. (This may well be the shed that is now used for soil.) The Club bought a new Challenge Cup that was used for Ladies' Open Singles at the Tournament. The first winner was Miss B. Ryan, who had won this event for each year since 1920. A complete list of subsequent winners is given in Appendix 4. Details of the finances of the Tournament are given in Appendix 3, but it should he noted that Gate Money was £ 293, about twice as much as in 1923. The Tournament seems to have taken place in fine weather, as, although Pluvius insurance had been arranged ( at a premium of £ 56 ), there was no claim against the insurers. The cost of the new grandstand ( £ 76 ) was charged to the tournament, and there was still a gross profit of £ 228, of which £ 50 was debited to repairs to lawns, and the Club profit shewn as £ 178. Major Larcombe managed the tournament, but did not wish to do another, and Mr. Hamilton Price was booked for 1925. Croquet. There were two Croquet Tournaments this year, the main one being in early June and a second one in early August. Eight lawns were used, and as there were only 4 or 5 official Croquet lawns, some of the tennis courts were turned over to Croquet for the Tournaments. Also, Col. Gossage, who lived at "Minwood" in Cricket Field Lane, usually lent his Croquet lawn for use in the Tournament. In later years, a court was also borrowed from Mrs. Fea, who lived in Coastguard Road. The June Tournament was the 25th. annual tournament, which had been held every year since 1896, except for the 4 war years, 1915-1918. Col. C.F.Stevens was the Manager, and A.M.Caldecott Smith was the Referee and Handicapper for both Tournaments. The June event attracted 57 entrants for 5 events ( 3 class Singles, a big Handicap, and a Doubles.) The Class 'A' event , for players of less than 3 bisques, was played as the best of three games throughout, whilst the 'B' Singles for players of 3 - 6 and a half bisques, and the 'C' Singles for players of 7 bisques or more, were all single game level events. The Raydon Stone Cup was still the trophy for the 'A' Singles, and was won by W.F.Colclough. Doubles pairs had to have a combined handicap of at least 5 bisques. Entry fees then were 6/- per event, except for the 'A' event, which cost 8/6 each. The Croquet Association levy was 1/- per head per event. For the August Tournament, there were 47 entrants, the events being similar to those of June. Dr. E.Clarke had presented a Cup for competition at this tournament, but what happened to it is not known. The total receipts for the two Tournaments were £ 93, of which prizes took £ 41 and the C.A.Levy took £ 15. The Club profit was £ 28. There was a whip-round for the groundsmen ( a practice that has continued to the present day ) which raised £ 3. During this year, Mrs. Bull presented a cup for a Club Croquet Competition.
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Unfortunately this cup was stolen in 1963, so the names of the early winners are not known. ( see Appendix 8.) Grounds. This year saw the purchase of the first motor-mower, an 'Atco 30', and the sale of the horse mower and cart. What happened to the horse itself is not revealed. In September, the Greens Committee decided not to purchase any turf, but to take what was required for patching from the Nursery ( which was evidently still functioning ) and from the backs of the courts. Tennis Courts Nos. 15 & 16 were to be used for Croquet in 1925 and the inequalities in the surface were dealt with. (These were the courts on what is now the Carpark.) De-worming was undertaken in October on the Croquet lawns. Miscellaneous. The Secretary's Office roof was boarded on the inside. It was agreed that the Hard Courts could be used in summer, if the grass courts were unfit for play. Dancing continued to be popular, and 8 Dances were held during the season, 7 at the Club and one in Exmouth. The latter had yielded a profit of £ 30 odd, but those at the Club had resulted in a loss of £ 12. A Miss Tucker was again permitted, as in the previous 2 years, to use the Club House for dancing lessons each Wednesday afternoon in the winter, at a charge of 7/6 per day, but singing and piano practice was barred. Finance. The Debenture Redemption Fund had received £ 55 from Pavilion Hire and Dances and £ 8l from Entrance Fees. At the year end, it stood at £ 148. The financial data are summarised in Appendix 2, but the following points are worthy of note. The Club's income at £ 1283 was very similar to the 1923 total when allowance is made for the exclusion of Entrance Fees, There was a much better yield from the Hard Court ( £ 46 ). The profit on Drinks at £ 19 ) had fallen badly. Expenditure was a little higher than in 1923, and there was a loss on the year's working of £ 57, and at the year end the overdraft had risen to £ 347. It was later said that 1924 had been a very wet season ( although the Tennis Tournament must have escaped the rain ) and the Club had had some heavy expenditure, including £ 87 for the motor mower, and £ 76 for the Grandstand. It is interesting that, at this time, the Club was buying whisky at 137/6 per dozen ( i.e. 11/5 per bottle.)
1925. Organisation. Early in the year, Mr. Penny resigned as Hon. Treasurer; the Secretary, Mr. Langmore, was appointed Treasurer also, and an Audit Committee of two was appointed to draw up a scheme of accounts for him. At the Annual General Meeting, an organisational change was agreed, by which two of the six elected members of the Committee would retire annually in rotation, and would not be eligible for re-election for one year. The President, Vice-President and the Trustees would be ex-officio members of the Committee. The Committee decided that the Bar Profits for 1924 at only £ 19 were very unsatisfactory, and as a safeguard directed that drinks should only be served over the flap in the bar door, and that no member should be allowed in the bar, and that the Head Groundsman should operate the bar himself as much as possible, and not delegate the duty. The arrangements for Safeguarding the cash were also tightened up. ( This, of course, refers to the bar in the Lower Pavilion, where the tea kitchen had been.) Croquet. Two Cups for Club Competitions were presented this year, one by Mrs. 45
Simpson, for an American Handicap event played in blocks, probably originally for Ladies only, and the other by Col. Gossage for a Knock-out competetition on Handicap. These cups have continued to be competed for each year since, except for the odd occasion, and a complete list of the winners is given in Appendix 8. There were again two tournaments, in June and August, 7 or 8 lawns being available. The Manager, Referee, etc, were the same as in 1924, and the Raydon Stone Cup was the major trophy ( won by Maj. M. Taylor.). For the August tournament, the 'B' and 'C' class Singles events were played on a handicap basis instead of level. Total entry fees realised £ 102, out of which the Club's profit was £ 27. Tennis. For the Tennis Tournament, the weekly seat grandstand was erected on the No. 4 Croquet Lawn ( now No. 2 ),with a row of chairs behind it, and the other one was erected on the east side of the court. It must be that it was about this time that the area of the " Lower Courts " was reduced to one Tennis court only, instead of the earlier two. Pluvius insurance was again arranged in the sum of 40 each day. The Tournament resulted in a profit of £ 248 of which £ 50 was debitted to Repairs to Lawns and the profit to the Club was declared at £ 198. The major items of income and expenditure are tabulated in Appendix 3. It cost £12 to erect and dismantle the stands. The Customs and Excise authorities insisted that non-playing members, who were allowed free into the tournament, were liable to Entertainment Tax, and these members were asked to contribute 1/- for this tax. Grounds. In the autumn, a total of 1500 pieces of turf were used for patching, of which 400 came from the Nursery, and the rest from Sidmouth. The horse was apparently still on the strength, as there was some dispute in November, about the cost of repairs to his boots! Finance. During the year £100 of Debentures were redeemed; the Redemption Fund received £ 93 in Entrance Fees and £ 27 from Pavilion Hire. at the year end, the Fund stood at £ 169. The Income and Expenditure are summarised in Appendix 2, and most of the items were very similar to those of 1924. The Profit on Drinks had taken a turn for the better ( at £ 33 ) probably as a result of the stricter control introduced early in 1925. The receipts from the Hard Courts were down to only £ 29. Expenditure was considerably down on 1924, mainly because of the reduced maintenance cost. In consequence, the year's working shewed a profit of £ 255 and the overdraft was reduced to £ 92.
1926. Buildings. Up to now, the Secretary's Office had been in what is now the Bowls Shed. It was decided in the Spring to build a new office at the west end of the Lower Pavilion, opposite No. 4 ( now No.2 ) Croquet Lawn, at a cost of not more than £ 100. The new Office was built during the year and actually cost £ 127. A suggestion that a telephone should be installed was turned down by the Committee as unnecessary. The insurance cover on the Club buildings was increased during the year to £ 3290. Grounds. There was a very long drought in the spring, and on 1st. April, it was decided not to open the courts until some rain had fallen, Then, as soon as the Croquet Lawns were open for play, the tennis players were allowed to use the Hard Courts, free of charge, until the grass courts were ready. It was agreed that this arrangement would apply 46
at any time during the summer when the grass courts were out of commission on account of the weather. The Hard Courts had needed repair in the early part of the year, and new top-dressing was applied. The reservation system for tennis courts, established in 1924, had been so little used that it was discontinued. Croquet. The General Strike in May had led to some anxiety about the Tournaments, but, in the end, two tournaments were again held, in early June and early August, the officials being the same as for 1925, and entries at about the same level. The Raydon Stone Cup was played for in June, and won by Miss Retallack. She also won the Ladies' Field Cup, one of the top trophies of the Croquet Association, thereby putting the Club into the Croquet limelight for the first time. At the August Tournament, the main trophy was another Croquet Association trophy, the West of England Championship, which had been played for many years at Bath. From the two tournaments, the Club profit was £ 24 out of the receipts of £ 101. The Simpson Cup for Club competition was played as an American Tournament for Ladies only. Tennis. The Tennis Tournament attracted a record entry, and must have been the biggest yet staged. Total receipts were £ 812, of which entry fees were £ 386. Gate money was at a record level of £ 171 with a record of £ 196 from Reserved Seats. Further details are given in Appendix 3. The gross profit was £ 374, of which £ 50 was debitted to Repairs to Lawns, and the net profit declared at £ 324, a truly remarkable effort. The Secretary was given a gratuity of £ 20 for his hard work in connection with the Tournament.
To give a comparison with other Tennis Tournaments, a list of the events and the number of entries is given below:-
Event 1 .Gents' Open Singles. 80 entries. 2. Ladies' Open Singles. 76 " 3. Gents' Open Doubles. 46 pairs. 4. Ladies' Open Doubles. 46 " 5. Mixed Open Doubles. 76 " 6A. Gents' Handicap Single (A)46 entries. 6B. " " " (B)63 " 7A. Ladies' H'cap Singles. (A)46 " 7B. " " (B)92 " 8. Gents' H'cap Doubles. 54 pairs. 9. Ladies' H'cap Doubles. 64 " 10. Mixed H'cap Doubles. 78 "
This meant that there was a total of over 740 matches played. Although the Tournament was played in good weather (there was no claim against Pluvius insurance ), there was difficulty in getting through the Tournament, and it was agreed afterwards that No.1 Croquet Lawn would be extended to the south (this is now the Bowling Green area) so that two extra tennis courts could be provided there for the next Tournament.
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Greens. In June, a water supply was laid on to the west end of No. 4 Croquet Lawn ( Now No. 2 ) and later extended to No. 2 Croquet Lawn (now No. 3). In the autumn, the Greens committee decided, as a result of the previous year's experience, not to patch the courts with turf bought in from outside, but to use turf from the Club's own resources for the actual lawn patching, and to use bought-in turf for filling the spaces thus created. About 100 loads of soil were obtained for top-dressing. Two householders, who had private entrances to the Club, refused to sign the appropriate agreement which provided for only 1/- per year rent, and the Secretary was instructed to have these entrances screwed up. Finance. At the end of the financial year, the Club had, for the first time for many years, a credit balance of £ 73, largely as a result of the large profit from the Tennis Tournament. The main items of income and expenditure are tabulated in Appendix 2, but it is worth noting that the Profit on Drinks had recovered somewhat to £ 48, the groundsman having been paid £ 10 for his responsibilities in this connection. Included in the expenditure is £ 508 for maintenance, a high figure which included £ 127 for the new Secretary's Office, £ 54 for laying water to all courts, and the cost of two new shelters for Croquet players. Income exceeded expenditure by £ 166. In addition, another £ 200 of Debentures had been redeemed, making £ 300 redeemed to date. The Redemption fund had received £ 59 from Entrance Fees and £ 24 from Pavilion Hire, and at the year end, stood at £ 52.
1927. Annual General Meeting. Mrs. Pring, who had supervised lunches and teas (at the Tournaments ? ) for many years, was made a life member of the Club. It was pointed out that not so many years earlier ( about 10 ) the total income of the Club had been only about £ 200 per year, whereas now it had grown to about 10 times as much. It was agreed that "everything was very well organised and redounded great credit on the Vice-President, Mr. Hartree". Croquet. Two new shelters for Croquet players were provided early in the year ( and included in the 1926 accounts ), one sited between lawns No. 2 & 3 (now 3 & 4), and one on the west boundary. Two Tournaments were again held, in early May and early August. It was advertised that 8 or 9 lawns would be available (one lent by Col. Gossage). The May Tournament was managed by N.C.Simner with A.M.Caldecott Smith as Referee and Handicapper. The Raydon Stone Cup was the trophy for the 'A' Class Singles and was won by Miss J.Retallack. Event 2 was played as a level event for players of 1 - 4 bisques, and Event 3, for players of 4.5 bisques and over, was for the Luard Cup, a Croquet Association trophy. There had been 5 weeks' drought prior to this Tournament, which was played in glorious weather. Naturally, the courts were very difficult. The August Tournament was managed by S.M.Cripps, again with A.M.Caldecott Smith as Manager and Handicapper. There were 61 entrants. There was no Doubles event, and the big Handicap was played on an XYZ basis, the losers of their first match going into the 'Y'. Other losers in the 2nd. round of the 'X', and losers in the first round of the 'Y' went into the 'Z' event. However, this did not prove to be a very popular arrangement. The Class 'A' event was won by Capt. K.H.Coxe. 48
It is reported in the Committee minutes that Mrs. Bull presented a cup for a Club knock-out competition for Ladies only. However, a similar gift was reported in 1924 (q.v.). It is doubtful whether there were two cups; it may be that the minute of 1927 really intended to specify only what the cup was for. In any case, the Bull Cup was stolen in 1963, and the names of the early winners are not known. The total receipts for the two Tournaments were £ 97. Prizes took £ 39, and the C.A.Levy took £ 18. The Club profit was £ 20. Tennis. The Tennis Tournament, with Hamilton Price as Referee and Handicapper, took place in late August. The events were the same as in 1926, except that the Mixed Doubles Handicap event was split into two classes. The number of entrants was much the same as in 1926. The winners of the main events are given in Appendix 4. The main financial details are given in Appendix 3, and the figures were much the same as in 1926. The gross profit was £ 303, of which £ 50 was debitted to Repairs to Lawns and the net profit to the Club declared at £ 253. ( £ 40 had been received in respect of one day's rain.) A screen, 6 ft. wide, was placed above the fence south of Nos. 2-6 Tennis courts at a cost of £ 100. (The fence then extended for the full distance behind these courts.) Grounds. It was becoming increasingly difficult to obtain good quality turf for patching the Tennis courts. Lord Clinton was approached for turf from one of his fields but nothing seems to have come of this. In September, it was decided to use the Club's turf for patching and to seed down the places from which this turf was taken. A further 50 - 100 loads of soil were needed for top-dressing. Worms were evidently still a great nuisance, and it was decided to rid as many lawns as possible. Other work during the winter included wire netting west of No. 4 (now No. 2) Croquet Lawn, and east of No.2 Tennis court, and a gate, with springs, in the fence between No. 4 (now No. 2) Croquet Lawn and No. 10 Tennis court. Buildings. The space in front of the Lower Pavilion and the new Office was tarred. The roof of the new Kitchen and Cloak Rooms was leaking badly, and the cess-pit taking drainage from the new Pavilion was not functioning correctly and it appeared that it would be necessary after all to connect into the main sewer, (it had been a short-sighted policy not to have done this when the Pavilion was built in 1922.) For the first time, the Corner Stand, on No. 1 Tennis court was referred to, when it was decided, in December, to enlarge the top tier. There was a great shortage of chairs for Bridge players in the new Pavilion, and a further 5 dozen were obtained. Finance. Another £ 65 of Debentures were redeemed, making a total of £ 365 redeemed so far. Entrance Fees had amounted to £ 68, and Pavilion Hire to £ 25. At the year end, the Redemption Fund stood at £ 79. The income and expenditure (of which details are given in Appendix 2) were very similar in totals to the 1926 figures. It should be noted that Visitors' Fees were still running at about £ 340 as against the total subscription income of £ 631. The yield from the Hard Courts was still disappointingly small at £ 22, shewing that they were not being used anything like as much as was hoped when they were built. The cost of Maintenance, at £ 460, included a new motor mower at £ 85, and £ 35 for the Tarring of paths. The profit on the year was £ 188, and at 31st. March 1928, the Club had a credit balance of £ 261. When this came to be discussed at the 1928 Annual General Meeting, it was regarded as very satisfactory, especially as the 1927 summer was reported to have experienced very bad weather. Evidently, the glorious weather reported in April and May 49
had not lasted much longer.
1928. Personnel. At the Annual General Meeting, it was agreed to increase the Secretary's salary from £ 100 to £ 150 per year, in view of the extra work that was entailed since he had kept all the accounts. Buildings. Early in the year, it was decided to proceed with the job of connecting the drains from the new Pavilion into the main sewer in Westfield Road. However, the owner of the land through which the new drain would have to pass, proved to be very difficult, and it was June before he would agree to accept £ 8 for the right to run the drain down his path. In the autumn, it was decided to use some of the credit balance to effect some improvements, including a 6 ft. wide concrete path, with steps, from the Secretary's Office to the "Wood" ( i.e. along the south ends of Nos. 2-6 Tennis courts), which cost £ 28, and a new shed with concrete floor (the present Green Shed) for £ 59. Croquet. Apparently some players were still disregarding the rule about wearing heel-less shoes, and it was necessary to make a new bye-law, giving the Secretary or Groundsman the right to order such a player off the courts. Again, two Tournaments were held, in late May and early August, 7 Club lawns, and 2 others being available. N.C.Simner managed both with A.M.Caldecott Smith as Referee and Handicapper. The optional "lift" when the opponent had run 4-Back hoop, was introduced this year. In May, the Raydon Stone Cup was won by Dr. J.R.Carver. As there was no more room on the Cup for the names of the winners, a plinth was made for it, with a silver band for engraving more names. The August Tournament is reported to have been one of the most successful ever held at Budleigh Salterton. A total of 180 games were played, very few of them being time- limited. The winner of the main event was G.F.Colman, who is reported as having brought off many "triple peels". Receipts for the two Tournaments totalled £ 102, of which prizes took £ 43, and the C.A. Levy £ 18. The Club profit was £ 24. Tennis. Hamilton Price was again the Referee and Handicapper. Entries were again high, but the weather was not very favourable and £ 40 was received in respect of one day's rain. The Mixed Doubles Handicap event was again played in two classes, the total entry being 96 pairs. ( see Page 86 ) Financial data are given in Appendix 3, the figures being very much the same as in 1927. Non-playing members were still having to pay Entertainment Tax on their free admission. The gross profit was £ 280, of which £ 50 was debitted to Lawn Repairs, and the net profit to the Club declared at £ 230. Grounds. In the autumn, the Greens Committee were worried about obtaining enough turf for lawn patching, as there would not be enough from the Club grounds, and some outside source was essential. Turf was sought from Exmouth, where the Tennis Club on the sea-front must have given up about this time. A further 100 loads of soil for top- dressing was obtained. Miscellaneous. One of the characteristics of the Club, particularly in the years after this, has been the number of gifts of one sort or another from members. In 1928, gifts included a long looking-glass for the Ladies' Dressing Room from Mrs. Simpson, and a rain 50
gauge from Mr. Bull. A proposal to form a Bridge Club, within the Club, was not favoured by the Committee, but they left it open for the matter to be raised again at the next Annual General Meeting. Finance. Over the year, another £ 100 of Debentures were redeemed, making a total of £ 465 redeemed to date. The Redemption Fund had received £ 93 from Entrance Fees and £ 9 from Pavilion Hire, and at the end of the financial year ( 31st. March 1929 ) stood at £ 8l. The Club income at £ 1465 was much the same as in 1927, but a new item was £ 11 received as interest on a Deposit Account that had been opened. Visitors' Fees reached the highest level ever recorded at £ 367. Expenditure at £ 1404 was about £ 200 up on 1927. Wages had risen to £ 541, and Maintenance was higher at £ 6l6 because of the cost of the new shed (£ 59 ), the connection to the main drain (£ 83 ), and the new concrete path ( £ 34 ). The profit on the year was £ 60, and at the end of the financial year, the Club had a credit balance of £ 322.
1929. Annual General Meeting. Some minor changes in regulations were agreed, by which:- 1. Guests staying in the house of a permanent member, and who resided more than 10 miles from the Club, would be allowed to play after 2 p.m. at half the normal rates, for a maximum of 4 days during the season, ( In May, this was altered to a maximum of 6 days.) 2. Children, aged between 12 and 16, of all members, including temporary members, had been allowed to play up to 1 p.m., on payment of 15/- for the season, on such courts as the Committee would from time to time determine. The lower age limit was reduced to 10 years of age. Tennis. Early in the year, Messrs. Slazenger & Co. informed the Club,, that although, in the past, they had lent stop-netting etc. for the Tournament free of charge, they would, in future, have to make a charge for it. Furthermore, they were increasing the cost of balls from 9/6 per dozen to 11/6 per dozen. This upset the Club considerably, and they decided to use the "L.T.A." ball and obtained supplies from Messrs. Jacques. The strain of running the Tournament was beginning to tell on the Secretary, and he was authorised to engage a temporary clerk to assist him. A man to act as Valet in the Men's Dressing Room was also engaged for the Tournament. Discussions about the Tournament contained a mention, for the first time of the "Centre Court", from which it is evident that there was only one court on the area of the "Lower Courts". This has been referred to already ( see 1925 ). The Tournament was held in late August with Hamilton Price again as Referee and Handicapper. Entries were very similar to those of 1928. The Saturday was very wet, and £ 40 was received from the rain insurance. Details of the financial data are given in Appendix 3, where the record payment of £ 41 to the Ball boys should be noted. There was a new charge of £ 40 for Income Tax, presumably on earlier profits. The gross profit was £ 180, and this year £ 100 was debitted to Lawn Repairs, leaving the declared profit at £ 80. In order to give time for the centre court to be prepared for the Tournament, and because of the great influx of visitors in August, the date of early August for the Croquet Tournament was becoming very inconvenient. Croquet. Two Tournaments were again held, one in late May, and the other in late July, in order to avoid the difficulties that had occurred with an August Tournament. 51
The May Tournament was managed by N.C.Simner with A.M.Caldecott Smith as Referee and Handicapper. The events were the same as in 1928, with the Raydon Stone Cup as the trophy for the Open Singles, which was played as the best of 3 games throughout. The Cup was won by Capt. J.B.Morgan. Event 2 was Level Singles for those of 3 bisques and over, while Event 3 was a Handicap Singles for those of 6.5 bisques and over. The July Tournament had L.H.Ashton as Manager, Referee and Handicapper. The pattern of events was rather different from that in May. There was an Open Singles (won by C.F.Colman), played as best of three games; a level Singles (Class B) for those over 2 and a half bisques; a level Singles (Class C) for those of 7 bisques and over; a level Singles (Class D) for those of 11 bisques and over; there was also a Big Handicap, played in two blocks; there was no Doubles event. The two Tournaments attracted entry fees of £ 88. Prizes took £ 36, and the C.A. Levy took £ 14. For the first time there was a Manager's fee of 5.5 guineas. The resulting profit to the Club was £ 14 It was ruled that Tournament competitors would have to pay Visitors' Fees, if they wished to play before the tournament started. Grounds. In April, there is a reference to two new tennis courts, apparently on the northerly strip, but it is not clear to which piece of land this refers. The steps near the Secretary's Office, to the 5 Tennis courts were made and a number of seats were made for placing on the Concrete path south of these courts. In the autumn, a large quantity of turf was again required, but the turf obtained turned out to be of very poor quality. The Hard Courts were again in a bad state, and the En-Tout-Cas Co. was asked to inspect them. Buildings. In October, a Special General Meeting was requisitioned to discuss a proposal "to make the Club a comprehensive Games Club including Bridge and Badminton", by reconstructing the Pavilion, so as to have a large room adequate for Badminton and Dancing, with a separate room for Bridge, the alterations to be financed by a further issue of Debentures. It was intended to stay open during the winter, for which there would be a separate subscription. The proposers estimated that the alterations would cost about £ 2500, but a more realistic figure of £ 4000 was estimated by the architect. The proposal was defeated, but afterwards, the Vice-President , Mr, Hartree, suggested a less ambitious scheme of building a Bridge room on to the south end of the Pavilion. This was to be the only place where Bridge would be allowed. This scheme was agreed in December and a tender of £ 391, for the building only, was accepted. The new room was to be lit by electricity and heated by electric radiators, which would avoid the cost of a Boiler Room, Coke Store, etc. There would, however, be a fireplace. Finance. During the year, another £ 100 of Debentures were redeemed, making a total of £ 565 redeemed to date. The Redemption Fund had received £ 8l in Entrance Fees, and £ 7 for Pavilion Hire. At the end of the financial year ( 31st. March 1930 ) the Fund stood at £ 70 and, in view of the scheme to extend the Pavilion this was transferred to the General Revenue Account, and the repayments of Debentures suspended for a time. The Club income was £ 1322, about £ 140 less than in 1928, mainly owing to the reduced profit on the Tennis Tournament, and to falls in Visitors' Fees etc. Details are given in Appendix 2. Expenditure was also down, at £ 1327, although £ 200 had been paid towards the cost of the Pavilion Extensions, and £ 91 had been charged as Income Tax on the Tennis Tournament profits of 1927 and 1928. 52
Over the year therefore, the Club made a small loss of £ 5, and the credit balance fell to £ 317.
1930. Bridge. Now that Bridge was to be a recognised Club game, the Rules were altered to allow playing members to play Bridge for no extra subscription, apart from Table Money, and to allow non-playing members to play Bridge for an additional subscription of 10/6 per year, bringing those that did play Bridge to a subscription of £ 1-11-6. A Bridge Sub-Committee was appointed ( as for the other Games Sub-Committees ) to draw up rules for the Card Room. These laid down that Table Money should be 6d, and that "set tables" would be permitted on Wednesdays and Fridays. Mondays were to be "partnership" days, whilst other days were to be "out-in" only. The Sub-Committee members agreed to manage the Card Room on a rota basis and collect the table Money. The Card Room was to be open from 3.15 p.m. to 7 p.m. Stakes were to be limited to a maximum of 1/- per hundred. Visitors would pay 3/- per day plus Table Money. Teas would not be allowed in the Card Room. The Card Room was ready for use about the end of April, and the appropriate furniture was obtained. The Rolle Estate was informed of the addition, and asked if the lease could be extended, but they said "No". The appropriate insurance cover was arranged for the new property. Because of the expectation that the new Card Room would involve a lot more work for the Secretary, he was empowered to employ an assistant, preferably a member, at £ 1 per week from mid-July to early September, to cope with the Tennis Tournament work. Miss Clark undertook this work. Tennis. Because there had been great difficulty in obtaining suitable turf for patching the Tennis courts, Nos. 2-6 courts were not put into commission for some time after the opening of the season. A local school ( this may have been the Girls' Boarding School in what is now the "Links Pinewood Hotel" ) was allowed to arrange four tennis matches, so long as the dates did not clash with Club matches. For Club matches it was ruled that the home team should pay for the visiting team's teas. It had been said that the Budleigh Salterton Tennis Tournament was the noisiest that some competitors ever attended, so it was decided to post lists of imminent games to avoid unnecessary shouting. The Ball boys were apparently difficult to control; it was difficult to get them anyway, in spite of the good pay; so it was suggested that girls should be used instead. After the disagreement of the previous year, Slazengers seem to have come back into favour, as they supplied the balls for the Tournament and gave two racquets as prizes. Hamilton Price was again the Referee and Handicapper. Entries were well up, although not quite so high as in 1929, except for the Mixed Doubles Handicap event, for which there were 112 pairs entered in the two sections. (see Page 104) Details of the finances are given in Appendix 3, but the salient points are that the overall income and the profit (of £ 176 gross) were much the same as in 1929. The item of Income Tax was somewhat lower as it had been possible to persuade the Tax authorities to agree to £ 100 being deducted from the gross profit, £ 50 for Lawn Repairs and £ 50 for Establishment Charges. Croquet. Two Tournaments were again held, in late May and late July, with 7 or 8 Club lawns available, and one borrowed from outside. Both were Managed, Refereed and Handicapped by N.C.Simner. 53
In the May Tournament, which was the major one, there were 57 entrants for the 4 Class Singles, a Big Handicap and a Doubles event (in which the combined handicaps had to be 7 or over ). The Raydon Stone Cup was won by H.D.Hicks for the first time; later in the season, he won the Men's Championship for the first time, too. He was to win both of these events (and many more) many times in the future. For the July Tournament, events were the same as in the previous July, except that a Doubles event (without any handicap restriction) was added. There were 72 entrants and C.F.Colman won three events. He was reported as having completed 4 Triple Peels, and given a display of croquet which ranked with the best in the country. Out of the total entry fees of £ 110, the net profit to the Club was £ 33. Miscellaneous. Early in the year, it was decided that gentlemen temporarily visiting England from overseas, and their wives, might join as Temporary Members on payment of the Annual Subscription, without Entrance Fee. With the completion of the Card Room, the rates for hiring the Pavilion were modified. For the whole building, the charge would be increased by 10/6 ( see 1922 ), and for the Card Room only the charge would be £ 1-11-6 up to 11 p.m., and £ 2-2-0 up to 12 p.m. For an afternoon only the charge for the Card Room would be £ 1-1-0. Bowls. At the year end there was a proposal to make a proper Bowling Green, which would cost about £ 1000. The proposal was deferred. (it is likely that no Bowls was being played at all at the Club then.) Greens. In September, it was decided to alter the orientation of Tennis courts Nos. 13 & 14 to run North to South, instead of the previous East to West. ( These were the courts on what is now No.9 Croquet Lawn.) Finance. The Debenture Redemption Fund was restarted, and received £ 77 in Entrance Fees and £ 5 from Pavilion Hire. At the end of the financial year (on 31st. March 1931) the Fund stood at £ 82. Income and expenditure were similar to those of 1929, except that the expenditure included £ 243 as the balance of the Card Room building and fittings. Wages had risen to £ 591. Visitors' Fees at £ 269 shewed an appreciable reduction on 1929, and only £ 15 came from the Hard Courts. The new item of Bridge subscriptions and Table Money totalled £ 84. The Drinks profit was £ 41, after paying the £ 10 bonus to the groundsman, on sales of £ 203. There was a loss on the year of £ 166, reducing the credit balance to £ 151. Early in the year, concern had been expressed at the steady fall in the profit from Teas (excluding the Tournaments) which was only £ 6 in 1929, compared with £ 25 in 1924, £ 19 in 1925, £18 in 1926, £ 15 in 1927 and £ 21 in 1928. It was thought that visitors ( and others ? ) may have been getting tea without paying for it, and it was decided to post a notice drawing attention to the charge of 6d. per head "in case such people were not aware of this". The situation was evidently comparable with that reported in 1909, when the ticket system was adopted.
1931. Bowls. At the Annual General Meeting, there had again been pressure to provide facilities for Bowls, and it was proposed that one of the lawns should be set aside for this, as there were many elderly members, who no longer played tennis and did not care for croquet, who might be attracted to remain members if Bowls were started. This proposal was carried, and it was later decided to allocate the "Centre Court" to Bowls, with the alternative of using the new court on the north boundary when the Centre Court was being used for Croquet or Tennis Tournaments. The Club provided 4 sets of woods, and mats etc. 54
for three rinks to start with. As was the case with Bridge, full playing members would play without any extra subscription, but non-playing members would be charged an extra 10/6 subscription. Croquet. Apparently some players were still disregarding the bye-laws requiring the wearing of flat heeled shoes. After consultation with the Exmouth and Sidmouth Clubs, it was decided that tournament competitors would be allowed free play on the Saturdays before Tournaments. ( The Club was, of course, still closed on Sundays.) There were again two Tournaments, in late May and late July, for both of which R. F. Woodcock was Manager, Referee and Handicapper. As the major event in May was the Croquet Association Gold Mallet, the Raydon Stone Cup was transferred to the July Tournament. In May, the winner of the Gold Mallet was C.F.Colman. In July, there were 72 entrants, and the Raydon Stone Cup was won by W.Longman. Unfortunately, the May Tournament had clashed with the Inter-Counties week at Hurlingham, and the July Tournament had clashed with the Cheltenham Tournament. Efforts were made to avoid this happening another year. The two tournaments had received entry fees of £ 109, and the net profit to the Club was £ 28. Some £ 9 was paid in the hire of material. This had been going on for many years and it is surprising that the Club did not purchase the extra hoops and balls etc. to avoid these recurring hire charges. Tennis. The Tennis Tournament took place in late August, with Hamilton Price again as Referee and Handicapper. Entries were up to the previous year's level, but the finals day was very wet, and apart from affecting the gate money, not one final could be played, the prizes being shared. Some of the Handicap events did not even reach the semi-final stage. £ 80 was received from the Rain insurance, for two days' rain. Details of the finances of the tournament are given in Appendix 3; the gross profit was £ 193, of which £ 50 was debited to Lawn Repairs and £ 50 to Establishment Charges, leaving a net profit of £ 93. At each end of the Dressing Rooms there was a small square of Tarmac, on which tents were erected as Drying Rooms, and the space between the Dressing Rooms and the Drying Sheds was enclosed with canvas to permit the drying of clothes in the open. An American Tournament was held on one day in August, and a Children's Tournament took place in early September. Miscellaneous. In June, it was agreed that visitors might play Bowls or Bridge for a fee of 1/6 for an afternoon, after 3 p.m. The Club were paying the rent for a cottage for groundsman Lawrence, at a cost of about £ 10 per year. In June they were offered the cottage for £ 500, but decided that, whilst they were prepared to go on paying rent, they were not prepared to buy anything. (How grateful the Club would have been in the 1971 - 1973 period, when it became so difficult to get a groundsman, for the possession of a cottage to offer to a potential groundsman! ) A suggestion to permit Ping-Pong on the Pavilion verandah came to nothing for lack of support. Grounds. In the autumn, the relevelling of the Bowling Green ( No.1 Tennis court ) was embarked upon. The Club became subscribers to the Board of Greenkeeping Research at an annual fee of £ 2-2-0. 55
Finance. Another £ 100 of Debenture were redeemed, making a total of £ 665 redeemed to date. The Redemption Fund had received only £ 50 in Entrance Fees and £ 3 for Pavilion Hire. Club income was somewhat lower at £ 1157. Subscriptions, which had been falling slowly but steadily since 1928, when they totalled £ 667, were now down to £ 600. Visitors' Fees had also shewn a startling reduction to £ 180, but, of course, this was a year of depression, when the country went off the Gold Standard. The new item of Bowls subscriptions yielded £ 17. The profit on Teas recovered to £ 22, so perhaps the notice referred to in 1930 had had some effect. Fortunately, expenditure had not included any development expenditure, and reverted to more or less the normal level of £ 1162, so overall there was a small profit of £ 13, and the credit balance rose to £ 164.
1932. General Situation. In this year, Mrs. Jones Bateman, who was to become Vice- President in 1953, and who was Chairman of the Tennis Tournament Committee for many years, joined the Club. During the preparation of this history, she gladly searched her memory on several occasions, and her recollections of the position in 1932 are summarised below, In 1932, there was no Archery and very little Bowls. ( The Bowls section had been formed only the previous year, and No.1. Tennis court had been allocated to it. ) Tennis was supreme with approximately 16 grass courts and the two Hard Courts. In the summer, the grass courts were in continuous use and members frequently had to wait for a court to be released. Only one set at a time was permitted. Croquet had the use of 5 lawns, the 3 on the south strip, No. 4 lawn in front of the Lower Pavilion, and another in the vicinity of the present Car Park (probably the present No. 10 lawn). (One of these Croquet Lawns was probably turned back to Tennis in time for the holiday rush in August and September.) Tennis members frequently complained that there were insufficient courts and wanted some of the Croquet Lawns to be turned over to Tennis, whilst the Croquet members contended that there were not enough Croquet Lawns either. There was not much need for a Car Park, but a small one did exist west of the Club House, and south of the gate from Westfield Close. There were 3 full-time groundsmen, Lawrence, who had joined in 1912, who was paid £ 4 per week, West, who had joined as a young man in 1919, being paid 35/- per week, and James, who had joined in 1922, also being paid 35/- per week. ( These recollections of Mrs. Jones Bateman are not quite correct; the wages, minuted in 1937, are somewhat higher than these figures.) These men use to supplement their earnings by tending members' gardens in their spare time, and used to benefit also from whip-rounds at the Croquet and Tennis Tournaments. There was no Sunday play at all, and the Club was only open during the summer. There were many young people around, as most of the girls lived at home, helping mother, and the young men, mostly being in the Army or in the Indian or Colonial Civil Service, or at Universities, had long leaves, which they spent here. (Mixed Hockey on the Jubilee Field on Boxing Day, was a regular event.) The Tennis Tournament was very popular and attracted many of the best players in the country. At that time, they were, of course, all truly amateurs. Mrs. Larcombe, who had been Wimbledon champion in 1912, used to visit her parents, who lived in Budleigh 56
Salterton, and she brought with her many first-class players. Many of these played in "The Devon Round", a series of 4 Tennis Tournaments in successive weeks in August, at Torquay, Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Sidmouth, and were put up by local residents. When the sale of Stand tickets opened for our Tournament, there was normally a long queue waiting. The Hard Courts were never satisfactory, as they were not properly drained. Mrs. Jones Bateman maintains that, when the courts were built in 1920, they had not had a proper cinder foundation. There was a separate subscription for using them. Because many of the Croquet members used to travel round to various tournaments, the level of Croquet activity was not very high, except for the periods of the two Croquet Tournaments. (in this, Mrs. Jones Bateman is probably comparing day-to-day Croquet activity with day-to-day Tennis activity.) The Secretary's Office was still in the present Tournament Office, and the present Croquet locker room was part of the open area of the Lower Pavilion. The Bar was in the room at the east end of this Pavilion, and the Lower Pavilion itself was frequently termed "The Bar". There was no bar in the new Club House, but in 1932 a proposal was put forward that there should be one there. Bridge was played in the new Card Room, but in the summer only. In the winter, most Bridge players went to a private Bridge Club, somewhere in the town. Personnel. Early in 1932, Lawrence (the Head Groundsman) and his wife (the Stewardess), who were said to have worked for the Club for 21 years, were rewarded by a subscription list, limited to 10/- per member, which realised nearly £ 44. Of this, £ 25 was spent on a settee and two easy chairs, which they wanted, and the rest was banked for them. (However, the Minutes of the General Committee are clear that Lawrence joined the Club in 1912, so someone was a year out in his reckoning.) Annual General Meeting. Various proposals were put forward for improving the amenities of the Club House, among them being the installation of a telephone on the verandah for outgoing calls only, and the provision of a bar for the benefit of Bridge players. The latter suggestion was met by installing an automatic whisky measure in the Card Room as an experiment, members helping themselves and putting the money for the drink into a special box provided. Organisation. The General Committee still appointed, annually, the Sub-Committees to supervise Tennis, Croquet, Bowls, Greens and Teas. This year, a Bridge Sub-Committee was also appointed. Because the high charges for hiring the Pavilion seemed to be deterring possible hirers (only £ 3-3-0 had been received in 1931), the rates were reduced to 30/- for an afternoon, and £ 2-2-0 for an evening. There was difficulty in collecting the subscriptions and in June, the Secretary reported that he had had to send out 110 reminders. These was also trouble with a "gentleman ( ? )" who had used the Club for a considerable time without paying any subscription. It was alleged that he was a frequent visitor to the bar in the Lower Pavilion, where he would pass money to a member to pay for his drinks. He was informed that he had abused the privileges allowed to friends of members, and when he was later proposed for membership, he was blackballed. Evidently all inhabitants of Budleigh Salterton were not as virtuous as had been supposed! Croquet. A number of Croquet matches were played against other Clubs, in various classes, the 'B' team consisting of players of handicap 2.5 - 6, the 'C' team of players of 6.5 - 9 bisques, and the 'D' team with handicaps of over 10 bisques. The teams were 6 a side, playing singles and doubles. 57
There were two Tournaments, in mid-May and mid-July, with R.F.Woodcock as Manager, Referee and Handicapper for both. In the May Tournament, the major event was the West of England Championship, played as the best of 3 games in all rounds, which was won by Miss J. Retallack. In the Doubles event, pairs had to have a combined handicap of at least 7 bisques. In the official report, this was described as a "top boot and overall tournament, with more flooding than had ever been the case before." During one day, 1.46 ins. of rain fell. In the July Tournament, the main event was for the Raydon Stone cup (again with the best of 3 games throughout), won by C.F.Colman. There was no handicap restrictions on the Doubles pairs. The Centre court was used each day, except Monday, up to 3 or 4 p.m. The combined entry fees totalled £ 95, and the net profit to the Club was £ 19. At the end of the season, there was a proposal to keep 2 Croquet lawns in commission throughout the winter, and at least 13 players were prepared to pay an extra subscription of £ 1-1-0 for this privilege. However, the Committee turned the idea down. As regards Club competitions, it was ruled that a player dropping out of an American Tournament, except on account of illness, would be fined 5/-. A new system of lawn reservation had been adopted. Tennis. For the Tennis Tournament, an Assistant Secretary and a Clerk were engaged temporarily to deal with the details. Hamilton Price was again the Referee. The Tournament seems to have enjoyed good weather, as there was no claim on Rain Insurance. Entries were well below the previous year's level, and total receipts were down to £ 652. Expenses were of the same order as in 1931, with the result that the gross profit was down to £ 102, of which £ 50 were again debited to Lawn Repairs and £ 50 to Establishment Charges, leaving a net profit of only £ 2. Further financial details are given in Appendix 3. Bridge. Because some people apparently thought that the stakes had to be 6d. per hundred, and were therefore deterred from joining, it was re-stated that the stakes were to be, for Contract - any stake up to 6d., and for the Monday partnership day, 3d. for Contract and 6d. for Auction. Grounds. In the autumn, it was decided to buy in turf, if possible, to refill the nursery. Worms were still a great problem, and it was decided to try the effect of applying copper sulphate on the Centre court and on No.1.Croquet Lawn. The subscription to the Board of Greenkeeping Research was renewed. Finance. No Debentures were redeemed this year. Entrance Fees had amounted, to only £ 36, and Pavilion Hire to £ 15. At the end of the financial year, on 31st. March 1933, the Redemption Fund stood at £ 86. The total income of the Club was £ 1104, about £ 60 less than in 1931, mainly because of the much reduced profit from the Tennis Tournament. Expenditure was £ 1063, and the Club therefore made a small profit of £ 42, increasing the credit balance to £ 206. Further financial details are given in Appendix 2.
1933. Organisation. The Sub-Committees were appointed in January, instead of in April, so as to give them a better control over the current year's fixtures. At the Annual General Meeting, there had been a proposal that the Club should be open for play on Sunday afternoons from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., on the understanding that no labour would be employed. The Committee were against this idea, as they believed that if the Club were open, labour would have to be employed to open the Dressing Rooms, collect Green Fees, etc. On the simple question of Sunday opening, there was a heavy adverse vote. 58
Lay-out of Club. This year, there was another revision of the Ordnance Survey, and a copy of the relevant portion is shewn in Fig. 4. This well illustrates the considerable development that had taken place in the area, since the previous map published in 1912. On the Club area, outlined in red, the new Pavilion (1922), the Hard Courts (1920), various Sheds (1924 & 1928), as well as the enlarged Dressing Rooms (1923) had been built in the intervening period. The way in which the Club's land was utilised at this time is given in Fig. 4, which is based on West's recollections.
Figure 4. Likely layout of Club Grounds in 1933
Croquet. It was proposed, early in the year, that some Croquet Lawns should be opened from mid-March, instead of waiting until the middle of April, as the weather was so fine. However, the Committee felt that if this were granted, the free use of the Hard Courts would also have to be granted, and the first two weeks of April were usually very remunerative for the Hard Courts. In the end, it was agreed that two or three of the Croquet Lawns could open late in March, if the Croquet players would pay the same extra fees as Hard Courts users paid. However, in spite of brilliant weather, little use was made of this concession. A number of croquet matches was again arranged. Two Tournaments were held, in mid-May and mid-July, 8 or 9 lawns being available. The official report states that of these, 5 were always Croquet Lawns, 2 were on Tennis Courts, and one was generally a Bowling Green (now No. 1 Croquet Lawn). In May, H.R.Brooke was Manager, Referee and Handicapper. There were 4 Class events, all played level, with Class divisions at 3, 7 and 11 bisques. The Raydon Stone cup was transferred back to this tournament, and both Mr. A. .Raydon Stone and his son, Capt.
59
G.F.Stone, took part. The cup was won by C.F.Colman. There was also a Big Handicap, and a Doubles event, in which each pair had to have a combined handicap of at least 8 bisques. In the official report, there was criticism of the absence of Devon from the Inter-Counties Event, when there were so many good 'A' class players available. The July Tournament was managed by H.C.Davey. In this there were also 4 Class Singles (with divisions at 2, 6 & 10 bisques) as well as a Big Handicap, and a Doubles in which the only restriction was that no two minus players could be partners. The official report gives fulsome praise to the condition of the lawns and the general atmosphere of the Tournament. The combined entry fees totalled £ 102, out of which the Club made a profit of £ 27. An additional small Tournament was arranged for late September, using 4 lawns, and leaving one free for visitors and others who did not wish to take part. The Croquet Association was requested to allocate the "Gold Medals" event to one of the Tournaments in 1934. In the autumn, the Croquet Sub- Committee asked that No. 1 Croquet Lawn (on the present Bowling Green site) should be relaid to bring it up to the standard of the others, but the Committee decided not to do anything about it. Tennis. The Club still had an immense list of matches against other clubs in the neighbourhood. Every year, the Grandstand , first used in 1921, on the east of No. 4 (now No.2) Croquet Lawn, had to be repaired and repainted, and it was suggested that a sectional stand would save this expense. The alternative of a permanent concrete stand was also put forward. However, in view of the likelihood of a poor year financially, it was decided to take no action. The Tennis Tournament was again Refereed by Hamilton Price, and attracted a similar level of entries to that of 1932, and a similar attendance. Expenses were somewhat less than in 1932, and, in consequence the profit was somewhat higher, at £ 190 gross. After a contribution of the usual £ 100 to Club expenses, the declared profit was £ 90. During 1933 Lord Clinton, Club President, had presented a Cup for the Tennis Tournament, for the Open Men's Singles event. The first winner of the cup was R.Miki. Subsequent winners are listed in Appendix 4. Buildings. It seems to have been a very hot summer, and the Kitchen and the Office both got uncomfortably hot, so the boiler was moved out of the Kitchen, and the Office was given a double roof to improve the insulation. The first safe was acquired. Bridge. Stakes were amended to be 6d. for Auction and 3d. for Contract, with "set tables" arranging their own stakes. Visitors's Fees were altered to 1/6 per day or 7/6 per week, after August. (in Capt. Parsons' Notes these are reported as Table Money, but this is an error.) It was agreed to serve drinks to card players, but not until 5.30 p.m. and it was decided to lay a carpet in the Card Room. Miscellaneous. The idiosyncrasies of members is well illustrated by a report that one member insisted on having China Tea, whilst another had his chauffeur to wait on him at tea-time! The size of the Ladies' Dressing Room and the small number of cubicles available had been criticised at the Tennis Tournament, and it was suggested that extra accommodation could be provided by pitching a tent at each end, with doors leading to them from the existing Dressing Rooms . The Hard Courts were again in need of renovation and the advice of the En-Tout-Cas 60
Co. was again sought. A scheme for enlarging the 'Bar' (the Lower Pavilion ) was agreed. The concrete steps at the west end of the long path were built.
Fig 4a. Reprint of 1933 Ordnance Survey Map of the area. 61
Finance. At the end of the year, another £ 100 of Debentures were redeemed, making a total of £ 765 redeemed to date. The Redemption Fund received £ 62 in Entrance Fees and £ 15 for Pavilion Hire. At the end of the financial year, the Fund stood at £ 62. With the improved profit from the Tennis Tournament, and minor improvements in many other items, the Club income had risen to £ 1277. However, expenditure had also risen to £ 1239, because of the increased cost of Maintenance. The Club was still paying the rent of Lawrence's cottage. On the year, there was a small profit of £ 38, and the credit balance rose to £ 243.
1934. Hard Courts. The En-Tout-Cas Co. reported at the beginning of the year, on the condition of the Hard Courts. They were evidently very dissatisfied with the standard of maintenance of the courts and suggested replacing them by "no-upkeep" courts. Whilst the Committee agreed that with the limited water supply the existing type of court was not very suitable, but because the courts were not used much in the winter (although they were very useful at times in the summer), they did not feel like spending a lot of money on them. Various alternatives were discussed at the Annual General Meeting, and the outcome was a decision in favour of relaying them at a cost of £ 124. Buildings. The scheme for enlarging the "Bar", i.e. the Lower Pavilion, was the verandah extension, which was carried out at a cost of £ 51. To meet the criticism after the 1933 Tennis Tournament, the two cubicles in the Ladies' Dressing Room were sub-divided into four, and a water heater was arranged for the wash basins, although an idea for a shower bath was turned down. A new fence was erected to block out the view of the back of the Dressing Rooms. Annual General Meeting. Another change was made in the rule concerning children, in that .5children of members (and of non-playing members), aged 16 - 21, and at school or college, would be allowed to play tennis during their holidays, for 25/- for the season, without Entrance Fee. A further radical change was made to restrict the right to vote to those members who had paid an Entrance Fee and were, or had been, playing members. Croquet. Mrs. R.B.Fea was appointed as Match Secretary, but she had a very difficult time, because the previous secretary ( Mrs. Colman) had left the district without any record of what matches had been arranged. There were again two Tournaments, in late May and mid-July. For the May Tournament, Miss N.E.Coote was Manager, with Sir Geo. Murray as Referee and Handicapper. The Raydon Stone Cup was the trophy for the main Class 'A' Singles, which was won by Miss J.Retallack. The handicap divisions for the other Singles events were at 2.5, 6.5 and 10 bisques. There was also a Big Handicap and a Doubles with combined handicaps of at least 6 bisques. For the July Tournament, H.C.Davey was Manager, Referee and Handicapper. The main events were the Croquet Association Men's Gold Medal and Casket and the corresponding Ladies' event. In addition there were level Singles events for Class 'B' (l.5 +) & Class 'C' (4.5 +), and a Handicap Singles for Class 'D' (8 +), as well as a Big Handicap and an unrestricted Doubles. For this Tournament, the Centre Court was closed to Bowls and used for Croquet, and 62
it was also necessary, because of the large entry, to play some of the matches at the Exmouth Club. In the official report appears the statement that Croquet had been played at Budleigh Salterton since 1872. The programme also referred to the recent rebuilding of the Rolle Hotel. For the two tournaments, total entry fees were £ 107, out of which the Club made a profit of £ 24. Prizes took £ 44, and the Croquet Association Levy took £ 17. Tennis. The problems of running the Tennis Tournament were increasing, and in June, the Secretary reported that his normal assistant for the tournament was unable to act this year, and he could not possibly do all the work single-handed. He said that, as it was, he never got a Saturday or Bank Holiday off, and in August he also had to work every Sunday. He was authorised to get help at 10/- per week for 8 hours' work, but in July he reported that this was quite impossible, and he suggested resigning. This must have rather scared the Committee, as they then offered to pay up to £ 2-12-6 per week for proper help. There was also difficulty in getting volunteers to run the catering, and, for the first time, this was put out to contract, using Messrs. Clapp's of Exmouth. The programme mentioned the Clinton Cup for the Open Men's Singles and the Club Cup for the Open Ladies' Singles, for the first time. The Tournament Secretary was Miss M.C.Aplin and Hamilton Price was again Referee and Handicapper. Admission prices were altered from 2/- each day and 8/6 for a weekly ticket, to 1/6 per day on Monday to Thursday, 2/6 per day on Friday and Saturday with weekly tickets at 7/6. Tents were hired for the Referee (on No.4 -now No.2- Croquet Lawn) and one at each end of the Dressing Rooms, with a new drying ground north of the Dressing Rooms and behind No. 7 Tennis court. Entries were not quite as high as in recent years, and, because of two wet days (for which £ 80 was received in Rain Insurance) the Gate Money was also down. For the first time, there is an item for the hire of loud-speakers, and instead of a profit on catering there was a debit of £ 26 to the caterers. The Customs and Excise authorities were now demanding 1/4 Entertainment Tax from those members who did not pay the full subscription, whereas, previously, they had only demanded it from non-playing members. The gross profit on the Tournament was £ 133, and after charging £ 50 to Lawn Repairs and £ 50 to Establishment Charges, the net profit was declared at £ 33. In September, it was minuted that 2 grass courts were to remain in use until the relaying of the Hard Courts, which had commenced after the Tennis Tournament, was completed. Bowls. It was reported in November that there were 29 members paying the extra 10/6 subscription to play Bowls, in addition to about 20 full members who also played. They were anxious to have a proper Bowling Green, and the 29 would be prepared to pay the full subscription if one were provided. The Centre Court, used for Bowls, was not really large enough nor level enough, and the Bowls Sub-Committee recommended that a full-sized Bowling Green should be provided as soon as funds permitted (A repeat of the request of 1930). Estimates of cost ranged from £ 375-495 for a seeded lawn to £ 600 for a turfed lawn. Bridge. The ventilation of the Card Room (or lack of it) led to complaints, and there was a great deal of discussion regarding the provision of fans, etc., but no decision was made. The stakes were again altered back to be a Maximum of 6d. for Contract, and for Monday partnerships 3d. for Contract and 6d, for Auction. The Sub-Committee members acted as Hostesses in turn for one day per week. 63
Grounds. In the autumn it was decided to lime one Croquet Lawn and two Tennis courts as an experiment, a course of action suggested by the Board of Greenkeeping Research, to which the Club still subscribed. Finance. No Debentures were redeemed, but the Redemption Fund received £ 38 from Entrance Pees and £ 18 from Pavilion Hire, and, at the end of the financial year, on 31st. March 1935 stood at £ 117. The Club income and expenditure were very much the same as in 1933. Details are given in Appendix 2. The Card Room brought in £ 105, the highest level to date, and sales of drink reached £ 333, on which the profit (after paying £ 10 bonus to the groundsman) was £ 72. As the expenditure was almost the same as the income, the Committee had to be careful not to sanction too many improvements. Much more detail is given in the 1934 accounts of the expenditure which had previously been lumped together as "Maintenance", (see Appendix 2). Alterations that had been paid for included £ 137 for reconditioning the Hard Courts, and £ 63 for the verandah extension of the Lower Pavilion. Over the year, the profit was £ 33, increasing the credit balance to £ 277. During the year, Mr. Budd, one of the Trustees, had died. As Mr. Keep, another Trustee, had died earlier, there was only Mr. Hartree left.
1935. Annual General Meeting. A comprehensive revision of the Rules was agreed, and whilst most of them merely gave formality to many alterations previously agreed, it was decided that the Club's financial year would, in future, end on 28th. February, so as to give a little more time for the preparation of the accounts prior to the Annual General Meeting. Dr. A.H.Meadows and Col. G.L.Oliver were appointed as Trustees, to bring the number back to three. Bridge. In connection with the complaint of poor ventilation in the Card Room, it was decided to provide two ventilators. There was a typical Club storm over an incident in the Bridge Room, where two players took umbrage because certain ladies declined to play with them, on the grounds that they used a system of bidding which neither of the ladies understood. There were letters to the Committee alleging ostracism and the Portland Club were also consulted. The Committee pointed out that the "Bridge Room is intended solely to provide accommodation where members and visitors shall be able to play Bridge, undisturbed, and is not, and never has been, regarded as a Bridge Club as such. Any rulings by the Portland Club, insofar as they refer to Bridge Club play, cannot apply in this case." Unfortunately, similar troubles were to recur, too often, in later years. In September, there was some discussion on the possibility of increasing the size of the Card Room, by taking in the Verandah, but action was deferred. (This did not come to fruition until 1964/5.) Debentures. In June, with the Redemption Fund at £ 117, and the Club's credit balance at £ 277, it was decided to pay off all the outstanding Debentures, amounting to £ 485. If necessary, a small overdraft would be arranged, which would be cheaper than paying 7% on the Debentures. Thus, the finance raised in 1921 - 1923 to cover the cost of the Club House was finally repaid after approximately 14 years. Croquet. There were again two Tournaments, in late May and mid-July. In the May Tournament, for which Capt. H.C.Davey was Manager, Referee and Handicapper, there were the usual 6 events; an 'A' Class Singles, with the best of 3 games throughout; a 'B' Class level Singles for players of 1.5 - 5 bisques; a 'C' Class level Singles for 64
players of 5.5 - 9 bisques, with no lifts; a 'D' Class Handicap Singles for players of over 9 bisques; a Big Handicap Singles; and a Doubles with combined handicaps of at least 6 bisques. A total of 166 games was played on 8 lawns, albeit not without some worries for the Manager. The main event was won by Miss Retallack. For the July Tournament, Miss N.E.Coote was Manager, with A.M.Caldecott Smith as Referee and Handicapper. The pattern of events was similar to that of May, except that the 'A' Class Singles was for the Raydon Stone Cup, and the Doubles was unrestricted in handicaps. The Cup was won by Rev. G.F.Elvey. There were 67 entries and 7 Club lawns were used, with some others at Exmouth. The total entry fees were £ 106, of which the Club profit was £ 26. Tennis. There was a Club Tournament in early July, and for the Open Tournament in late August, the arrangements were similar to those of 1934, again using outside caterers. The Tournament was played in bad weather, which badly affected Gate receipts, and the takings for refreshments, and at the bar. Hamilton Price was again the Referee and Handicapper. Financial details are given in Appendix 3, from which it will be seen that Gate money was only £ 91, and Reserved seat takings only £ 100. £ 40 was received in respect of one day's rain, and the total income was only £ 520, compared with £ 650 - £ 700 in recent years. There was a debit of £ 33 for catering, and the gross profit was only £ 32, so, after the usual contribution £ 50 for Lawn Repairs, and £ 50 for Establishment Charges, there was a deficit of £ 68. Grounds. The work proposed for the winter included the removal of a bank on the south side of No. 2 Croquet Lawn, so as to permit some repositioning of the hoops when necessary. (This was on the area of the present No. 3 Croquet Lawn, and the lay-out was on an East to West orientation.) It was also suggested that depressions in the lawn should be filled in, but it was pointed out that the lawns were all top-dressed with soil each year. However, there was so much worm activity that many barrow-loads of soil were taken off the lawns each morning when the worms were active, and rolling the courts when they were muddy was causing a lot of damage. (Many of these practices would to-day be considered very ill-advised.) Finance. This year, the accounts were made up to the end of February 1936, and so covered only 11 months. The income was £ 1294 (very similar to 1934), the Card Room receipts being at a new high level of £ 129. Entrance Fees were included in the general income account and were £ 32. Expenditure was £ 1519, but this included the repayment of £ 485 of Debentures, which implies a "normal" expenditure of £ 1034. The accounts therefore shew a loss on the year of £ 225, and the credit balance was reduced to £ 169.
1936. Bowls. The major item of this year was the question of making a proper Bowling Green. The Committee was rather reluctant to proceed, in view of the considerable initial expense and the heavy upkeep charges necessary to maintain a Bowling Green properly. On the other hand, the Bowlers did not think that it was worth spending money in trying to make the Centre court into a better Bowling Green. In the end it was agreed, in September, to convert No. 1 Croquet Lawn into a full-sized Bowling Green. The work entailed turning No.2 (now No.3) Croquet Lawn to be on a North-South orientation, from its previous East- West lay-out, which would then make it available for tennis courts during the Tennis 65
Tournament. Both Nos. 2 & 3 (now 3 & 4) Croquet Lawns would have to be moved 6 ft. further west, which meant cutting into the bank at the west end to this extent. The bank between the then Nos. 1 & 2 Croquet Lawns was cut back and the material excavated was used to extend the south end of the then No. 2 Croquet Lawn over the area formerly occupied by a small copse. The turf from the old No. 1 Croquet Lawn was used on the new Bowling Green, supplemented by turf bought in from Sussex. (The turf from the Turf Nursery was not good enough.) The new bank between the Bowling Green and the then No. 2 Croquet Lawn was turfed to save expense, and the water pipe was extended from the corner of No. 2 Tennis Court to the south-west corner of the new Bowling Green. The Bowling Green was to be surrounded by a ditch, but the question of a paved path around it was deferred for another year. A total of £ 242 was spent on the new Bowling Green, during the year. Croquet. In 1937, a team from Australia was to visit England to play a series of Test Matches. A request was sent to the Croquet Association that one of the Test Matches might be played at Budleigh Salterton, or, alternatively, the visiting team should play a match here against the "West of England" Two Tournaments were held, in mid-May and mid-July. For the May Tournament, H.C.Davey was Manager,and Handicapper, with Sir Geo. Murray as Referee. The Raydon Stone Cup was the trophy for the 'A' Class Singles, and it was won by Capt. K.H.Coxe. In July, Miss N.E.Coote was Manager, with Col. C.F.Stevens as Referee and Handicapper. The 'A' Class Singles event was for the West of England Challenge Cup. In addition, Mr. & Mrs. Colman had presented a Cup for this event. Both cups were won by Lt. Col.G.L.Oliver from a field of 20 entrants, with an average handicap of - 0.5. The weather was deplorable, with a boisterous gale and persistent rain on the final day. Mrs. E.Rotherham (+0.5) competed for the first time at a Budleigh Salterton tournament. Entry Fees totalled £ 97, of which Prizes took £ 39 and the Croquet Association Levy took £ 16. The Club profit was £ 22. There was the usual collections for the groundsmen, which realised over £ 3, and a sweepstake on the Big Handicap, as had been the case for many years. Tennis. For the Tennis Tournament, Hamilton Price was again the Referee. Some admission charges and reserved seat charges were reduced a little. Catering was again put out to contract. The entries were at about the same level as in 1935, but well below the high levels of 1926, 1928 & 1930. (See Page 104). There was again a debit on catering ( £ 23 ), and the gross profit was only £ 90, so after charging the usual £ 50 for Lawn Repairs and £ 50 for Establishment Charges, there was a declared net deficit of £ 10. This year, in the Inter-County Tournament, Devon Ladies were successful in achieving promotion to Group 1, three of the team being from the Club. Miscellaneous. A fan was installed in the Card Room ventilators. A new rule was introduced to the effect that a full member, who did not play either Croquet or Tennis, was allowed to introduce one friend, who was a house guest, to play free for one month. A request that illustrated papers should be provided in the Club House was not acceded to. The Club was still subscribing to the Board of Greenkeeping Research. Finance. The very wet season led to an appreciable reduction in Visitors' Fees, which 66
were £ 75 down on 1935 at £ 158. The subscription income was still falling steadily and was now down to £584. Card Room contributions were still rising and totalled £ 142. The total income was down to £ 1227. Expenditure was £ 1274, including £ 242 on the new Bowling Green. Further details are given in Appendix 2. Over the year, there was a loss of £ 47, and the credit balance was reduced to £ 122.
1937. Bowls. The new Bowling Green was completed by the early summer. At the Annual General Meeting, in April, a new scale of charges was agreed for Bowls, non-playing members who played Bowls would have to pay an extra £ 1-1-0 instead of the extra 10/6 which had been charged up to now above their normal Subscription £ 1-1-0, and new Bowls members would have to pay an Entrance Fee of £ 1-1-0 as well. A new Ransome 10-knife 16 in. mower was bought for use on the Bowling Green, and also a spiked roller. Bye-laws for the regulation of play was drawn up, and play was permitted from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. It was ruled that the Green was to be used only for Bowls, and would not be used for Croquet at the Tournaments. The paths round the Green were tarred. The wall on the east side of the Green was built, as well as the fence from the Secretary's Office westwards, and the hedge from the Lower Pavilion eastwards. A number of seats and benches round the Green were installed. Personnel. The pay of the two assistant groundsmen, West and James, was considered to be quite inadequate. West, who had been employed for 18 years (since 1919) was receiving £ 2 per week, and James, who had been employed since 1922 was receiving 38/- per week, these wages having been the same for many years. In April, both were raised to 44/- per week. Up to now they had not been paid anything extra for any overtime they worked, but from July, they were paid for such overtime as was necessary. Additional labour had to be engaged to deal with heavy growth on the various banks, on the spare ground, and in the hedges, as the existing staff could not cope with this, since the Bowling Green took such a lot of their time. On Coronation Day in May, the staff were granted the day off, if they wished, but they were required to get the courts ready first. Croquet. There were again two Tournaments, in May and July. For the May Tournament, Capt. H.C.Davey was Manager and Handicapper, and the usual 6 events were held, with the Raydon Stone Cup as the 'A' Class Singles trophy. It was won by C.F.Colman. Entries were below normal, because of the clash with the Coronation and the Inter-County competition. For the July Tournament, the Colman Cup was the major trophy, and it was shared by H.W.Miller and Mrs. Ramsay Gordon, at one game each, as there was no time for a deciding game. Entries were at a high level and there were 54 competitors in the Big Handicap. From now on, the July Tournament became the major one, and the Colman Cup displaced the Raydon Stone Cup as the major trophy at Budleigh Salterton. It is the winners of the Colman Cup that are recorded on the Honours Board from 1937 onwards as the Singles Champions at the Budleigh Salterton Tournament, whereas prior to that date, it was the winners of the Raydon Stone Cup whose names are recorded on the Honours Board. Tournament entry fees totalled £ 88, of which Prizes took £ 36, and the Croquet Association Levy (levied on both tournaments) took £ 14. The Club profit was £ 19. Secretary. In July, Mr. Langmore, the Club Secretary, had to resign on account of ill- health, having occupied the post for over 13 years. In recognition of his services he was made a life member of the Club and a subscription list was opened for him. 67
Miss Aplin, who had acted as Assistant Secretary during the Tennis Tournament period, for many years, was temporarily appointed as Secretary to the end of the playing season at £ 120 per year, and an assistant was engaged at 30/- per week. In August, it was decided to advertise for a successor to Mr. Langmore, and out of 45 applicants Paymaster Commander S.S.C Parsons, OBE, RN. was appointed as from 1st. December, his appointment being confirmed at a Special General Meeting in October. Tennis. The Club was approached by the L.T.A. regarding the possibility of its becoming one of the venues for the Inter-County Tournament, but they declined to lend the courts. In connection with the Tennis Tournament, the Club was very concerned at the poor gates of the last few years, which they attributed to the poor efforts of Messrs. Slazenger in inducing good players to enter. Slazenger's were told that unless they sent down some first class players, they might not be asked to supply balls etc. for the Tournament another year. Then, in May, it was reported that some well-known players would probably come if private accommodation could be arranged for them; but, if this were not possible, they would not come. Concern had also been expressed at the Annual General Meeting about the use of contractors for supplying lunches and teas, which had been the practice for the previous 3 years. This had led to a loss to the Club of at least £ 50 per year, as compared with the days when members ran them. It was later arranged that Mrs. Pring and Mrs. Mitford would do the lunches and teas for the first 3 days of the Tournament, and an Exeter cafe would do the teas on the other days. Other arrangements were similar to those of 1936, except that a Rest Tent was erected on No. 3 (now No.4) Croquet Lawn. Despite the threat to Slazenger's, few first-class players competed. Apart from a new event, a Veterans' Men's Doubles Handicap, for which only 4 pairs competed, the events were the same as formerly. Hamilton Price was again the Referee. Entries were at about the same level as in 1936, and the total income was £ 583. Prize Money was cut down to £ 88, and with a small profit of £ 11 on catering, the gross profit was £ 122, declared at £ 22, after deducting £ 50 for Lawn Repairs, and £ 50 for Establishment Charges. Further financial details are given in Appendix 3. Bridge. It was decided to open the Card Room at 3 p.m. daily instead of at 3.15 p.m. In June, there was something of a fracas, when a Miss McDonald, who "at times had a very wild sort of look" and of whom ladies in the Bridge Room were very frightened, had smacked a male member's face in the Bridge Room. It was ruled that she should not be allowed in the Club again, and if she persisted in remaining the Police were to be called, if necessary. Winter Bridge. In July, a proposal was put forward that the Bridge Room should be kept open during the winter, and a Special General Meeting was requisitioned to discuss this. (According to Mrs. Jones Bateman, the proposal arose out of a belief that the Winter Bridge Club in the Town was to close down, and because fewer members were intending to winter in the South of France. However, later, Major Meldon wrote to inform the Club that he was keeping his Bridge Club open for the winter.) At the Special Meeting, with about 130 members present, the main speaker was Mr. Jones Bateman, who said that there had been general demands for winter Bridge at the Club, and he put forward proposals that would involve no extra subscription except for Bridge players. His scheme involved the raising of the roof of the Card Room, building another room above, enclosing the verandah, and installing central heating, etc. The tea 68
room would be open and teas provided daily. A resolution that "the Bridge Room be kept open during the winter" was carried nem. con., and the Committee were authorised to draw up schemes for implementing this resolution, to consider whether any new building would be necessary and to review the financial aspect. At a further Special Meeting at the end of August, a scheme was approved for building an additional room on to the south end of the Card Room, for alterations to the Ladies' Cloak Room, and the installation of a boiler for heating radiators, for hot water, etc. The approximate cost was estimated at £ 900 plus £ 100 for furniture, and this was to be met by a Bank overdraft, which would need three guarantors. It was also decided that the alterations should be completed by 1st. January 1938, if possible. A meeting of Bridge players in September pressed for a fireplace in the new room, and it seems that the intention was that one room should have 3d. stakes and the other 6d. stakes. In October, Palmer's quotation of £ 1021 for the building only was accepted, and later a tender of £ 230 for the heating system was also accepted. But concern was later expressed that the total likely cost was going to be much greater than had been agreed at the Special Meeting in August, and to keep the cost down, the Hot Water Radiator scheme was dropped, and electric heating was adopted for the new room, with gas heating for hot water in the Kitchen and Cloak Rooms. The final cost was now estimated at £ 1069. Regarding the question of changes in Subscriptions necessitated by these new activities, there were two factions. One faction proposed that there should be no sectional fees, and that the Club should be regarded as one entity, with all playing members paying the same subscription whatever games they played, and that non-playing members should play no games at all. This faction suggested that all playing members should pay £ 2-2-0 Entrance Fee and £ 2-2-0 annual subscription, and that non-playing members should pay £ 1- 1-0 annual subscription with no Entrance Fee. There should be a Winter Subscription of £ 1- 1-0. The other faction considered that the £ 2-2-0 subscription was quite inadequate, and that the figure should be £ 2-12-6, as was then standard. At a further Special Meeting in October, it was agreed that the Club year should be divided into Summer and Winter seasons, with Summer playing members paying £ 2-2-0 Entrance Fee and £ 2-12-6 annual subscription. Non-playing members would pay £ 1-1-0 subscription with no Entrance Fee. Winter members would pay £ 1-1-0 for the coming winter season. The alterations were completed by the year end, the appropriate furniture was obtained and the new room opened on 3rd. January 1938. It was agreed to run a bar in the Bridge Room, served from the Kitchen, during the winter. A Miss Clarke was taken on as Stewardess from the opening day, at £ 1 per week. There was to be a Bridge Hostess, each member of the Bridge Sub-Committee acting for a month at a time. Visitors' Fees were fixed at 1/- per day or 5/- per week. Grounds. At the end of the year, the Croquet Sub-Committee complained that the lawns were deteriorating, because little had been done to them for years. It was requested that Nos. 2 & 3 (now Nos. 3 & 4) Croquet lawns should be thoroughly overhauled for general level and condition. In December, the Committee appointed a Greens Sub-Committee of two, the first time they had done so since 1933, which perhaps explains the falling off in quality of the Croquet lawns. The subscription to the Board of Greenkeeping Research was continued. 69
Finance. In place of the previous arrangement of using the Head Cashier of Lloyd's Bank (and a Club member) to audit the Club's accounts, a firm of professional accountants (Messrs. Ware, Ward & Co. of Sidmouth) were appointed instead. They introduced a more elaborate accounts system, including Capital Accounts, with annual depreciation of property, furniture, games equipment, motor mowers, and loose tools. The value of stocks, for the bar, grounds, etc. were also included in the accounts. For the year ending 28th. February 1938, the Club's income was £ 1342, about £ 120 more than in 1936. Although Visitors' Fees were lower still at only £ 128, the Card Room contribution was at a new high level of £ 167. The new Winter subscriptions yielded £ 97. Further details are given in Appendix 2. Expenditure was also higher than in 1936 at a total of £ 1364. This included £ 36 as Depreciation, and Wages and Salaries had risen to £ 650. All this resulted in a loss on the year of £ 22. The new Bridge Room had cost £ 1100, plus £ 87 for furniture, and there was an estimated £ 200 still owing. At the year end, the Club had an overdraft of £ 826.
1938. Annual General Meeting. During 1937, Mr. J.Hartree had intimated that he wished to give up the post of Vice-President that he had held since 1916, and Lt. Col. G.L.Oliver was elected in his place. It must have been at this meeting that the term of office of the Vice- President was fixed at three years. Mr. Hartree was later presented with a wireless set in recognition of his great services to the Club. It was the new Vice-President's intention that the General Committee should concern itself only with major issues and the formulation of policy, leaving the Sub-Committees and the Secretary to implement their decisions. However, the minutes of the General Committee continued to be full of decisions on matters of detail. Sub-Committees were still appointed by the General Committee, but they were free to elect their own Chairman, who would hold office for a year. There was still a Greens Sub-Committee. It was reported that, during the previous winter, all the lawns had been "soiled" and the Bowling Green sanded. Lawrence had been ill for some time, and extra labour had had to be taken on in the summer to deal with the growth of grass and weeds round the Turf Nursery and on the area to the south of the Club's grounds. Croquet. Mr. Godfrey Turner presented a Cup, for the Class 'D' Handicap Singles at one of the Tournaments. For the mid-May Tournament, Mr. G.C.Braithwaite was Manager and Handicapper, with Sir Geo. Murray as Referee. Event were the same as in 1937, with the Raydon Stone Cup for the 'A' Class Singles (won by E.Ward Petley} and the Godfrey Turner Cup for the 'D' Class Singles. Winners of this trophy are given in Appendix 7. For the mid-July Tournament, Miss N.E.Coote was Manager and Handicapper, with A.M.Caldecott Smith as Referee. The major trophy, the Colman Cup was won by W.Longman. For the Big Handicap, which was run in two classes, there were the "Onlooker Cups", assigned to this event by the Croquet Association. Entries were somewhat below recent levels. The Club profit from these tournaments was £ 23. Tennis. The Chairman of the Tournament Committee was Mr. J.Hartree. Insurance against accident on the Grandstand, as well as Rain insurance was arranged. The Corner Stand was reserved for the Committee and officials concerned with the Tournament. Additional clerical assistance was engaged from 1st. August ( a Miss 70
Addington, at 35/- per week ). Messrs. Walls sold ice-cream with a 15% commission to the Club. All the outside staff, men on the gates, AA men, etc. were all given a bottle of beer each day of the Tournament. Two new events were added, Boys' and Girls' level Singles. Entries were rather below the level of recent years and the total income fell to £ 507. There must have been one wet day as £ 40 was received from Rain insurance. Further financial details are given in Appendix 3. The gross profit was rather better than in 1937, at £ 161, and after a charge of £ 50 for Lawn Repairs and £ 50 for Establishment Charges, the net profit was declared at £ 61. It was arranged that for 1939, No. 2 Tennis court should be a second Centre court, with seating laid out on No. 3 Court. Bridge. The monthly Visitor's Fee was reduced from £ 1 to 12/6, the daily and weekly rates remaining as before. In March, a set of Duplicate Bridge Boards was bought and Duplicate Bridge became a regular feature of the Club. .It was ruled that there should be no private afternoon Bridge parties, except for Poppy Day, but evening parties were permissible. Miscellaneous. Among minor changes was the installation of a telephone in the Secretary's Office, which had been earlier refused. (There was also a Public Call Box on the Pavilion verandah by this time.) Several gifts to the Club are recorded, including long lengths of hose-pipe, the electric clock on the outside of the Pavilion (by Major Nuthall and Mr. Hudson-Hobden), the flagstaff (by Capt. Mulleneux and Mr. Tosh), a Union Jack (by Capt. Mulleneux) and a Croquet Association flag (by Col. Oliver). Both bars were open during the summer. Car Parking was not very satisfactory, and it was decided in December to forbid parking on the west and north sides of the Pavilion, and to make another Car Park by removing the turf and soil from half the vacant area to the west of No. 7 Croquet lawn (near Westfield Close), and to cover the area with ashes. The west entrance gates were to be moved so as to improve the access to the new Car Park. In April, a Sweepstake on the Derby was organised for the first time, a small feature of Club life that has continued since. Xmas 1938 was the first Xmas that the Club would be open, and private arrangements were made to collect Xmas boxes for the staff. A portent of things to come was a decision that officers of H.M. forces, serving or in camp in the district, were eligible for Honorary membership during their stay. Grounds. The Turf Nursery had apparently been neglected for some time, and there was a problem in the supply of turf for patching the courts. Whilst some was obtained from "Bickley's Field" in Upper Station Road (somewhere near Elmside), this was only a temporary solution. In the autumn, the Greens Sub-Committee embarked on the re-levelling of No. 4 (now No. 2) Croquet Lawn. This involved stripping off the turf, adding about 12 ins. of soil all over, and then replacing the turf. This extra soil is the explanation as to why this lawn keeps greener than most of the others. Nos. 2 & 3 (now Nos. 3 & 4) Croquet Lawns were also treated with soil and sand. They concluded that the neglect of the Turf Nursery was so great, that it was not worth maintaining. (It would, in any case, take 3 years to produce good turf from seed). (Later, of course, this area became part of the allotments.) In order to save labour, some of the banks were faced with stone, the first one being dealt with was the bank between the new Bowling Green and No. 2 (now No. 3) Croquet Lawn. 71
For many years, the Tennis Courts had been top-dressed with soil, only inside the actual court area, with the result that the run-backs gradually became relatively lower than the court area. This caused several sprained ankles. For patching the base-line areas, turf was taken from between the courts, and the stripped areas seeded. Worms were still a great problem. The subscription was continued to the Board of Greenkeeping Research. Buildings. During the alterations to the Club House at the end of 1937, the Ladies' Cloak Room had been modified and there was a lot of trouble with the new flat roof. After a lot of argument, Palmer's had to put this right before the Club would completely settle their account, and the matter was not resolved until November. Finance. The accounts for 1938 include, for the first time, the cost of keeping the Club open for the whole 12 months. The income rose to £ 1614, appreciably higher than in 1937, mainly to an appreciable increase in playing members' subscriptions, and a considerable rise in the contributions from the Card Room. Visitors' Fees showed a further falling off. The special Bowls subscription had come to an end, and the Hard Court yielded only £5. Children's subscriptions appear for the first time. The sales of Drinks and cigarettes reached £ 440, on which the Club profit (after paying a bonus of £ 13-10-0 to the barman) was £ 97. There was also a handsome profit of £ 109 on lunches and teas, including the Tournaments. Expenditure at £ 1305 was slightly lower than in 1937, although some items, such as fuel, were higher because of the winter opening. Repairs were at a lower level than in 1937. Depreciation accounted for £ 56. Further details appear in Appendix 2. Over the year, there was a profit of £ 309, and the overdraft was reduced to £ 731.
1939 This year will be considered in two parts, i.e. before and after 3rd. September, when war was declared. Prior to that date, the Club continued on the same lines as in former years, but with the coming of war, there was a profound change in the affairs of the Club, from which it has really never recovered. Personnel. In February, the Secretary's salary was increased by £ 15 per year (to £ 135? ). In March, West, the second groundsman, left to become Head Groundsman at the Cranford Club, Exmouth. In view of his long service of about 20 years, starting in 1919, a subscription list was opened for him, to which members contributed some £ 15. As replacement, Wheadon was engaged at 37/6 per week. Annual General Meeting. The main business was a proposal that the Club should be open for play on Sunday afternoons. This idea had been put forward in 1933 and, heavily defeated, but there was now a change of heart, and it was agreed. The Committee decided that there should be a special Sunday fee of 6d. each, and that two members should be on duty each Sunday, one for outdoor games and one for the Bridge Rooms, to collect the Sunday fees and to open up the Dressing Rooms etc. and close them after play. There would be no staff on duty, and there would be no teas and no bar. It was also decided that, as there were plenty of courts available, children would be allowed to play in mornings as well as in afternoons. Early in the year, it had been realised that the Sub-Committees had become too large. There was, at that time, no election of the Sub-Committees, and additional members had frequently been co-opted, and then approved by the Committee. It was therefore decided 72
that, in future, Sub-Committees would be limited to 6 members each, two of whom would retire annually and not be eligible for re-appointment for a year. Bowls. In May, there were bitter complaints about the condition of the Bowling Green, which was far from level, and the south side was very cold, needing some sort of wind-shield. It was requested that either the Centre Court should be made available again for Bowls, or that the bowlers should be allowed to play at the Games Club without extra expense to them. The Committee felt that the Bowls Sub-Committee were not without some responsibility for the condition, but decided to engage expert labour from Messrs. Carter, of Raynes Park, to put the Green in order. They sent Carnell to deal with it, at a wage of about £ 3-10-0 per week. He had not completed the task when war broke out in September. Efforts at worm killing had not been successful, and further efforts were planned for the autumn. Croquet. The mid-May Tournament was Managed by B.H.Wiggins, with Sir Geo. Murray as Referee and Handicapper. There were 6 events, with 4 Class Singles, the 'A' Class for the Raydon Stone Cup (played as best of 3 games); the 'B' level Singles for those of 1 bisque and over; the 'C' level Singles, without lifts, for those of 5 bisques and over; and the 'D' Class Singles for those of 9 bisques and over, with a modified court and 4 in. hoops, for the Godfrey Turner Cup. The Doubles was unrestricted in handicaps. The Tournament was played in miserable weather, cold, wet and windy. The July Tournament was on a similar plan, with the Colman Cup for the 'A' Class Singles (won by S.Horseley). In the Doubles, the combined handicaps had to total at least 5 bisques. There was an unusually large entry, and it was reported that the 3 lawns laid out on Tennis courts were in a much improved condition. Mrs. Longman had presented a Cup for the 'C' Class Singles, and it was won for the first time by G.F.Rothwell. On the two tournaments the Club profit was £ 18. Bridge. There was a somewhat tense situation in February, over the question as to whether waiting players were obliged to join in the first vacant table. Letters were sent to the "Sunday Times" Bridge Correspondent, and to the "Observer" to determine the normal practice and there was a great storm in a teacup.
1939 - Wartime. General. The approach of hostilities had a very disrupting effect on the Club. In August, groundsman Wheadon was recalled to the Forces ( Mears being engaged temporarily to replace him ), and on the Saturday before the Tennis Tournament, the Secretary (Capt. Parsons) was recalled to the Navy. Major Larcombe volunteered to become Secretary and Miss Addington was appointed as Temporary Assistant Secretary at £ 2-5-0 per week. She left after a few weeks to take up another post, and Mrs. Larcombe became Assistant Secretary at £ 2 per week. Tennis . The Tennis Tournament took place, but was something of a fiasco, which was made worse by bad weather. Many of the competitors had to leave early because of Service requirements, and by Thursday, it was more or less all over. Rain then set in, and only 2 Junior events were finished. £ 120 was received from Rain Insurance, and the profit was £ 48, although no other financial details are available. Later on, however, Messrs. Tinley, the caterers, claimed £ 19-10-0 on account of the number of teas being 390 below the number guaranteed by the Club. The claim was eventually settled for £ 10. War-time Arrangements. Following the Declaration of War on September 3rd., it was decided to try to keep the Club going, as far as possible. The number of lawns in use would be reduced to the original area of the Club ( i.e. the present Nos. 2-5 Tennis Courts; Nos. 1-4 73
Croquet Lawns and the Bowling Green. The other lawns were more or less abandoned. Lawrence and James were to carry on, but Mears was to leave in mid- September. Carnell was still dealing with the Bowling Green, and was to stay for a while. Bridge. The original intention was that, because of Black-out problems, Bridge would be confined to the Tea Room, but a little later the Card Room was blacked out as well. Play was restricted to 2.30 -6.30 p.m. to save fuel. In October, because of overcrowding in the Card Room, with an overflow in the Tea Room, the Small Bridge Room was also brought back into commission, and, as fuel restrictions were relaxed somewhat, play was extended to 7 p.m. It was intended that the Club should stay open on Sundays, but there was to be no teas or bar. However, in October, it was agreed to arrange for tea and biscuits at 4d. on Sundays, provided voluntary labour was forthcoming. The Club facilities were offered free to all Services officers. There were many refugees from the London area who wished to use the Club, but they objected to paying the £ 2-2-0 Entrance Fee. In September, the Dressing Rooms were requisitioned for the L.C.C. Beaufoy Technical Institute, evacuated to Budleigh Salterton, but they were released again in December. In August, the Stewardess had left the town, and Mrs. French was engaged, at 30/- per week to mid-October, and 22/- per week for the winter. It is interesting, in view of subsequent developments, that in September, there was an offer to install a Tote Machine, free of charge, with the Club taking 50% of the takings. The Committee would not entertain the idea at all. Finance. For the year, the Club's income was £ 1579, most of the items being very similar to those of 1938, except for the very low profit on the Tennis Tournament, and the receipt of £ 33 from Sunday play. Visitors Fees were also much better. Expenditure was also very similar to that of 1938, further details being given in the Appendix 2. Over the year, the Club made a profit of £ 272, reducing the overdraft to £ 406.
SUMMARY.
The period 1924 - 1939 inclusive had opened with the Club in possession of all the ultimate site, and with the first stage of the new Club House in use. Membership was at a healthy level and the Open Tennis Tournament had become a very large affair with a turnover of about £ 7OO. The running of the Club had become such a considerable task as to necessitate the engagement of a full-time paid Secretary. The new Club House had been financed by the issue of £ 1250 7% Debentures. The annual Club income was about £ 1300 and normal expenditure was slightly less. The period was marked by some democratisation, by arranging for the regular retirement of Committee members (in 1925), and by giving somewhat greater powers to the sectional Sub-Committees (in 1938). Building changes included the new Secretary's Office (as an extension of the Lower Pavilion), the concrete path from there to the west end of the grounds, the extension of the Club House in two stages, ( the main Card Room in 1930, to establish Bridge as a Club game, and the Small Card Room in 1937, to cater for Winter Bridge, which commenced in January 1938). The verandah extension of the Lower Pavilion was built in 1934. Regarding outdoor games, Bowls was established once more in 1931, first on the Centre Court, and then, in 1936, on a proper Bowling Green. Croquet was progressing 74
steadily, and there were two Tournaments each year. Tennis was still supreme with approximately 16 grass courts and the two Hard Courts, which, however, continued to give trouble. There were many matches with other clubs. The Tennis Tournament continued at a high level of entries, but the peak year was 1931. This period was probably the peak period for Club tennis throughout the country. The profit from the Tennis Tournament gradually declined. Sunday afternoon play was proposed in 1933, but rejected, and was not established until 1939. The Debentures had all been redeemed by 1935, and at the end of the period, the overdraft which had been incurred to finance the second Card Room had been reduced to £ 406. Lawn maintenance was not as good as it should have been. The Turf Nursery had been neglected and the supply of good turf from other sources for repair work was not forthcoming. At the end of the period, the Bowling Green was in process of being put right, after only three years use. With the Declaration of War on 3rd. September, the period of steady, high level activity came to an end, and the Club was put on to a war footing. The changes which this necessitated, and the social changes brought about by the War, had the result that the Club never really recovered its pre-war position.
SECTION 7. - WAR-TIME. 1939 - 1945.
1939. The first effects of the war-time situation have been described in the previous section. The major changes were a considerable reduction in the playing area, to bring it within the ability of the two groundsmen, Lawrence and James, to cope with; the loss of the full-time paid Secretary to the Forces; and the blacking out of the Tea Room and the Card Rooms to enable Bridge to continue. The autumn of 1939, and the following winter was the period of the "phoney war", when everyone expected lots of war-like activity, which continued at a minimum level until the following May.
1940. Personnel. There were many personnel problems. Firstly, James' wages were raised to £ 2-10-0 per week (from 44/-) because his work was so impressive. Then, in March, Lawrence was found to have stolen a bottle of whisky; after denying the theft most vehemently, he later confessed. He was asked to resign, but, in view of his nearly 30 years' service, he was treated most generously, being given a gratuity of £ 30, and a pension of 25/- per week. Carnell (of Messrs. Carter's of Raynes Park) was officially taken on to the Club staff, and James and he were both given an extra 5/- per week from mid-March, bringing their pay to £ 2-15-0 per week. A new Head Groundsman was sought, and, in April, Charlesworth was engaged, through the help of Major Larcombe. The new man had been at Wimbledon as second man for 10 years, and had latterly been at the Kew Club, which had closed down because of the war. Annual General Meeting. The Entrance Fee for new members was abolished, but such new members would have no vote, but they could obtain one at any time by paying the Entrance Fee. The special Sunday fee was also abolished. The Hon. Secretary was granted free membership. 75
A Special General Meeting had taken place in April, with the object of authorizing a new rule, to the effect that, instead of sending a copy of the Accounts to each member, a copy would be posted up in the Club for at least a week before the Annual General Meeting, This was to save printing and postage costs, and is an arrangement that has continued ever since. Grounds. In April, the boys of the evacuated Beaufoy Technical Institute were, at their request, granted the free use of one tennis court, Hard or Grass, each weekday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The usual outdoor activities continued during the summer, with Sunday teas and the bar being dealt with by one of the Stewardesses (Mrs. French and Mrs. Hillman) in turn. There were, of course, no official Tournaments. In the autumn, it was decided to do only the minimum work on the lawns during the coming winter. Furthermore, the ground staff would be cut down, giving Carnell only 3 days work per week during the winter. It was reported, in October, that levels had been taken of the Bowling Green, from which it was concluded that it would be necessary to take up and relay a considerable portion of it. (This doesn't say much for what Carnell had been doing for the past year or so.) There is no record of what was actually done. Croquet. In June, there was an unofficial Tournament, managed by Col. Oliver, at which there were 46 entrants. There was a semi-American handicap Singles with a 2-hour time limit, played in 4 blocks with a play-off, and a handicap Doubles (with a combined handicap of at least 5 bisques) with a 3-hour time limit, played in two blocks. Part of the proceeds ( £ 4 ) went to the Red Cross. Bridge. Assistance to the Red Cross was also given at a Bridge partnership day in January, with Table Money at 2/6, which raised nearly £ 18. Mrs. Rowlandson organised a Bridge Day in aid of Lord Haig's Poppy Day Fund. A similar function had probably taken place the previous winter, the first winter that the Club had been open, and this became an annual event and is still a feature of Club life. It was resolved to continue Bridge during the winter, although it was expected that Sunday teas would be difficult to arrange. Buildings. In July, the Military requisitioned the Dressing Rooms, and in October wanted to take over the whole of the Club House as well. However, they were persuaded to take only the two Card Rooms, leaving the Club, from December, with the Tea Room, Kitchen, and Cloak Rooms only. From then on, Bridge was played in the south half of the Tea Room. In September, it was decided to have both the Pavilion telephone (on the verandah) and the Office telephone available for "IN" calls on the understanding that callers could not expect messages to be delivered. Up to now, the telephones were "ex-Directory" and had been available for "OUT" calls only. In December, the Military asked for the use of the Tea Room for a Xmas Dance and Concert for the troops, but, because of problems with furniture and carpet, the request was turned down, only to be granted later, after a special plea. Finance. The Club income for the year ending 28th. February 1941, was £ 1612. Visitors' Fees fell to £ 118, which is not surprising, but Card Room Table Money was appreciably higher at £ 306. The profit on Drinks ( at £ 132 ) and on Catering ( at £ 191 ) were up on the 1939 level, partly because of increased prices. Expenditure was similar to that of 1939, at £ 1354, but the item of Wages (which included National Insurance) was higher at £ 763, because of the £ 65 pension to Lawrence. 76
The Repairs bill included £ 45 for further repairs to the flat roof over the Entrance and Cloak Rooms. Further details of income and expenditure are given in Appendix 2. Capital expenditure included a new motor mower for £ 88, and the balance of the cost of the Pavilion extension had been paid off. The Club showed a profit of £ 258, and the overdraft was reduced to £ 240. During the year, about £ 90 was raised for War Charities.
1941. Personnel. At Xmas 1938 and 1939, the first years that the Club had been open throughout the winter, there had been private gifts to the staff, but for the Xmas of 1940, there had been a proper staff Xmas Fund. This had realised over £ 18 and this was divided out in the proportion of 4 shares each to Charlesworth and Mrs. French, 3 shares to James, 2 shares to Carnell and 1 share to Mrs. Hillman. In February, the Assistant Secretary's ( Mrs. Larcombe's ) Wages were increased to £ 2- 10-10 per week. This was possibly associated with the departure of Major Larcombe, who, about this time, went to mid-Wales to ensure freedom from bombing. In April, Carnell had gone to work for the Games Club, leaving only Charlesworth and James. It was therefore decided to keep open only the "Top Half" of the Club grounds (i.e. 4 Croquet lawns, 5 grass Tennis courts, the Hard courts, and the Bowling Green) during the summer. This is a repetition of the decision of September 1939) whether it implies that more of the Club was open in the summer of 1940 is not clear. In December, Charlesworth's wages were raised by 5/- per week to £3-10-0, and those of James were raised by the same amount to £ 3 per week. Annual General Meeting. Col. Oliver retired as Vice-President after his 3-year term of office, and Mr. G.G.Tomkins was elected in his place. Mrs. Thompson, who had been a member for 50 years, and had been a prominent tennis and croquet player, was made a life member. In May, it was decided that members, who were in the Services and had had to move away from the district, would remain as members but would pay no subscription. Outdoor Games. The boys of the Beaufoy Technical Institute were given the use of the 2 lower tennis courts (presumably Nos. 7 & 8 ), provided they cut and marked them out themselves. Tennis and Croquet playing started as usual in April, but there were no Tournaments. Because of difficulties in replacing members of Sub-Committees, who were due to retire, permission was given for them to remain on the Sub-Committees for an extended period. Bridge. This was being played only in the Tea Room, and inevitably there were problems arising from the Bridge players encroaching on the Tea area before Tea had been served. Catering ceased in June, when the Catering Licence was rescinded, and members had to bring their own food and tea. During this year, there was a large influx of rich refugees from London, Brighton etc., who came to Devon to escape bombing. Many went to play at the Cranford Club at Exmouth, but when the stakes there were reduced from 3d. to 2d. they came in large numbers to the Club, where they could play for 6d. stakes. The Table Money takings therefore increased considerably. The arrangements were that there was a limited number of tables up to 4 p.m. in the south half of the Tea Room, when there was a 15 minute interval for tea. After tea, as many tables as possible were used for Bridge in the whole room. 77
Several special Bridge days were arranged in aid of various charities and funds. Buildings. Another attempt was made by the Authorities to get the use of the Club Room, when in July the Devon County Education Committee wanted it for a part-time Day Nursery for children aged 2 - 5. This was repulsed on the grounds that the room was unsuitable for that purpose, and that the loss of it to the Club would bring great hardship on the 200 members, and to members of the Forces who also used the Club. The rent for the rooms used by the Military was fixed, in February, at 5/- per week per room (i.e. £ 1 per week in total). The Military also had the use of the Car Park, west of the Club House, and to cater for members' cars, the last tennis court at the Station end of the grounds was used as a car parking area. Both bars were open during the summer, and for the winter a serving hatch was made in the Kitchen Door of the Club House, so as to avoid members going into the Kitchen. Finance. Because of the lack of a Tennis Tournament, and the cessation of Entrance Fees, the Club income, at £ 1456, was lower than in recent years. Visitors' Fees at £ 114 had not fallen as much as one might have expected. One notable feature was the level of Table Money, £ 330, which at 6d. per person implies that there was an average attendance of nearly 40 players each day for the whole year! The profit on Catering included £ 21 in respect of the 1d. that each member paid for the use of cup, saucer and plate when they brought their own food and tea. As no major repairs or renewals were carried out, (although this was recognised as not being a good thing in the long run) Expenditure was well down, at £ 1071. Financial data are given in Appendix 2. The profit on the year wa6 £ 385, and the overdraft brought about by the extension of the Bridge Room in 1937-8 was eliminated and the guarantors released from their undertaking. At the year end (28-2-1942) the Club had a credit balance of £ 178. Grounds. At the end of the playing season, the base line areas of the first 5 tennis courts very very worn (Implying that they had been in continuous use) and needed returfing as well as sowing with seed.
1942. General. The playing season opened as usual in April, with the same courts in use as in 1941. At some time early in the year, James was called up to join the Naval Police, and was replaced by Otter. The Beaufoy boys were allowed the same facilities as in 1941. In April, Mrs. Larcombe officially became Secretary at £ 150 per year, her husband still being away in Wales, away from any possible bombing. Bowls was brought into line with Tennis and Croquet by allowing visitors to play in a morning for 1/-; an afternoon's play cost 2/6, the same as for a full day. "Other Ranks", introduced by members, could use the Club free, as for Officers. A Catering Licence was granted for the summer, during which period members were not allowed to bring their own teas or Thermos flasks to the Club. Bridge. The problem of having Bridge and Tea in the same room came to a head in April, when a real row developed over someone who had got jam on the playing cards, being rebuked about it and taking umbrage about the rebuke. Black-out was still a problem. Originally, the window panes had been covered with black net, and this meant that there was no daylight in the room, and so the lights had to be switched on in daytime. To save fuel, the black-out was removed from the glass, and other arrangements made for night-time. In the Cloakrooms, the windows had to be opened to let 78
in daylight, which made it a bit cold, especially for the ladies. War-time Experiences. The war had its lighter side. One April Sunday, anti-invasion exercises were held, but the Club decided to stay open. During the exercises, various road blocks were set up, and one lady member, coming down Fountain Hill, was not allowed to enter the main road, being told by the Home Guard that the road had been blown up and was impassable. As it obviously was not really damaged, she appealed to another soldier to let her through, but he said he couldn't help, as he had been dead for half-an-hour! On another occasion, Palmer's bell (which was the official invasion warning alarm) was rung by accident. Only one member of the Bridge Room left the Club (to go to the Home Guard H.Q.) and the rest carried on imperturbably. It is said that if there had really been an invasion, and the Germans had entered the Club then, they would merely have been told to be quiet and not interrupt. In September, the Military erected 5 Nissen huts on the two top Tennis courts ( Nos. 15 & 16 ), near to Westfield Close, and were charged £ 5 per year rent for the site. At the year end there were U.S.A. troops in the Nissen huts and U.K. troops in the Pavilion and the Dressing Rooms. There was a national urge for fuel economy for the winter of 1942-3, and, although the Committee were prepared to close the Club on one day per week, and to limit play on the other days to 3 p.m. to 6.30 p.m., the Bridge Sub-Committee objected very strongly, and the playing times were left as they had been, and fuel economy tackled in other ways. Miscellaneous. Apparently, the injunction not to talk about one's activities was not deemed to apply to Committee members, as there were several complaints about leakage of Committee discussions. At the year end, it was decided to thin out the small fir trees at the south of the Bowling Green over the winter, as the pine needles were killing the grass. Finance. The year was again financially very good, as expenditure kept to a minimum, and was only £ 1048. Income showed signs of falling. Subscriptions were well down, and so were Visitors' Fees. On the other hand, Table Money was well up to the 1941 level, as was the Drinks profit, but the Catering profit, at £ 113, was much better than in 1941. The total income was £ 1450, further details being given in Appendix 2. The profit on the year was £ 402, and at the 28th. February 1943, the Club had £ 500 in the P.O. Savings Bank and a current account balance of £ 144.
1943. Bridge. Early in the year, the Bridge Sub-Committee were in some difficulty in getting the right sort of people to serve willingly on it, a service that entailed the duty of acting as "Hostess" for one afternoon per week. Each year recently, when the two Sub- Committee members retired in rotation, it had been more and more difficult to find replacements. It was decided to increase the size of the Sub-Committee to 7 (since there are 7 days in a week) with a period of office of one year, two of the members retiring in rotation each 4 months. It was also decided to allow the same concession to the Bridge Sub- Committee, as was allowed to the other Sub-Committees, that the compulsory withdrawal after the usual term of office should be suspended. Grounds. The same courts, as in 1942, were kept in use, and the Beaufoy boys had their facilities renewed. Croquet, Tennis and Bowls continued, but there were no tournaments. 79
In July, the Military asked for the use of the plot of land next to the Nissen huts, and this was agreed, at a rent of £ 5 per year, with their undertaking to put it in order again after their occupation had ceased, (it is not clear whether this was just the present No. 10 Croquet Lawn or whether it was the whole of the northern strip.) Personnel. As Lawrence now had a good job, his pension was terminated in April. In July, James was discharged from the Naval Police on the grounds of ill-health, and he asked if he could have his job back. It appears that he was offered it, but felt that he was not fit enough. Buildings. The fuel economy measures over the previous winter had resulted in a saving of 27%. One of the members had, over the past year, repaired 23 of the Canvas chairs in the tea room. Finance. The year was very similar, financially, to 1942, expenditure being even lower, at £ 998, of which £ 558 was wages. The cost of Games Equipment is shown as £ 70 but this must have been mainly playing cards, etc. The cost of fuel had fallen to £ 40, and practically nothing was spent on Repairs. The income, at £ 1478, was almost the same as for 1942, although subscription income was again down. However, Table Money rose still further to £ 371, and the Catering profit was £ 106 plus £ 29 for cup and plate pennies. (Teas were provided during the summer, but in the winter, members brought their own. There was an item of £ 59 for rents from the Military, and £ 16 as Interest on the P.O. Savings Bank account. There was a profit on the year of £ 480, and at the end of February, 1944, the Club's balance was £ 1024 in the P.O. Savings Bank plus £ 187 in the current account, a total of £ 1211.
1944. Annual General Meeting. This must have been a lively meeting, as a motion was put forward, by Col. Wood-Hill, to the effect that "all members have a right to vote" ( i.e. irrespective of whether they had paid an Entrance Fee or not.) It was contended that the existing rule (adopted in 1940) was illegal, but this was rebutted. The meeting endorsed the 1940 decision to abolish the Entrance Fee as a war-time measure, but considered it wise to keep the control of the Club in the hands of those who had known it in normal times. The motion was heavily defeated, and, later, Col. Wood-Hill asked for the return of his Entrance Fee, which was refused. He also got into bad odour for his lack of courtesy to the Secretary. Mr. H.J.Bennett became Vice-President for the next three years. The rule regarding children was modified to read "Children, under 18 on October 14th. of the year in question, of members, or staying with members, could play tennis, without Entrance Fee, for 1/- per day, 3/6 per week, or £ 1-5-0 for the season, from 15th. April, on such courts as the Committee shall determine." Grounds. The courts were opened on the usual dates, and the Beaufoy boys continued to be allowed to use two of the grass courts in mornings; later, this was altered to evenings, to fit in better with their school work. Charlesworth's bar was open until 7 p.m. each week-day. His wages were increased to £ 3-15-0 per week in May. With the prospect of the war ending soon, Carter's of Haynes Park were asked for another expert to inspect the Bowling Green and suggest treatment for improving it. Their advice was accepted and acted upon, but there is no record of what it was. Also, the Tennis Sub-Committee decided to take steps to obtain an adequate number 80
of nets and posts, and to book a Referee, in case it became possible to stage a Tennis Tournament in 1945. The Lawns Sub-Committee, now constituted with a representative from the Bowls, Croquet and Tennis sections, was still in being and recommended treatment of the tennis and croquet lawns with worm killer, the application of bone-meal in the autumn, and the re- turfing of parts of the tennis courts. A number of tall fir trees behind the present Nos. 3 & 4 Croquet lawns, which were keeping light off these lawns, and a number of Chestnut and other trees south of the Pavilion, and a danger to it, were to be felled. Bridge. The problem of running the Bridge Room was dealt with by the appointment of a paid Bridge Hostess. Mrs Tosswill took the post at 25/- per week, from late May, with the added benefit of a free subscription, free tea, and no table money. From now on, the Derby Sweepstake was to be a Club affair. Personnel. In May, the Secretary's salary was increased to £ 200 per year. She was instructed to arrange for increased insurance cover on the Club buildings and their contents, as values had risen so much. Buildings. In September, there was another unsuccessful attempt to requisition the Tea Room and Kitchen for evacuees from the areas being attacked by V.1. rockets. Dr. Neil, who was evacuee allocator, and a Club member, was having difficulty in placing the evacuees, and threatened to take over the Club, if certain members would not take in evacuees. He never lived down this threat. Finance. The Club's income was £ 1593, about £ 100 up on 1943. Subscriptions were a little higher, and included £ 526 from playing members, representing almost exactly 200 members. Seven members paid Entrance Fees. Table Money was the highest yet, at £ 382. Other items are given in Appendix 2. Expenditure was £ 1150, wages having risen to £ 687. Taxes were higher at £ 72, but the Fuel bill was down to £ 37. Over the year, there was a profit of £ 443, and at the end of the financial year the credit balance was £ 1683, including £ 1555 in the P.O. Savings Bank.
1945. Warlike activities. Early in the year (February ? ), Budleigh Salterton had its only real dose of enemy action, when one lunch time, three planes flew up and down the High Street and dropped 5 bombs, damaging the Church (which got a hole in the roof), the Railway Goods Yard, Marker's cafe, and Palmer's furniture store. The town was a mass of broken glass, but there were no casualties as the shops were closed for lunch. The ceilings of the Club House were damaged in the raid, but delays in authorisation of repairs by the War Damage Commission prevented the restoration of the ceilings until November. Personnel. Mrs. French left in April, with a testimonial bonus. As the new Stewardess (Mrs. Southcott) was not prepared to work on Sundays, voluntary helpers had to be recruited to cover those Sundays when Mrs. Hillman was not on duty. Then, in May, Mrs. Southcott resigned, and was replaced by Mrs. Spargo. Mrs. Hillman resigned in December, and young Spargo was taken on to help his mother. Annual General Meeting. This was held in early May, and the Vice-President pointed out that the end of the war seemed at hand and that the Club could look forward to the return of its members from the Forces and elsewhere. There would be a great need for the recreational facilities that the Club could offer. It was therefore essential to get the Club back to its pre-war condition and standard, but this would take a long time and cost a lot. So many other Clubs had gone under, and we were very fortunate that ours had not. 81
At this meeting, it was decided that, in future, accounts would be made up to 31st. December each year, instead of to 28th. February. This date for the end of the financial year has applied ever since then. Grounds. Outdoor activities commenced on the usual dates, and the privileges of the Beaufoy boys were continued. End of the War. The war in Europe ended on 8th. May, and to celebrate VE Day, the staff preferred to have a bonus rather than 2 days' holiday. So the Club remained open, and the men were given a bonus of £ 1 each, the women receiving 10/- each. Croquet. No time was lost in organising a Croquet Tournament, and one took place in June, with about 40 entrants. It was quite an unofficial affair, and took the form of a semi- American handicap Singles, and a semi-American handicap Doubles with pairs of at least 5 bisques. A total of £ 4 odd was subscribed to the Red Cross, and a collection for the groundsmen realised almost £ 4. Rehabilitation. In early July, the Club Rooms were released from military occupation, and a claim for reconditioning them was prepared. It was decided that as from 15th. April 1946, the Entrance Fee for new members would be re-imposed, and from the same date all visitors would need to have a personal introduction. Because the Club were unlikely to need more land for courts, the allotments ( presumably started at the outbreak of war in 1939 ), would be allowed to continue as such. To increase the rate of rehabilitation, an additional groundsman was sought. James had not taken up the offer of re-employment, and Wheadon, back from the Navy, had another job which he preferred. Hunt was taken on at the end of October at £ 3-5-0 per week, and from that date, Charlesworth's wages were increased by 10/- to £ 4-5-0 per week, and Otter's also by 10/- to £ 2-15-0 per week. By then, Otter had been at the Club for 4 years, and he was very old. Capt. Parsons returned as Secretary in the autumn at a salary of £ 200 per year, the same as Mrs. Larcombe had been paid. A subscription list was got up for Mrs. Larcombe. Plans for 1946. It was decided to stage a Croquet Tournament in July of 1946, and an Open Tennis Tournament in late August, but a request to use the Club for the Inter-County Week was rejected. There was, however, as yet no news as to when the requisitioned land would be handed back, but the Club decided to ask for an option on one of the Nissen huts, which was offered by the Military for £ 50. In October, Mrs. Rowlandson took over as paid Bridge Hostess from Mrs. Tosswill, on the same terms. Also in October, the Club's Catering Licence was extended to allow teas to be served all the year round. Recruits. It was during this year that Mrs. Sandercock, who was to do such a lot for the Club in later years, and Capt. & Mrs. E. Rotherham, who had such an influence on Croquet, joined the Club. Finance. Financially, the Club had another good year. The income, at £ 1396, was about £ 200 down on the 1944 total, due very largely to a fall of £ 100 in Table Money, many of the war-time players having returned to their home areas. The accounts, of course, covered a period of only 10 months, but Visitors' Fees showed a welcome recovery. The expenditure, at £ 1125, was much the same as in 1944. Further details are given in Appendix 2. 82
The year's profit was £ 270, and the "nest egg" at the year end had risen to £ 1899 in the P.O. Savings Bank, plus a further £ 44 in hand, making a total of £ 1943, with which to face the difficult task of bringing the Club back to its former condition.
SUMMARY.
The Club had survived the war period, but with many of its facilities greatly impaired. An appreciable part of the court area had had to be neglected, and practically no repairs or renewals had been carried out. The greater part of the buildings had been occupied by the Military for some 5 years, and needed extensive reconditioning. So there was much to be done to put the Club back into its pre-war condition. During the war, the Club had been of great benefit to many people who had come to this area for safety. For Bridge players this was especially true, and they came in large numbers throughout the whole year. The Club was of benefit to them, and they were a benefit to the Club, because without them the Club would never have accumulated the "nest egg", to pay for putting the Club back to normal once more. The opening of the Club for winter play (in January 1938) had been a tremendous success especially during the war. Although Budleigh Salterton had not had much direct bombing, it was on the air-raid route from bases in France to Bristol, Liverpool, etc., and there had been a lot or aerial activity. Exeter was badly destroyed on 4th. May 1942, and there had been frequent bombing of the Exeter - Honiton Railway. One Easter, 1500 incendiaries were dropped at night over the town, of which about 13 fell on the Centre court, very near to a Home Guard ammunition store. And then in February 1945 had come the actual H.E.bombs on the town. In considering the effect of the war generally on the Club, it should be remembered that in pre-war days there were many large houses here, and much gracious living, with cooks, butlers, chauffeurs, and so on. Many of the owners went to the South of France for the winter, and there was little call for the Club to be open in the winter. In the summer, there were many young people around, and the tennis courts were crowded. There were many daughters living at home with their parents, and many young men here in the summer, on leave from Universities, Indian or Colonial Civil Service etc. As a direct result of the war, domestic staffs disappeared, many of the elderly parents found their pensions and other resources inadequate to meet the increasing prices, and many of the large houses were converted into flats. The young people had all found their way into the Services. After the war, the whole character of Budleigh Salterton had changed from its pre-war state, with no domestic staffs available and much less money to spare. The young people had all had to get jobs which did not give long leaves. With the granting of independence to India, and to other overseas territories, the pre-war jobs in the Overseas Civil Service had just disappeared. So the young people had disappeared from Budleigh Salterton, and this was most evident in the lack of tennis players at the Club. This aspect of the Club's life will become more evident in the Section which follows.
SECTION 8. - THE LONG, SLOW HAUL BACK. 1946 - 1951.
Introduction. With the ending of the war in May 1945, every effort was made to get the Club back to normal ( i.e. pre-war ) conditions, as quickly as possible, but there were many frustrations. Although "Black-out" was abolished immediately the war had ended, food and petrol rationing continued for many years. There was also the new "Building 83
Control", to ration out the labour and materials of the building industry so as to ensure that essential work got first priority. Furthermore, the unwinding of the tangle of Military requisitioning took a long time. So, although every effort was made to get things moving, progress was very slow, and a great deal of patience and perseverance was necessary, since there were shortages of so many things that in pre-war days had been taken for granted. There were also many personnel problems.
1946. Personnel. On returning to the Club at the end of 1945, Capt. Parsons, the Secretary, found that the work involved had grown a lot since he went away in August 1939. In particular, the Club was now open and very busy throughout the whole year; furthermore, the Club was now open on Sunday afternoons. He requested relief from routine Bridge and Catering duties, since the latter, on account of continued food rationing, involved such a lot of detail work. It was agreed that the opening up of the Bridge Room and the collection of the takings would be done by the Bridge Hostess (Mrs. Rowlandson). In February she also agreed to take over the Catering as well, with her remuneration increased by 15/- to £ 2 per week. The Testimonial Fund for Mrs. Larcombe had amounted to approximately £ 20, and the 1945 Xmas Staff Fund had realised £ 42. From mid-October, the Secretary's salary was increased to £ 250 per year, with a promise of a further increase in October 1947 to £ 275 and in October 1948 to £ 300 per year. Because of the need for a lot of work in improving the lawns, and, for rehabilitating the lawns that had been under military requisition, a fourth permanent groundsman was being sought at the end of the year, for £ 3-5-0 per week. Buildings. In February, the Military paid £ 325 as compensation for damage to the Card Rooms and Dressing Rooms, and although Palmer's were asked to proceed at once with the reconditioning, there was a long delay in getting a Building Licence. Repairs to the Dressing Rooms were authorised in April, this work being given priority because of the coming tennis Tournament. The Bridge Room repairs must have been done before the year end, as new curtains and carpet were then being discussed. The Club took over one Nissen hut (for £ 20) in March and two others were bought at the same price on behalf of Palmer's. The Urban District Council gave permission for the Nissen hut to remain in situ until the end of 1950. (In fact, it was still in use as a store, although very dilapidated, until October 1973, when it was demolished.) The remaining huts were removed later on, and estimates were got for reconverting the area back to Tennis courts, or alternatively into a Car Park. Palmer's estimate for the latter was £ 717, and a cheaper scheme was therefore sought. Compensation of £ 68 was received from the War Damage Commission for the damage to the Club House during the air raid of February 1945. The final de-requisitioning of the Club's premises was dated 15th. May. Grounds. No. 6 Croquet Lawn was handed back by the Military in January, and compensation for its restoration agreed at £ 95. It was decided to try to get this and No. 5 Croquet Lawn ready for play in 1947, and two goats were obtained to graze them, as there was no labour available for reconditioning them. (These must have been the present Nos. 7 & 8 Croquet Lawns, east of the Hard Courts). The Hard Courts were in a poor condition, and expert advice was obtained, as a result 84
of which, the coarse top surface was removed and a new fine dressing was applied. However, this was not satisfactory, and the En-Tout-Cas Co. were asked for further advice in October. Finance. In February, a small Finance Committee surveyed the whole financial position of the Club, with special reference to the rapidly increasing costs of everything, and the very large amount of repairs and renewals that would be necessary. They concluded that the Club's existing income would be insufficient to maintain the Club on pre-war lines, and that whilst the "nest egg" should be used for renewals and repairs, subscriptions would have to be increased to balance current expenses, rather than reduce the Club's amenities. At the Annual General Meeting, it was decided a). to re-instate the Entrance Fee of £ 2-2-0 for all new members. Those who joined the Club after mid-April 1940 without Entrance Fee, would now have to pay it, if they remained as playing members after mid-April 1946. b). to abolish the separate winter membership. c). that playing members' subscriptions would be £ 3-13-6 per year, except for third and subsequent members of one family, who would pay £ 1-5-0 each. d). that non-playing members' subscriptions would remain at £ 1-1-0. e). that Visitors' Fees should be increased, the new scale being Summer 3/- per day; 12/6 per week; 30/- per month. Winter 2/- per day; 10/- per week; 20/- per month. Bridge Table Money to be extra. . Some members later objected to being asked to pay the Entrance Fee, but they were firmly dealt with. Bowls. The Games Club used our Green until their own was ready in May. The Devon County Singles Championship was played on our Bowling Green in June. Mrs. Larcombe presented a silver salver for the Club Bowls Singles Championship. The names of all the winners of this trophy are given in Appendix 6. Croquet. Visitors to Tournaments were, in future, to be allowed free play only on the Sunday afternoon beforehand, and not on the Saturday. In this year the modern law was adopted of giving a lift after 1-Back, and of giving contact after making 1-Back and 4-Back in the same turn, before the partner ball had run 1- Back. (There had been a lift after running 4-Back since 1928). it was reported that the new law tended to make games last longer and therefore the two-life system (Draw and Process) became a better system for 'A' Class events, than the older system of a single block with the best of 3 games in each match. A Tournament was held in mid-July with 6 lawns in use. Mr. Neville Oddie was Manager and Handicapper with Mr. Godfrey Turner as Referee. There were 51 entrants and 4 events: 1. An 'A' Class Singles, on the two-life system, for the Colman Cup, won by M.B.Reckitt. 2. A level Singles (without lifts) for players of 1.5 bisques or more, for the Longman Cup, presented in 1939. 3. A Big Handicap, for a new trophy, the Oliver Bowl, presented by Mrs. G.L.Oliver. 4. A Handicap Doubles, for pairs of at least 4 bisques. The winners of these trophies are given in Appendix 7. The official report of the Tournament refers to the bad weather, and the rather scattered lawns (but which lawns were in use is not known). The Club made a profit of £ 6, and a collection for the groundsmen realised £ 7. Tennis. Mrs. Larcombe was giving Tennis lessons, and got into a bit of bother by 85
doing so before 10.30 a.m., the official starting time. For the Tennis Tournament, Mr. J.Hartree was the Chairman of the Tournament Committee, and Capt. A.K.Trower was Referee and Handicapper. There was difficulty in getting extra clerical assistance for the Tournament. Slazenger's had agreed to the free loan of the equipment required, providing the Club paid carriage both ways. Admission charges were the same as in 1939, and a Catering Licence was granted to permit the provision of lunches and teas. Entries were at a rather reduced level, compared with pre-war days.
Bad weather brought an early end to the Tournament and events 8, 9 & 10 were abandoned, and events 6 & 7 had the prizes divided. The total Tournament income was only £ 404, including £ 80 from Rain Insurance, compared with about £ 700 in the early 1930's. Not only were Entry Fees down to only £ 200, but the Gate Money and Stand tickets were much below the pre-war level, but the bad weather may have contributed to this. Financial data is given in Appendix 3. The gross profit was £ 124, of which £ 60 was charged to Lawn Repairs, and £ 60 to Establishment Charges, leaving a declared net profit of only £ 4. From now on, a Loud-speaker system was hired each year, to facilitate calling up players for matches. Lawns. Apart from the problem of rehabilitating Nos. 5 & 6. Croquet lawns, referred to earlier in this year's report, a big problem was worms. Mowrah Meal, the recognised treatment at that time, was unobtainable, and the only worm killer available as a powder was lead arsenate. It was decided to try this on No. 3 Croquet Lawn, but the trial had to be abandoned when the groundsmen objected to handling such a strong poison. In August, the condition of the grass Tennis courts was severely criticised, and in November it was decided to raise the level of the north ends of Nos. 2-6 courts. (This was the result of continually top-dressing only the actual court areas - see remarks under 1938.) Annoying shortages were the complete dearth of whitening, and an inadequate petrol ration for the motor mowers. A new motor mower, costing £ 185, was bought in May. Miscellaneous. A Sweepstake was organised on the Grand National, and has continued to be a regular feature of Club life, in addition to the Derby sweep. A burglary occurred on the night of 11/12th. July, when the telephone box was broken open, but nothing much was taken. There was a lack of volunteers for Sunday duty on the lawns. Volunteer labour had painted white lines to encourage more tidy car parking, and had also painted the inside of the Bowls hut. Financial Results. The Club's income for the year rose to the very high total of £ 2094, 86
about £ 660 above the 1945 figure. Details appear in Appendix 2, but important features were Entrance Fees at £ 193, presumably due largely to wartime recruits becoming full members; the increased level of Visitors' Fees, at £ 256; and the high level of Table Money, at £ 334; and, of course, the £ 124 from the Tennis Tournament. Expenditure was also at a much enhanced level, at £ 1836, an increase of £ 7OO over the 1945 figure. Wages (including salaries) were over £ 1000 for the first time, an increase of £ 300 over the 1945 level. The profit on the year was £ 258. However, certain items of a non-recurring nature, such as the new motor mower (£ 185), had been paid for out of Capital. If they had been included in the Revenue Account the profit would have been only £50. The Club had also received £ 68 in respect of War Damage to the Club House, £ 325 in respect of Building occupation damage, and £ 95 for compensation, in respect of No. 6 Croquet Lawn. The compensation for the Nissen hut site had not yet been finalised. At the year end, the Club's balance was £ 2438, including £ 1742 in the P.O. Savings Bank, and £ 506 in the Devon & Exeter Savings Bank. Recruits. During the year, the Misses Mills joined the Club.
1947. Restoration. The bad winter of 1946-47, which was very severe all over the country, delayed work on the restoration of the grounds. Compensation of £ 343 was offered by the Military as compensation for the damage to the Nissen hut site, for which the Club's claim was £ 730. In the end, £ 358 was paid over. Personnel. To cater for the restoration of the playing area, a fourth groundsman (Dymond) was engaged at the start of the year. In April, when the minimum Agricultural labourer's wage was £ 4 per week, Charlesworth's wages were raised to £ 4-15-0 per week, Hunt's and Dymond's were raised to £ 4 per week, and Otter's to £ 3-10- 0 per week. They were very satisfied with these wages; Otter was getting very old. Lawns. The levelling of the north ends of Nos. 2-6 Tennis courts, carried out in the winter of 1946-47 had not been a success, and they had to be done again, one court at a time. Nos. 13 & 14 Tennis courts ( later No. 9 Croquet Lawn) were to be reseeded. Worms were still a great nuisance, but the only available treatment was still lead arsenate, which the groundsmen would not use. In July, it was complained that the Bowling Green was not getting enough attention. It was promised that it would be cut and rolled more often, that there would be only 5 rinks, and that the strings would be moved more often, and the rinks turned at right angles twice a week to even the wear. (But it seems to have quite one thing to decide what ought to be done, and quite another thing to ensure that the agreed plan was carried out. This sort of situation was to recur quite frequently in later years.) In September, the Lawns Sub-Committee reported an excessive amount of clover on Nos. 2-6 Tennis courts, that the north ends of these courts should receive further attention , and that Nos. 2, 3 & 4 Croquet lawns needed relevelling. ( The nomenclature of the Croquet and Tennis courts seems to have been the same as is in use today. The subscription to the Board of Greenkeeping Research was discontinued, an action, which, in hindsight, seems to have been unfortunate, as so much was happening in that area of knowledge that would have been of great benefit to the Club in later years. Hard Courts. In May, the En-Tout-Cas Co resurfaced the courts at a cost of £ 46, with the Club providing unskilled labour. A third Hard Court was under consideration for the area east of the Nissen hut. 87
Annual General Meeting. Dr. A.M. Roome became Vice-president for the next three years. A new rule was adopted by which the Vice-President would automatically be the Chairmen of the General Committee. It was felt that there might be administration difficulties if the Vice-president happened not to be chosen by the Committee as their Chairman. New members, joining after 15th. October in any year, would be called upon to pay only £ 2-2-0 Subscription in their first year. It was pointed out to members that the delays in restoring the Club were not due to a question of money, but purely owing to difficulties in getting permission to carry out the works. General. The Staff Xmas Fund at Xmas 1946 had totalled £ 40, and was distributed in proportion of the respective wages. Sunday teas were still a problem, and in April a Miss Phillips was engaged as Sunday Stewardess at 2/6 per hour. Because of the fuel shortage, no fires were allowed in the Bridge Room after the end of May, and it was decided to cut up and use all the wood lying around the grounds. An oil radiator was bought for the Bridge Room. Miss Rogers presented 3 pairs of silver cups, for Mixed Doubles at the Tennis Tournament, Handicap Doubles at the July Croquet Tournament, and for a Bowls Pairs competition. These are the Le Mesurier Cups, of which all the winners are listed in Appendix 4 for Tennis, Appendix 7 for Croquet and Appendix 6 for Bowls. Bridge. The Small Bridge Room was re-opened in April with the intention of using it mainly for the 3d. players, but also as an overflow from the main room. The latter was re- decorated in May. In June, Mrs. Rowlandson wanted members to take their tea into the Bridge Room but the Bridge Sub-Committee ruled against this, and Mrs. Rowlandson, in pique, resigned her position as Bridge and Tea Hostess. Thereafter, the functions of Bridge Hostess and Caterer were separated, and Mrs. French returned as Caterer at £ 2-10-0 per week, and Mrs. Spargo was discharged. Mrs. Acton took over as Bridge Hostess. Evening Bridge was tried during the summer and continued into the winter, but attendances fell off and it was dis-continued in December. Mrs. Rowlandson again ran a Bridge afternoon for Earl Haig's Fund. Bowls. The Bowls Sub-Committee decided to lend the Green to the Games Club, under certain conditions, for their July Open Tournament, and this was agreed. Although crazy paving was authorised by the Committee, round the north and east sides of the Green at a cost of £ 96, the work permit for the job was not granted. However, the ditch around the Green was turfed. The gift of the Le Mesurier Cups for an annual pairs knock-out competition has already been mentioned above. Tennis. The Devon L.T.A. wanted to play a County match v. Dorset on the Club's courts on a Sunday in June, but the request was regretfully refused owing to lack of facilities for lunch, and absence of ball boys and Club staff. For the Tennis Tournament, Mrs. Jones Bateman commenced her long period as Chairman of the Tournament Committee and Capt. A.K. Thower was again the Referee and Handicapper. Some increases were made in Admission Charges and Stand seat charges. The Corner Stand was reserved for the Committee, provided they booked early. The Large Bridge Room was used as a Sitting Room during the Tournament. The events were similar to those of 1946, and entries were rather better. The Rogers 88
Challenge Cups (Le Mesurier Cups) were competed for, for the first time, in the Mixed Level Doubles. The Tournament income was £ 548, with Gate receipts and Stand tickets much higher than in the previous year, but the gross profit was only £ 110, of which £ 50 was charged to Lawn Repairs and £ 50 to Establishment Charges, leaving a declared net profit of only £ 10. In December, the L.T.A. ruled that, in future, competitors at tournaments could receive expenses, and this caused great dismay to the Committee, but the implications on the 1948 Tournament were not discussed. Croquet. In July, it was suggested that, as there were rarely more than two Croquet Lawns in use at a time, one of the Croquet Lawns should be converted into a Putting Green, but this idea came to naught. Two Croquet Tournaments were held, in mid-May and mid-July. For the May Tournament, Capt. K.H. Coxe and Mr. E.G. Heathcote were joint Managers, Referees and Handicappers. There were only 4 events, and no 'A' Class event. There was a level Singles for players of 3 bisques and over, without lifts, for the Raydon Stone Cup; a handicap Singles for those of 8 bisques and over; a Big Handicap, played on a colour sequence basis, for the Godfrey Turner Cup; and a handicap Doubles, with a combined handicap of at least 6 bisques, also played on a colour sequence basis; all the games were limited to 3 hours. Two lawns were lent by the Exmouth Club, but there were only 21 entrants. The colour sequence method of play, had, of course, been officially abandoned in 1920, and the experiment of using it for the Tournament was not a success. The trophy winners are listed in Appendix 7. In the July Tournament, Managed and Handicapped by Mr. Neville Oddie, with S.Horsley as Referee, there were 5 events, an 'A' Class Singles for the Croquet Association West of England Challenge Cup ( won by D.H.V. Hamilton-Miller; a second Open Singles, on the colour sequence basis, for the Colman Cup; a level Singles, without lifts, for players of at least 2 bisques, for the Longman Cup; a Big Handicap for the Oliver Bowl; and a Handicap Doubles, for the newly presented Le Mesurier Cups, played on a colour sequence basis, with no two minus players as partners. Six lawns were available, with another two at Exmouth. There were 40 entrants. Entry Fees totalled £ 56, out of which the Club profit was £ 24, with a further profit on lunches of £ 16. New Lease. In September, a most far-reaching decision regarding the Club's future was taken. The Rolle Estate had suggested that the Club should raise the matter of an extension of the Club lease, which was due to expire on 29th. September 1970, and provided for a rent of £ 50 per year. After much discussion, this lease was surrendered in exchange for a new lease for 75 years from 29th. September 1947 at a rent of £ 100 per year, as a means of safeguarding the interests of the Club for the benefit of future generations. After approval at a Special General Meeting in November, the new lease was signed in December. Financial Results. The Club's income, at £ 2194 about £ 100 higher than in 1946, and included a much improved level of playing members' subscriptions, at £ 793. Over the year, the Club had lost 31 members through resignation or death, but new recruits roughly balanced this loss. There was a much improved profit from Drinks at £ 207, since sales had risen to £ 947, and also on Catering at £ 243. In spite of the buoyant income, there was a loss on the year of £ 88, because of increased expenditure, which totalled £ 2282. Wages ( including Salaries and National Insurance) were £ 1375, higher because of increased staff, and Repairs were £ 242, including £ 92 for Hard Court reconditioning, £ 27 for resurfacing of paths, and a host of small jobs. 89
Rates were now £ 80, compared with £ 49 in 1946, and Legal Charges in connection with the new lease were £ 62. Further details of income and expenditure are given in Appendix 2. At the year end, the Club's balance was £ 2701, with £ 1784 in the P.O. Savings Bank and £ 817 in the Devon & Exeter Savings Bank. Recruits. During the year, Major G. F. Stone joined the Club.
1948. Personnel. The Staff Xmas Fund amounted to £ 44 contributed by 108 members, only about 30% of the total. In February, the wages of Mrs. French, the Stewardess, who had returned to the Club the previous year, were, raised to £ 3 per week, but she was not really happy in the winter, as there were so few people about, especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and she got very bored. In the summer, she was quite happy. Miss Phillips gave up doing Sunday teas in May, and other helpers had to be found. Grounds. The cutting up, in late 1947, of the tree trunks with which the grounds were littered had cleared a lot of waste land, and, in January, the area to the west of No. 4 Croquet Lawn (and south of the Club House) was planted with flowering and other trees, and bulbs, the gifts of many members. The area of the extreme northerly strip, which had been abandoned in 1939, was still in a very rough state, and it was proposed to turn part of it into more allotments, but the Rolle Estate turned the idea down, on the grounds that it could be a source of nuisance to other lessees, thereby infringing the terms of the lease. The Bowling Green path paving was proceeded with, and the south side of the Green, which was tending to slip, was buttressed with stone in July, at a cost of £ 55. The Lawns Committee felt that the lawns, although by no means perfect, compared well with other Clubs' lawns. However, they arranged for the lawns to be examined, in July, by the Devon County Horticultural Superintendent from Bicton College, who recommended treatment with a peat-based fertilizer. To treat all the lawns would have cost £ 200, and only one Croquet Lawn and two Tennis courts were treated in the autumn, apparently with good results, but there is no record of any further lawns being treated with it. In spite of the instructions given in 1947 regarding the management of the Bowling Green, there were further complaints that the Green was being ruined because the strings were not being moved often enough. Croquet. The lack of regular Croquet players had been deplored at the Annual General Meeting, and it is said that there were only about 11 regular players. As a result, Major Stone started persuading many others to take up the game and he got a coaching scheme going, and really injected new life into Croquet activities. Despite petrol restrictions, it was decided to run one Tournament, in mid-July, using Nos. 2 - 6 Tennis courts as additional lawns, instead of using Nos. 9 - 12 Tennis courts, as formerly, if sufficient wood surrounds could be obtained. Some of these were lent by Exmouth Club. Six lawns were in use. The Tournament was Managed and Handicapped by Mrs. R.C.J. Beaton, with S.Horsley as Referee. The Open Singles was played on the two - life system (Draw and Process) for the Colman Cup; the 'B' Class Singles, for the Longman Cup, was level without lifts, for players of 2 - 6.5; there was a 'C' Class handicap Singles for those of 7 bisques and over; a Big Handicap for the Oliver Bowl; and a Handicap Doubles, with a combined handicap of at least scratch, for the Le Mesurier Cups. There were 44 entrants, and H.O. Hicks commenced his long run 90
as the major event winner. Entry Fees totalled £ 48, out of which the Club profit was £ 24, with a further profit on lunches of £ 12. Tennis Tournament. Mrs. Jones Bateman was again Chairman of the Tournament Committee and Capt. Trower again the Referee. Early in the year, the Devon L.T.A. had announced that they proposed to write to certain foreign countries, inviting them to send players to the South Devon Tournaments, provided the Clubs were willing and able to pay their expenses. The Exmouth Club decided they would have nothing to do with this idea, and the Club Committee felt the same. As regards the expenses of British players, they decided that expense claims would be very closely scrutinised, and in any case limited to £ 50 in total. Entries were somewhat better than in 1947, and with Gate receipts well up, the Tournament income was £ 625. Entertainment Tax had been reduced and took only £ 50 compared with £ 97 the year before. In the event, Players' Expenses came to only £ 4. There was a gross profit of £ 193, of which £ 75 was charged to Lawn Repairs and £ 75 to Establishment Charges, leaving the declared net profit at £ 43, in addition to which there was a profit on lunches of £ 17. In lieu of the collection for the staff that had previously been customary, collection boxes were placed in both Pavilions, and nearly £ 10 was raised, mainly through the efforts of Mrs. Kitchin, which was augmented to £ 20 by the Club. Hot water was re-installed in both Dressing Rooms, later in the year. Archery. In April, there had been an enquiry from outside regarding the possible letting of the disused land, on the extreme northerly strip, for Archery, but after a ruling that the interested persons should become playing members of the Club, nothing further was heard. Bridge. The Bridge Hostess, Mrs. Acton, seems to have had a difficult time, being treated very badly by some of the members. She also complained of having to deal with the fireplaces on Sunday mornings, but it was pointed out that this should not have been necessary, as when Sunday play was instituted it was on the clear understanding that no staff were to be involved. Her salary was increased to 30/- per week in March, but, in September, she resigned and was replaced by Mrs. Dooner. Evening Bridge on Wednesdays was restarted in May for the summer. The practice had developed of some members borrowing money from the Bridge takings in return for I.O.U's, but this was stamped on hard. There were many complaints from the Bridge Room; the chairs were too low, there was too much noise, and there were unpleasant draughts. General. The Secretary's Office (at the Lower Pavilion) and the main bar were broken into on the night of 21/22 May, but nothing much was taken, although some damage was done. Finance. A review of the first half-year's position indicated that, if catering staff wages was taken into account, there was a loss on Catering of about £ 5 per year. Sunday teas were a definite loss, and the overall average on about 5000 teas was a loss of about 2d. per tea. Because Wages and Salaries already amounted to about £ 1500 per year, and the new Insurance Scheme ( Beveridge Plan) would add additional expense, the price of teas was increased from 6d. to 9d., and Otter was to be given notice in the autumn. The Club income for the year was £ 2077, about £ 120 lower than in 1947, mainly because the profit on Drinks was down. Visitors' Fees were still falling, and were only £ 179. The total expenditure was up about £ 200 on the 1947 figure and was £ 2495. This was 91
mainly the result of a very high Repair bill, of £ 434, which included £ 245 on the Bowling Green, and £ 130 for painting both Pavilions. The Rent was now £ 100, and the Fuel bill was now £ 60. Further details of finances are given in Appendix 2. There was a loss on the year of £ 418, and at the year end the Club's balance was down to £ 2409, with £ 1830 in the P.O. Savings Bank and £ 531 in the Devon & Exeter Savings Bank. Recruits. During the year, Lt.Col G.E.Cave and Mr. & Mrs. L.G.Walters joined the Club.
1949. General. Mr. J. Hartree, who had done such a lot for the Club over a very long period, having been Vice-President from 1916 to 1938, and having later been Chairman of the Tennis Tournament Committee for some years, had died, leaving Dr. Meadows as the only Trustee, as Lt. Col. Oliver had died in 1942 without being replaced. Dr. A.M.Roome and Mr. H.J.Bennett were appointed Trustees at the Annual General Meeting. There were now 3 groundsmen, Charlesworth, Hunt and Dymond, Otter having been discharged late in 1948. Food restrictions continued, and this affected the quality of teas, so some members brought their own "eats", which was rather frowned on. Annual General Meeting. As expenses were rising continuously, members were urged to make every effort to induce their friends to join the Club and so increase revenue, otherwise they might have to face another increase in subscriptions. The Committee were pressed to use up the "nest egg" for the benefit of the Club and not allow it to trickle back to the Treasury as tax. It was formally decided to close the whole Club on Good Friday and on Xmas Day. Buildings. In February, it was reported that, although the hot water arrangements in the Dressing Rooms were complete, the gas supply for heating the water was not entirely satisfactory. In June, the lavatory plumbing in the Dressing Rooms had to be thoroughly overhauled, at a cost of £ 19. In November, there was a proposal to make the Tea Room more comfortable by putting in easy chairs, settees etc. but this was not agreed at all. Equally a proposal for a Ping-Pong Table in the Tea Room was turned down. Mrs. Dooner presented an illuminated list of Presidents and Vice-Presidents, for which Mrs. Sandercock gave the frame. This still hangs in the Tea Room and is regularly brought up to date. Personnel. In July, Mrs. Hillman, assistant Stewardess, resigned and was replaced by Mrs. Mears. Mrs. Sandercock was asked to supervise and advise on all matters concerned with the main Pavilion. This was the beginning of the "House Committee", with which Mrs. Sandercock was to be closely concerned for the next 24 years. Bowls. A request for the Bowls Shed to be enlarged was made at the Annual General Meeting, but was ruled to be quite out of the question. The Bowling Green had been lent to the Games Club by the Bowls Sub-Committee for their Tournament, without the matter being discussed by the General Committee. This action was criticised by Mrs. Jones Bateman, and led to Mr. J.H. Bennett taking umbrage, and he resigned from the Tennis Tournament Committee, chaired by Mrs. Jones Bateman, in protest. Later, the Committee agreed to the loan of the Bowling Green in 1950 for the Games Club Open Tournament, and for the Devon County Open Singles Championship. Capt. Folker promised a cup for the Club Ladies' Singles Championship. (See 1950.) The Evans Cup for an American Pairs Competition was presented, for annual competition; 92
the winners of this and other Bowls Cups are given in Appendix 6. Croquet. For the July Tournament, the Croquet Sub-Committee wished to have the use of 8 lawns, but as this would leave only the two Hard Courts and two Grass courts for Tennis for a fortnight, it was decided to allow only 7 lawns for the Croquet Tournament. ( This implies that none of the extreme northerly strip was in commission at all.) Mrs. E.E. Turner was Manager and Handicapper, with S. Horsley as Referee. The 'A' Class Singles was again played as the best of 3 games throughout. The 'B' Class Singles was level, without lifts, for those of 2 - 6.5 bisques, for the Longman Cup, while the 'C' Class Singles was for all those of 7 bisques and over, on handicap. The Big Handicap was for the Oliver Bowl, and in the Doubles (for the Le Mesurier Cups) the combined handicap had to be at least scratch. The cup winners are listed in Appendix 7. There were 52 entrants, and the Club profit was £ 25, with a further profit of £ 18 on lunches. The Hutchinson Cup was presented for a Handicap Singles American event for Club Members, and used for this annually to 1962, when it became the trophy for an autumn knock-out competition for those who did not enter for the Club Championship. The winners are listed in Appendix 8. Tennis. An inter-county match, Devon v. Dorset, was played in June. For the Tennis Tournament, Mrs. Jones Bateman was again Chairman of the Tournament Committee, and Capt. Trower again the Referee. Entries were higher than for some time, although not up to the levels of the earlier years shewn on page 86. However, there were 80 entrants for the Men's Level Singles. For details see Page 106. Mrs. Kitchen collected £ 11 for the staff, which was made up to £ 17 by the Club. There was a profit of £ 233, of which £ 150 was charged for Lawn Repairs and Establishment Charges, leaving a declared net profit of £ 83. In addition, there was a profit of £ 55 on Catering, and £ 30 at the Bar. Financial data are given in more detail in Appendix 3. After the Tournament, there was an argument about the sale of reserved seats, some being in favour of giving members priority, and others complaining that some members bought very large blocks of seats, thereby depriving others of reserving seats. In November, it was decided to fit back rests on the top tier of seats, and to charge extra for this row in 1950. Bridge. In May, it was agreed to hold Duplicate Bridge sessions on two evenings per month, and ordinary Bridge on two other evenings per month. An electric exhaust fan was installed in the main Bridge Room, to improve the ventilation. There was another argument in December over stakes, over a suggestion that the maximum stakes should be 3d. The decision was that those members who wished to play for less than the ruling maximum of 6d. should use the Small Bridge Room, which was already set aside for 3d. players. In any case, there was nothing to prevent members playing for any stake less than 6d. that they agreed. Grounds. The Lawns Committee were authorised to spend up to £ 500 on winter work on the lawns, and Plant Protection Ltd. were invited to inspect the lawns and make recommendations. Unfortunately there is no record of what the recommendations were. The water pressure was a continual source of worry, and an investigation was started to see what could be done to improve it. At the end of the year, it was decided to work out schemes for improving the West Gateway, and possibly making a new Car Park. Finance. Another review was made of the profitability of providing teas, especially 93
in the winter, as only about a half of the Bridge players took tea. Teas on Sundays was a dead loss, as, over one month, there was an average of only 5 teas each Sunday. The price ( 9d.) seemed to be the main objection, but, in view of the costs involved, this could not be reduced. For the 10 months to the end of October, excluding the Tournaments, takings were £ 299, while the cost of food was £ 155, whilst wages cost £ 175, and there were added costs for gas and electricity. It was therefore decided to discontinue Sunday teas after November, and members were authorised to bring their own "eats", and tea in a Thermos, on Sundays. For the year, the Club income was £ 2152, slightly higher than in 1948. Detailed figures are given in Appendix 2, but playing members' Subscriptions and Entry Fees were both down on the previous year. The expenditure was £ 2257, about £ 200 less than in 1948, largely because of lower Repair costs. Wages and Salaries were £ 1329, nearly £ 100 less than in 1948, but the Fuel bill was still rising and was now £ 76. There was a loss on the year of £ 106, and at the year end, the Club's balance was £ 2365, with £ 1876 in the P.O. Savings Bank, and £ 237 in the Devon & Exeter Savings Bank.
1950. Personnel. The Xmas Staff Fund had amounted to £ 49, again subscribed by only 108 members. The outside staff applied for an increase of 10/- per week in their wages, and this was granted in March on the understanding that this would cover all overtime at Tournaments etc. This brought the level to £ 5-5-0 for Charlesworth, and to £ 4-10-0 for Hunt and Dymond. Charlesworth's bar was to be closed on Tuesday afternoons, when he was granted the half-day off, but it would be open on Saturday afternoons. In September, Charlesworth's work was considered to be unsatisfactory, and it was decided to discharge him and to appoint Hunt as Head Groundsman, although there was some doubt as to his ability to run the bar. However, Hunt did not want the responsibility of being in charge, and Charlesworth was therefore reprieved for the time being. In April, Mrs. Sandercock asked to be relieved of her responsibilities as Chairman of the House Committee, and was succeeded by Mrs. Ackerman. Mrs. Sandercock, however, continued to assist her. A new assistant Stewardess, Mrs. Lanning, was taken on as Mrs. French's assistant at 8/- per afternoon, from April. At the Annual General Meeting, Mr. A. Lawson-Walton was elected as Vice-President for the next three years. Sunday teas, in the summer, were run by Miss Brounlie and Miss J.Cooper, who had apparently done them in 1949 also. In March, an Emergency Committee of 3 was instituted to deal with urgent matters that could not wait for a full Committee meeting. The members were the Chairman, Deputy Chairman and Mrs. Jones Bateman. Buildings and Grounds. The investigation, reported in 1949 into the inadequate water pressure concluded that there was no remedy. A second Ascot water heater was needed in the Dressing Rooms, but the gas main was inadequate. The Gas Board quoted £ 75 for a larger main, but this was considered to be excessive. A heater, fed by Bottogas was installed in the Men's Dressing Room in the spring, and a hot and cold shower installed in the Ladies' Room, but the gas supply was still unsatisfactory for the latter. Although the Gas Board now offered to relay the gas main for £ 94
15, it was considered prudent to investigate the alternative of converting the Ladies' Ascot heater also to Calor Gas. The cost of the proposed new Car Park at the west gateway was found to be of the order of £ 200, but Planning Permission would be necessary and a Development Charge would be levied, so it was decided merely to level the ground and remove some hedges at a cost of £ 44. The work was done in April and May. The Bowling Green was closed, in May, for repairs, and No. 1 Croquet Lawn ( the old Centre Court ) was allocated to Bowls pro tem. The trouble with the Green was due to moss and lack of rain at the right time, but fears were expressed that there had been some misuse of chemicals, which had killed the grass. Mr. H. Carter offered to put the Green right, if he was given a free hand. He did a good job, and the Green was back in use about July. When the question of some reward to him was discussed, Mr. Carter wanted to join the Club, but he was not accepted. As he was President of the Games Club, a donation of £ 20 was made to their Improvement Fund in recognition of Mr. Carter's help. It was reported in March that there was a lot of yarrow in the various banks, but as the only known remedy was to dig it out, which was out of the question, no action was taken. Croquet. There was only one Tournament, which took place in mid-July, with Mrs. Edmund Reeve as Manager, Referee and Handicapper. There were 47 entrants, and 8 lawns were in use, the events being the same as in 1949. H.O. Hicks again won the Colman Cup. The other trophy winners are given in Appendix 7. The Club profit was £ 22, and the groundsmen shared a sum of £ 5 from a collection for them. Mrs. Rotherham presented the Novices Salver for annual competition among beginners. Winners of this trophy are listed in Appendix 8. Tennis. For the first time, Budleigh Salterton was one of the venues for the Inter- County week in late July. The financial arrangements were that the Club took half of the profits, the other half going to the Devon L.T.A. This year, the Club share was £ 10. It was agreed to hold another Inter-County Week here in 1951, but the date was very close after the Croquet Tournament, which made things difficult for the groundsmen. For the Tennis Tournament, Mrs. Jones Bateman was again the Chairman of the Tournament Committee, and Capt. Trower once more the Referee. Entries were well up, but, owing to rain, the Mixed Doubles Handicap event had to be cancelled. The gross profit was £ 212, of which £ 150 was charged to Lawn Repairs and Establishment Charges, leaving a declared net profit of £ 62. In addition, it was estimated that there was £ 72 profit on Catering plus some bar profits. For further financial data, see Appendix 3. Mrs. Kitchin again collected about £ 10 for the staff, which was made up to £ 17 by the Club. In view of the 1949 complaints, the purchase of good Stand seats was limited to a maximum of 4 seats to any one person, at a time. Mrs. Larcombe was to resume tennis coaching in 1951, and she was to be allowed the use of one Hard Court each morning during the winter, and during school holidays, and the use of one Grass court daily in the summer. Bridge. Following the argument over stakes in 1949, a further shot was fired in the stakes battle, when a motion was put to the Annual General Meeting, in March, to limit stakes to 3d. This ended in a compromise, under which stakes would generally be limited to 3d. but at private or set tables a maximum of 6d. was authorised. Further the Bridge Sub- committee were empowered to arrange a 6d. partnership day once per week. This decision was not liked by the Bridge Sub-Committee, and, in August, a Special General Meeting was summoned. There it was said that the reduction of stakes in March had not led to any increase in members, nor to any more revenue from Table Money, and it 95
had produced a very bad atmosphere in the Bridge Room, which had led to the resignation of the Bridge Hostess, Mrs. Dooner, who had been replaced by Mrs. Wilmot. It was reported that "there was an intolerant, selfish attitude of a few members, who, to a point of obsession, tried to force their opinions on to others", and the Chairman had to appeal to all to preserve normal courtesies and to accept majority decisions. ( No wonder it got the name of the "Snake Pit".) Many speakers referred to the bad feeling in the Bridge Room, and the bad attitude of the 6d. players since the decision was taken in March. However, the final decision was to revert to the former 6d. maximum, but the voting was very close, 53 for, and 43 against. The usual Haig Day event was again organised by Mrs. Rowlandson. Finance. At the Annual General Meeting, in March, it had again been emphasised that unless more members could be recruited, subscriptions would have to be increased again, since the total subscription income was now £ 200 less than the wage bill, whereas, in 1938, the reverse had been the case. For 1950, the Club income was £ 1967, about a£ 200 below the 1949 figure. Playing members' subscriptions were still falling and were now down to £ 701 and Entry Fees were only £ 29. Visitors' Fees were also down, at £ 165. Further figures are given in Appendix 2. On the other hand, expenditure was £ 200 more than in 1949, at £ 2412. There had been a heavy expense of £ 193 for Lawn Materials, of which £ 124 had been for the Bowling Green. There was a loss on the year of £ 445, which included about £ 250 of non-recurring charges, of which £ 100 had been spent on new carpets for the Tea and Bridge Rooms. There were also Capital expenditure items of £ 62 for a new motor mower, and £ 51 on the Car Park. At the end of the year, the Club's balance was down to £ 1817, of which £ 1672 was in the P.O. Savings Bank. The deposit in the Devon & Exeter Savings Bank had all been used up.
1951. General. This was a year in which the difficulties of keeping the Club going, in the face of rapidly increasing expenditure and gradually decreasing income, were pre-eminent. At the Annual General Meeting, there was an appeal from the Chairman for everyone to make more effort on behalf of the Club, and to refrain from running the Club down, an odious reference to the acrimonious differences that had arisen in 1950 over Bridge Room stakes. It was stated that the Club was now in a good state of repair ( but it is likely that the extreme northerly strip of ground - comprising the present Nos. 9 & 10 Croquet Lawns - had not been properly rehabilitated) and that it was wrong to go on running the Club on a deficit each year, gradually using up the "nest egg" that had been accumulated during the war. The time had come for income to balance expenditure, and this needed an additional £ 450 per year of income, as expenditure was likely to continue at about £ 2400 per year. It was pointed out that subscription rates at the Cranford Club were much higher than ours were. It was agreed to increase subscriptions to £ 4-4-0 for playing members (with £ 2-2-0 for a third or subsequent member of a family) and to £ 1-11-6 for non-playing members. The cheap Visitors' Fees for visitors staying with members were also abolished. These changes would increase income by about £ 170 per year, and a further increase in subscriptions might be necessary in another year's time. In the meantime, every effort would be made to reduce expenditure. In April, because the increases in subscriptions agreed at the Annual General Meeting 96
were barely adequate, a Finance Committee was appointed to consider all aspects of the Club's finances. The increase in subscriptions was evidently not welcomed by many members, as it was reported in April that 5 playing members and 23 non-playing members had resigned, and 14 playing members had transferred to non-playing status. Personnel. The 1950 Xmas Staff Fund had amounted to barely £ 40, contributed by only 96 members. It was now realised that many members did not use the Club during the winter and so were unlikely to contribute, so it was decided to put up a list in July for a combined Holiday and Xmas Fund, but whether this was ever done, and what the effect was, is not recorded. Miss Brounlie and Miss Cooper again undertook to do Sunday teas in the summer, free of charge, assisted by the Bridge Hostess. In September, the Secretary, Capt. Parsons, announced that he wished to resign after 8 years in the job. After various offers of voluntary help, the outcome was that Lt. Col. G.E. Cave, assisted by Mr. Ackermann, would take over as Temporary Hon. Secretary. At the Annual General Meeting, Dr. Meadows resigned his position, as a Trustee, and was replaced by Mr. A. Lawson-Walton. Buildings. The Gas Board withdrew their latest offer to relay the gas main to the Dressing Rooms, and, in February, it was decided to go ahead with the scheme to use Calor Gas for the additional water heater. In October, it was decided to try to make the Tea Room more attractive by the introduction of Screens and easy chairs. Bridge. Evidently in response to the agitation about stakes in 1950, Wednesdays became 3d. days from March. In April, Thursdays also became 3d. days. So, at last, both the 3d. and the 6d. players were catered for. In April, in order to effect some economy, the post of paid Bridge Hostess was abolished, and the war-time arrangement of volunteer Hostesses was reverted to, with the understanding that such hostesses would not be forced to join, or make up a table, against their inclination. The volunteers did duty once in 6 weeks, but when the rules for the guidance of hostesses were drawn up, there was a clash of wills between the Bridge Sub-Committee (who laid it down that hostesses should make up a table when there were 3 others waiting, but should refrain from cutting-in to the exclusion of another player) and the General Committee (who stuck to their earlier decision), and there were threats of resignation in the air. In October, the question of taking teas into the Card Room came up again. (See 1947). The Bridge Sub-Committee were in favour of permitting this, a complete volte face, but the General Committee forbade it because of the likelihood of damage to cloths, cards, etc. Archery. There had been some revival of Archery, as the Chairman, at the Annual General Meeting had expressed the wish that it should be encouraged as a means of recruiting additional members. The area used was probably that of the present Nos. 9 & 10 Croquet Lawns, since the 1955 Ordnance Map has the words "Archery Ground" on that part of the site, (see Fig. 5). The Archers kept their gear in the Dressing Rooms, but, during the winter, used the Bowls Shed instead. Dances. In another endeavour to assist the Club's finances, it was decided to hold weekly Dances over a period of about 8 weeks in the summer, hiring a band and a piano. However, this immediately led into difficulties over the intention to sell drinks to those attending the dances, and before this intention could be implemented it was necessary for 97
the Club to have a rule conferring temporary membership on those attending, to avoid conflict with the licensing laws. A Special General Meeting, to pass such a rule, was held in July, but no Dances could be held until the new rule had been passed. Evidently, at least one Dance was held, which was reported as a great success. Croquet. One Croquet Tournament was held, in mid-July, using 8 lawns, with Mrs. Edmund Reeve again as Manager, Referee and Handicapper. There were 50 entrants, and the pattern of events was the same as in 1950, with H.O. Hicks again winning the Colman Cup. The Club made a profit of £ 23 on the Tournament, and, in addition, there were estimated profits of £ 25 on Catering and £ 12 on bar sales. £ 6 was collected for the groundsmen. Tennis. There was again an Inter-County Week, from which the Club made a profit of £ 20. For 1952, the L.T.A. suggested that one of the Men's Groups should play at Budleigh Salterton, and one of the Ladies' Groups at Exmouth, but this idea was not accepted by the Committee, who felt that it would split a not very large potential gate. A Devon v. Cornwall match was played here in June. Tennis Tournament. Mrs. Jones Bateman was again the Chairman of the Tournament Committee, with G.J. Passfield as Referee in place of Capt. Trower, who had died. It is reported that the weather during the Tournament was the worst in anyone's memory, although only one day's rain insurance was received. None of the events was completed, and Gate Money was very low, with the result that the gross profit was only £ 85. In spite of the fears expressed a few years earlier about players' expenses, they had so far been negligible. Miss Marriott collected over £ 13 for the staff, which was made up to £ 17, as before, by the Club. When the question of running a Tournament in 1952 came to be discussed in September, when a Referee would have to be booked, it was evident that there was a great deal of feeling that the Tournament should be dis-continued. However, the Finance Committee recommended that it should be held. Finance. Apart from recommending the continuance of the Tennis Tournament, the Finance Committee made a number of other proposals, in October, some of which were accepted and some rejected. The final decisions were :- 1. The Tennis Tournament would be held in 1952, but it would be treated as an entirely self-contained enterprise, with the whole of the financial proceedings kept separate from the Club's accounts. 2. A proposal that there should be a permanent Hon. Secretary and Hon. Treasurer was held in abeyance. 3. The fall in Bridge Table Money was viewed very seriously, and a General Meeting of all Bridge players was to be held to consider this. 4. More Dances were to be organised in 1952. 5. A proposal that there should be a Wine Committee was not agreed. 6. Children's Tennis was to be encouraged, in August 1952. 7. A proposal to reduce the ground staff to 2 permanent men, with casual labour engaged in the summer only, was not accepted, as casual labour was so scarce. The Club income for 1951 was £ 2098, about £ 100 up on 1950. As a result of the increases in subscription rates, the subscription income showed a welcome rise. The profit on Drinks had risen appreciably, and was £ 228 on sales of £ 923; Further data are given in 98
Appendix 2. The accounts include an item of £ 14 on a "Mikado Concert", about which there is no other reference. Expenditure, at £ 2173, was about £ 230 less than in 1950. Wages, at £ 1306 were down about £ 100 from the 1950 level, presumably partly because of the resignation of the Secretary. The Fuel bill was still rising and was now £ 87, and Rates cost £ 111. The net result was a loss on the year of £ 75, which reduced the Club's balance to £ 1682, of which the P.O. Savings Bank deposit had fallen to £ 1458. Thus, each of the last 4 years had shown a loss, which, in total, amounted to over £ 1000, and the "nest egg" had been depleted by this amount. Recruits. During the year, Col. & Mrs. D.W. Beamish joined the Club.
SUMMARY.
With the end of 1951 came the end of the period described as "The Long, Slow Haul Back", which had commenced as soon as the war was over. As has been evident, the restrictions due to shortages of materials, or lack of Building Permits, led to a lot off delay in getting anything done. However, practically all that the Club wished to do as regards the rehabilitation of the buildings had been done by the end of 1951. On the other hand, the restoration of the grounds to their pre-war condition was far from complete. The Tennis courts (Nos. 15 & 16), on which the Nissen huts had been built by the Military, had become a rough Car Park. The northern strip, comprising the present Nos. 9 & 10 Croquet Lawns had not been reconditioned, and was being used for Archery. The allotments remained as such. Tennis had not, by any means, recovered its former pre-eminence, mainly owing to the lack of young people, a situation that has been described in the Summary to Section 7 (see page 83). However, the Tennis Tournament was still successful. A lot of money had been spent on improving the Bowling Green, and Croquet was progressing steadily. Receipts from the Bridge Room had fallen off a lot from the very high levels recorded during the war years, and the steady increase in wages and other costs had necessitated some increase in subscriptions to enable current normal expenditure to be more nearly met from current normal income. At the end of the period, the Club had £ 1682 in hand. The era of having a paid Secretary had come to an end, and the Club had reverted to the pre-1924 arrangement of having an Hon. Secretary and an Hon. Treasurer.
SECTION 9. - A DIFFICULT DECADE. 1952 - 196l.
1952. Organisation. Instead of a salaried Secretary, there was once again an Hon. Secretary (Lt. Col. G.E. Cave) and an Hon. Treasurer (Mr. E. Ackermann). Furthermore, as the professional Auditors were proposing to raise their fees again, it was decided in February, to have an Hon. Auditor, and Mr. Duncum was later appointed. The Hon. Secretary and the Hon. Treasurer were ex-officio members of the General Committee. At the Annual General Meeting, a new rule was adopted for further democratisation of the Sectional Sub-Committees, by which these were to be elected by the members of each section, instead of being appointed by the General Committee. Each of the Sub-Committees would consist of 6 members, of whom 2 would retire annually in rotation. They would have 99
the power of co-opting additional members, and they would frame bye-laws for the sections, and control the running of the sections, with the exception of finance, subject to the over-riding veto of the General Committee. The Lawns and House Sub-Committees would consist of 3 members each, and would continue to be apppointed by the General Committee, one member to retire annually, in rotation. Other changes approved by the Annual General Meeting were a. that the Club Premises could be hired by members for private parties, at which non- members could be present, b. that residents of Budleigh Salterton could join the Club for one month, at the usual rates, as Temporary Members, and the fees paid would be refunded if they later became members of the Club. In June, members of H.M. Forces, on the Active List, and their wives, living or quartered within 3 miles of the Club, were to be allowed to become Temporary Members at normal rates, or at half rates for play after 5 p.m. In May, the General Committee confirmed an earlier ruling forbidding dogs in the grounds during the summer. Personnel. The 1951 Xmas Staff Fund totalled £ 51, subscribed by 123 members, 13 more than at the previous Xmas. This was distributed as to £ 15 to Charlesworth, £ 10 each to Hunt and Dymond, £ 11 to Mrs. French and £ 5 to Mrs. Lanning. The ability and efficiency of the ex-Secretary, Capt. Parsons, was highly praised at the Annual General Meeting, and it was pointed out that it was through him that the Club was staging, in 1952, an Inter- County Tennis Week, for the third year running. In November, Mrs. Ackermann resigned from the House Committee and Mrs. Sandercock again took charge. Buildings. Some progress was made in refurnishing the Tea Room, and £ 12 was spent on improving the bar there. A baby grand piano was bought in June, for £ 25. The question of the Telephone Box on the Verandah came up again several times, members wanting to have it moved inside the Pavilion. However, the Committee decided not to move it, but to install a light on the Verandah, to enable members to find their way to the box in the dark. Lights were also to be installed on the Verandah for use during Dances. The ventilation of the Bridge Room was again criticised, but, on investigation, it was found that the fans only needed to be lubricated occasionally. In June, Mr. & Mrs. Heywood presented several pictures for hanging in the "Lounge" (i.e. the Tea Room). The flat roof of the Kitchen continued to give trouble. Charlesworth's bar was run as usual, during the summer, and, in an attempt to improve conditions there, ventilators were ordered in July. Lawns. At the end of 1951, a Soil Shed had been built for £25. (This may be the shed north of the Dressing Rooms.) In June, the Lawns Committee produced a memorandum severely criticising the way in which coarse grass and weeds were being allowed to go to seed on the various banks and in the outlying parts of the grounds, leading to the deterioration of the lawns. They recommended that all such areas should be cut three times per year, and that an Allen motor scythe should be obtained for this purpose. There was also a lot of clover, which should be treated with lawn sand, and a large variety of weeds that were spoiling the lawns, which needed to be treated with selective weed-killers. They also recommended that a better quality of grass seed should be obtained for use in the autumn on the tennis court base-line areas, etc. The Allen motor scythe was purchased ( £ 85) together with several 100
other mechanical appliances. Croquet. It was agreed that all Tournament competitors should be made Hon. Members of the Club for the duration of the Tournament. One Tournament was held, in mid-July, with Mrs. Edmund Reeve as Manager and Handicapper, and the Rev. Brackenbury as Referee. There were 53 entrants, and 8 lawns were in use. The 'A' Class Singles, for the Colman Cup, was this year played on a Draw and Process basis, and was again won by H.O. Hicks. Other events were as in 1951. The Club made a profit of £ 24. Tennis. The Hard Courts again needed the attention of the En-Tout-Cas Co. at a cost of £ 16 plus cartage. The Inter-County Week was held for the third successive year, and resulted in a profit to the Club of £ 8. A county tennis match, Devon v. Cornwall, was played in June. Tennis Tournament. This was again under the Chairmanship of Mrs. Jones Sateman, and A. T. Hill was Referee and Handicapper. Doubts were expressed as to the stability of the grandstand, and accident insurance cover was increased to £ 2500. Entries were of the same order as in recent years, and with better weather, the gate receipts were much better than in 1951. Nevertheless, one wet day occurred and £ 40 was received from rain insurance. Catering receipts were kept separately and a profit of £ 120 was recorded, and included in the Tournament accounts, with the result that the total Tournament income was up to £ 694. The gross profit was £ 229, of which £ 45 was charged each to Lawn Repairs and Establishment Charges, leaving a declared net profit of £ 139. Details of the finances are given in Appendix 3. After the Tournament, there was criticism of the bar arrangements, and it was decided to appoint a Sub-Committee to investigate the whole future of the Tournament, taking into account the impact of higher taxation, payment to players, and the dying private hospitality. (This year, Payments to Players had risen to £ 45.) They were also to consider that, on the average, the Tournament had brought in an annual profit of about £ 200, which the Club could ill afford to lose. Bridge. Saturday was made a second 3d. day, in lieu of Thursday. Mrs. Rowlandson ran her usual Haig Day Fund afternoon. There had been pressure from Tennis players, to allow Canasta to be played, on an organised basis, on wet Wednesdays, and a trial was agreed. This was evidently popular, as in November, it was permitted on Thursdays also, in the small Card Room, Dances. Three dances were run in July and August, which were very successful. Finance . At the Annual General Meeting, it had been stressed that there was need for additional members, particularly to balance the loss brought about by the increase in non-playing members' subscriptions in 1951. This appeal does not seem to have had much effect, as Entry Fees, at £ 36, were no higher than in the previous year. Except for the higher profit from the Tennis Tournament, the various figures were very similar to those of 1951. (see data in Appendix 2.) The Catering profit was down because of the inclusion in the Tennis Tournament accounts of Catering profit during the Tournament. The total income was £ 2146. On the other hand, expenditure was down to £ 2047, mainly the effect of saving the Secretary's salary. The Fuel bill was now £ 100. There was therefore a profit on the year's working, of £ 99, a welcome change from the losses recorded in the previous few years. At the year end, the Club's balance was £ 1699, of which £ 1596 was in the P.0. Savings 101
Bank.
1953. General. The Sub-Committee, appointed in 1952, to consider the Tennis Tournament, reported that, in the best interests of the Club, it was desirable to continue to hold it. They concluded that, if the Tournament were abandoned, it could lead to the closing down of some of the lawns, which would adversely affect the Croquet Tournament, and the Inter-County Tennis, and could ultimately result in the gradual death of outside games generally. In a comprehensive review, at the Annual General Meeting, of the Club's position, the Vice-President had referred to the financial success of 1952, which was especially due to the voluntary help of the Hon. Secretary and Hon. Treasurer, and Hon. Auditor, which had saved the Club a substantial sum. Membership had risen and a profit had been recorded for the first time since 1947. However, he described the future as still obscure, with steadily rising costs and wages and the likelihood of increased Entertainment Tax on non-playing members at the Tennis Tournament. The Club would have to pay this, as it was felt that non-playing members' subscription rates had already reached a maximum level. It was therefore decided that all new members would pay a higher subscription, of £ 5- 5-0, whilst existing members would continue to pay £ 4-4-0-. ( In anticipation of this increase, there had been something of a rush to join the Club before the Annual General Meeting.) Apropos this new rate, it was said that the subscription at the Cranford Club was already £ 5-5-0. To a suggestion that £ 5-5-0 was a lot for only one game, the idea of separate subscriptions for various games was deemed to be very undesirable and quite impracticable. In order to attract younger members, it was agreed, at the Annual General Meeting, that "Relatives and Household guests of members, aged 18 - 25, may become playing members without Entrance Fee, for a subscription of £ 2-10-0 per year, for outdoor games only, but without a vote." Mrs. Jones-Bateman became Vice-President for the following 3 years, and her efforts (with those of Mrs. Larcombe) during the war, in keeping the Club going when so many clubs had folded up, and in increasing the Club's resources by some £ 2000, came in for great praise. Personnel. The 1952 Xmas Staff Fund had raised £ 52. Charlesworth, who was being considered for discharge in 1950, seems to have improved, although the criticisms of the Lawns Committee, from time to time, imply that he was not really giving satisfaction. In May, all the groundsmen requested and were given an increase of 10/-per week, bringing them to £ 5-15-0 for Charlesworth, and to £ 5 each to Hunt and Dymond. In May, Mr. Ackermann announced that he proposed to resign as Hon. Treasurer in September. He was asked to reconsider this decision, and he apparently did, as he was still functioning at the end of the year. Buildings. A new Electricity Tariff came into force which increased costs considerably. A search for economies proved that consumption could not be reduced without adversely affecting the amenities of the Club. Improvements were made to the Lower Bar, where a Watney Beer Machine was installed. At Mrs. Jones-Bateman's suggestion, the present Croquet Locker Room was 102
partitioned off, to make another office for use at the Tennis Tournament, and so save hiring a tent for the Referee. The alterations cost £ 44, and restored the partition that had been removed when the Dressing Rooms were built in 1906. It was reported that the Nissen hut was showing signs of wear! (It seems to have been conveniently forgotten that this was only supposed to remain in position until the end of 1950 ) An outbreak of wood-worm in the rafters of the Lower Pavilion was dealt with. Grounds and Lawns. This year, the Lawns Committee seems to have been very active. (Perhaps they, like others since, were becoming increasingly frustrated ). In February, they were allowed to spend £ 50 on spring dressings for the lawns. In July, they made a start on rehabilitating the derelict lawns on the extreme northern strip, by spraying one of them with Verdone, a selective weed-killer, using a sprayer lent by the Golf Club, with the idea of turning it into a Turf Nursery. (This area was used as a Car Park during the Tennis Tournament.) Then, in August, they were voted £ 100 for autumn/winter dressings and grass seed. In October, they put forward a very comprehensive programme of winter work, including aerating and sowing the tennis court base-line areas, and other bare patches; repairs to the Bowling Green, by replacing the worn west-ends of Rinks 1- 4 with turf from the south side, which was to be replaced by the worn turf and then, seeded; there was an enormous number of worms, and treatment with Mowrah Meal, costing £ 30 per ton, was recommended. All the lawns were to be aerated, and dressed with bone meal and fine sand. They planned to rest Nos. 3 & 4 Croquet Lawns in the spring of 1954 until the May Croquet Tournament, with temporary Croquet Lawns laid out on Nos. 2 - 5 Tennis courts. Moss on the Hard Courts was troublesome, and was treated with Sodium Chlorate. Many of the paths were re-tarred, and many of the fences were repaired and creosoted. Croquet. At the Annual General Meeting, it had been reported that much pioneering work had been done among the long-handicap players in 1952, and that the number of Croquet players was beginning to grow once more. Apart from the usual Club competitions, a Tournament was held in mid-July, using 8 lawns, with others available at Exmouth, if required. Mrs. Edmund Reeve was again Manager and Handicapper, with H.O. Hicks as Referee. There were 56 entrants, and the pattern of events was much the same as in recent years. Trophy winners are given in Appendix 7. The Club made a profit of £ 20. It was agreed, that, in 1954 there would be an unofficial Tournament in May, in addition to the usual July Tournament. Tennis. Another Inter-County Week was held, from which the Club made a profit of £ 5. The Devon L.T.A. were loaned 3 courts for two matches in June. Tennis Tournament. Mrs. Jones-Bateman was the Committee Chairman for the seventh year running, and A.T. Hill was again Referee and Handicapper. Entries were somewhat lower than of late, but Gate receipts were well up to recent levels. There seems to have been very little interruption from bad weather. A very welcome relief was obtained from a ruling that Clubs would no longer be subject to Entertainment Tax. Catering profits were not so good as in 1952, and the gross profit from the Tournament was £ 125, of which only £ 40 each was charged to Lawn Repairs and Establishment Charges, so the declared net profit was £ 45. Details of finance data are given in Appendix 3. In addition, there was an estimated profit on the bar of £ 20, and there was a profit of £ 25 on a Dance held during the week. Bridge. The conflict between those who wanted a 6d. maximum stake and those 103
who wanted the maximum fixed at 3d. continued, and, although there were two days per week on which the 3d. maximum applied, the 6d. players succeeded in getting a ruling that, on those days, a 6d. stake could apply to set tables, with a maximum of 3 set tables at a time. The usual Haig Day competition was arranged by Mrs. Rowlandson, on a private basis. In October, the need to refurnish the Bridge Room was evident, as the same tables and chairs were said to have been in use for 25 years. This was likely to cost £ 200, and, as a start, 56 chairs were re-upholstered at 45/- each, and new cloths were bought for £ 28. It was decided to hold a set-table day on the 2nd. Tuesday of each month, and to devote the proceeds to the re-furnishing fund. (This set-table day is still a regular feature, in 1973.) Canasta was still being played, and there was a Canasta Hostess (Miss Sutton), play being agreed on any day except Mondays and Fridays, when there were partnership Bridge days. Miscellaneous. This was Coronation Year, but the Club decided against taking part in any processions in the town. The Club was closed for Coronation Day, except for some T.V. arrangements, and the staff were on holiday. Charlesworth's bar was open as usual, during the summer, from 5.45 p.m. to 7 p.m., except on Tuesdays, and Charlesworth was given a bonus of 10/- per week for his responsibilities in this connection. Mr. Lawson-Walton (an ex-Vice-President) made a handsome gift of china to the Club. The first Hoover was purchased out of the Tax windfall, in response to a strong plea from Mrs. Sandercock. It is reported that Mrs. Larcombe presented a flag and flagpole for the Bowling Green, but this does not seem to be in evidence now, Finance. Early in the year, some of the Savings Bank deposit was invested in Government Stock in order to earn additional interest, and, in June, it was reported that this ( or some of it) had been re-sold at a profit of £ 29. The Club's income for the year was £ 2083. This included a rather better figure of £ 797 from Playing members' Subscriptions, but only £ 32 came from Entry Fees. Visitors' Fees were again down at £ 166, but Table Money showed a welcome rise to £ 306. Expenditure totalled £ 2075, with most figures very close to those of 1952. Further financial data are given in Appendix 2. There was thus a small profit of £ 8 on the year, and, at the year end, the Club was still in a healthy position with a balance of £ 1800, of which £ 1016 was in 3.5% Defence Bonds, £ 505 in the Devon & Exeter Savings Bank and £ 170 in the P.O. Savings Bank. Recruits. Among those who joined the Club during the year were Col. & Mrs. Tippett, and H.O. Hicks.
1954. Personnel. One of the major events of this year was the resignation of Charlesworth, the Head Groundsman, in March, after 14 years' service. There was a very poor response (under £ 5) to an invitation to subscribe to a parting gift for him, and this was made up to £ 8 by the Club. He was replaced by West, who returned from the Cranford Club, in April, at £ 7 per week. In order to give him a chance to act without divided control, the Lawns Committee was suspended. It was said to have been in existence primarily to keep Charlesworth on the rails, in view of some misgivings about his competence, but this statement seems to have overlooked the fact that there had been a Lawns Committee for most of the 100 years of the 104
Club's life. In retrospect, it would appear that West could also have benefitted from the guidance and advice of a competent Lawns Committee. The 1953 Xmas Staff Fund had amounted to £ 55, of which Charlesworth received £ 15, Hunt and Dymond £ 11 each, Mrs. French £ 13 and Mrs. Lanning £ 5. Mrs. Sandercock had broken her leg in December 1953, and Mrs. Wilkinson took over the House Committee for a time. Buildings. In February, it was decided to defer repairs to the Nissen hut until they became inevitable. Actually, it would seem that nothing was ever done at all. The Card Rooms were completely redecorated, and, in November, it was decided that the doors on the east side of the Tea Room would be kept locked during the winter. This is still done, to avoid loss of heat. Because the Lower bar had run at a loss in 1953, it was decided that, for 1954, it would be open only on Saturdays, and for Tournaments and other special occasions. Grounds. Many of the main posts for the fences were rotting, and, after some difficulty in getting supplies, 12 concrete posts were obtained, in December for the repair of the central fence. In September, there was a plague of leather jackets on the Bowling Green, which were dealt with by En-Tout-Cas exterminator. A further supply of Mowrah meal was obtained to complete the de-worming. At the end of the year, a scheme was agreed to extend No. 4 Croquet Lawn to the south, by taking in a small portion of land belonging to "Ingleside" ( a hotel now demolished and replaced by flats, in Upper West Terrace ), with the object of being able to make 2 more tennis courts for use at the Tournament. (In fact, this was never done.) Annual General Meeting. Among the items reported there, were the many gifts which the Club had received over the previous year, including money, crockery etc. It was decided that Sub-Committees would be elected in September each year, so as to facilitate the planning of the following year's programme by the new committees. Bridge Visitors' Fees were increased to 2/6 per day, 10/- per week, and 30/- per month. Bowls. In February, a Ladies' Bowls Section was formed, to be affiliated to the Devon County Ladies' Bowls Association at a fee of £ 1-1-0 per year, on the understanding that the Bowls Sub-Committee would be responsible for all arrangements regarding the lawn, etc. This went off with a great flourish, even to the extent of agreeing that CERISE would be the official Club colours. ( It was, however, laid down quite seriously that Cerise Shorts would be barred ! ). Like so many of these bright ideas, it rather fizzled out, and, in November, it was reported that only a very few ladies had played, and that many matches that had been arranged had been abandoned. The loan of the Green to the Games Club was again discussed, as, in an emergency the Green had been lent to the Madeira Club of Exmouth in August. The Committee agreed that the Bowls Section Chairman, in conjunction with the Hon. Secretary, should be empowered to lend rinks to the Games Club, or to Madeira Club, for their annual Tournament. (In 1955, this ruling was modified, to include a proviso that these loans would not prevent Club members from playing.) Croquet. Croquet was apparently now going from strength to strength. This year, there were two tournaments, an unofficial one in mid-May, and the normal one in mid-July. For the May Tournament, 6 lawns were in use, and Miss A. Mills was Manager and Handicapper. There were 29 entrants, and 5 events: 1. an 'A' Class Singles (Draw & Process) , for the Raydon Stone Cup, that had not been 105
competed for since 1939. This was won by H.O. Hicks. 2. a restricted handicap Singles for players of 2.5 - 10 bisques, for the Godfrey Turner Cup, last competed for in 1947 in the 'C' Class event. 3. a High Handicap Singles, played as a shortened game, for players of 11 bisques and over, for a new trophy, the L.G. Walters High Handicap trophy. 4. a Big Handicap, played as an X-Y event. 5. a Handicap Doubles, with a minimum combined handicap of 6 bisques. For the July Tournament, Mrs. Edmund Reeve was Manager and handicapper, with A.G.F. Ross as Referee. There were 58 entrants and 8 lawns were in use, with others available at Exmouth if necessary. The 5 events were : 1. an 'A' Class Singles (Draw & Process), for the Colman Cup, which was won by H.O. Hicks, who, at this time, was carrying all before him. 2. a 'B' Class level Singles, without lifts, for the Longman Cup, open to players of 1 - 5 bisques. 3. a 'C' Class handicap Singles, open to those of over 5 bisques. 4. a Big Handicap, for the Oliver Bowl. 5. a Handicap Doubles, for the Le Mesurier Cups, with no two minusplayers as partners. All the trophy winners are listed in Appendix 7. The combined profits of the two tournaments amounted to £ 34. Mrs. Heathcote presented a Cup for a Club Golf Croquet Competition, to be played for anually. Winners are listed in Appendix 8. In October, it was agreed to keep one lawn open as long as possible, but not for the whole winter. Tennis. Mrs. Jones-Bateman was Chairman of the Tournament Committee for the 8th. year running, and A.T. Hill was again the Referee. Entries were much lower than in previous years, although Entry Fees still totalled £ 223, presumably each fee having been increased. A table has been given, on page 104, of the number of entries in the various events for the years 1926, 1928, 1930, 1936 and 1946. It is interesting to compare these with the figures given below for the years 1949, and 1954. (For convenience, the figures for 1958 are also given here.)
1949 1954 1958 1. Men's level Singles 80 44 81 2. Ladies' " " 64 33 53 3. Men's level Doubles 37 pairs 24 pairs 41 pairs 4. Ladies' " " 30 " 26 " 34 " 5. Mixed " " 67 " 37 " 59 " 6. Men's Handicap Singles 77 67 47 7. Ladies' " " 47 73 60 8. Men's Handicap Doubles 39 pairs 25 pairs 39 pairs 9. Ladies' " " 37 " 29 “ 33 " 10. Mixed " " 71 " 49 " 53 " 11. Boys' level Singles 19 15 22 12. Girls' " " 17 22 32
Gate receipts were much the same as in 1953, but Players' Expenses rose to £ 94, in 106
addition to free meals. There was a gross profit of £ 114, which, after charging £ 40 each to Lawn Repairs and Establishment Charges, left a declared net profit of £ 34. A Dance during the week yielded a further £ 16 profit. Further financial data are summarised in Appendix 3. Future of the Tennis Tournament. At the Annual General Meeting, the Chairman had presented a somewhat gloomy picture, pointing out that the Tournament was becoming increasingly difficult to run. The Stands did not fill as they once used to, and there was much feeling against the payments to players all the year round. Private hospitality, which used to save the Club so much money, was no longer forthcoming. After the Tournament, there was much discussion regarding a possible Tournament in 1955. The difficulties arising from a lack of "middle" players, the cost of "Class" players, the effect of competing municipal and continental tournaments, and the lack of local support, were all important. The Committee decided that a statement should be prepared and issued to all members for discussion at a Special General Meeting in November. In the prepared statement, Mrs. Jones-Bateman gave a resume of the pre-war situation, when many famous players, such as Miss Ryan (of U.S.A.), and Mrs. Larcombe, our own champion, used to come to our Tournament, as part of the Devon Tour (when there were several tournaments in successive weeks). In those days there was much private hospitality to visiting players, but this had ceased after two world wars. She also pointed out that the war had also been responsible for the presence of an entirely different type of player. Lawn Tennis was now a business, and there were 4 classes of player; a. the professional; b. the highly paid 'class' amateur; c. the "invited" amateur; and d. the Club handicap player. The last was the backbone of the Tournament, but it was the other classes that produced a good gate. We could not afford anything better than the class c. player, and they cost us about £ 125 in 1954, including the cost of free lunches and teas. She went on to point out that it cost about £ 500 to stage the Tournament, and, over the past 4 years, the profits from the tennis alone had averaged less than £ 100 per year, and that this only provided a reasonable amount for wear and tear on the lawns, etc. In good weather, we might make a little; but in bad weather the loss could be as much as £ 200. Entry Fees had fallen from £ 320 in 1949 to only £ 220 in 1954, and the Gate receipts were also much lower. There was now no good tennis in Budleigh Salterton, and it therefore had to be imported. In addition to providing balls, canvas etc. Slazengers also provided players, but these had to be provided with free board and lodging, and travelling expenses out of the Tournament funds. Even so, not many good players could be persuaded to come here, as, on the continent, they not only had first class hotels, and first class travel, but also pocket money of several pounds per day. She said that the Tournament had lost its appeal to young people, who no longer gave up their short holidays to tennis, as there were so many other attractions. It had also lost its appeal to the public. The local tradespeople, who used to pack the Stand on Thursdays and Saturdays, no longer came to the Tournament. Neither did it appeal so much to Club members. Less than 60 weekly Stand tickets were sold this year to members, on the first day for booking, and, on Finals Bay, there were actually 6 tables of Bridge. She said it was evident that Bowls, Croquet and Bridge were more suited to the ageing Club members, of which there were only 5 playing members under the age of 40, and only 10 junior or family members. The effort of running the Tournament was very considerable. It took a lot of the time of the Club officers, and the volunteers who helped could not continue for ever. If there 107
were no Tournament, there would be a saving of about £ 200 per year on outdoor staff and on repairs to the lawns. Mrs. Jones-Bateman had quite evidently had enough of running the Tournament over the past 8 years, and she decided to resign as Chairman of the Tournament Committee, because she thought that it had become an uneconomic proposition. At the Special General Meeting, at which 170 members were present, various views were put forward in favour of continuing the Tournament, such as; that the courts had to be kept up, so why not use them; if there were no Tournament, a fall in the number of non- playing members could be expected; the Tournament did show some profit, and the Club had good reserves, so why should we be the first Club to drop its Tournament. The problem had been faced in 1952 when the decision was strongly in favour of continuing. After a long discussion, there was a nearly unanimous vote in favour of continuing the Tournament and the meeting adjourned for the Committee to consider the ways and means of carrying out this decision. At the resumed meeting a week later, with 100 members present, a plan was put forward for an independent Tournament Committee Chairman, a Players Committee of 4, including some outsiders, to run all the aspects of entries, pairing, the draw, play and results, with a new Secretary to deal with all other aspects of the Tournament. Offers were forthcoming to look after lunches, teas, etc. and the plan was adopted by 79 - 10. It had been hoped that Mr. Noel Heywood would become the Chairman of the new Tournament Committee, but, at the end of the year, he withdrew, and Mrs. Jones-Bateman decided that she would carry on for one more year herself. Sqd. Leader Hartree was to be the Tournament Secretary. Miscellaneous. In July, it was agreed to allow Chess to be played in the Tea Room, but this was later altered to allow Chess and Mah-Jongg in the small Card Room on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Non-Playing members were allowed to play. It was ruled that no non-playing member could be accepted from outside the 3 mile limit. The upper age limit for Children was reduced to 16, and no-one under the age of 11 could play at all. "Ladder Golf" was agreed in May on the lawn outside the Club verandah, for which there was no charge, as the lawn was rather poor. An idea of using a tennis court for Putting was turned down on account of the likelihood of damage from high- heeled shoes. In an endeavour to recruit new members, certain new residents of the town were invited to the Club for an afternoon. Finance. Because of the appreciable increase in the cost of food, the price of teas was increased in April to 1/- for a full tea, 6d. for tea and biscuit, or bread and butter, and 3d. for an extra cup of tea. The Club income was £ 2188, about £ 100 up on 1953, largely due to higher playing members' Subscriptions. Further data are given in Appendix 2. On the other hand, expenditure had risen to £ 2339. Wages had risen by £ 100 to £ 1180, and the Fuel bill was now £ 120. The net result was a loss on the year of £ 151, and at the year end, the Club's balance was £ 1729, of which £ 1009 was in 3.5% Defence Bonds, £ 515 in the Devon & Exeter Savings Bank, and £ 75 in the P.O. Savings Bank. Organisation. At the end of the year, Lt. Col. Cave gave up the Hon. Secretaryship after 3 years, and Mr. E.Ackermann took over, assisted by Messrs. Powne and Pearse as Hon. Treasurers. Recruits. During the year, Col. & Mrs. Healing joined the Club.
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1955. General Review. Another edition of the Ordnance Survey was published in October 1955. The area of the Club's land is outlined in Red. There are no appreciable changes from the 1933 situation ( see Fig. 4 ) but, in the 1955 map, the allotments are so specified, and the area of the present No. 10 Croquet Lawn is designated as an Archery Ground. West has described the whole of the northern strip as being like a hayfield, when he returned to the Club in 1954, so, evidently, this area had still not been rehabilitated after the war-time occupation. On the other hand, a circular issued in 1954, over Lt. Col. Cave's signature, to local hotels, describing the Club's facilities, states that there were then :- 14 grass tennis courts, 2 hard tennis courts, 4 Croquet lawns, 6 Bowls rinks and Archery and Bridge facilities.
Figure 5. Reprint of 1955 Ordnance Survey Map of the area.
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Translating the above numbers of lawns into precise locations, it would seem that the 4 Croquet Lawns were those now designated as Nos. 1 and 2, on the second strip from the south, and Nos. 3 and 4, on the extreme southerly strip; that the 14 grass tennis courts were Nos. 2 - 6, as now, with Nos. 7 - 12 on the land east of the Hard Courts, with three other grass courts somewhere. They may have been on what is now No. 9 Croquet Lawn, east of the area marked Archery Ground, or it may have been that there were not 14 Grass Tennis courts as well as 4 Croquet Lawns, at the same time. For Croquet Tournaments, 2 additional lawns were marked out on Nos. 2 - 6 Tennis courts, and, if necessary, 2 more (now Nos. 7 & 8) were marked out on Nos. 9 - 12 Tennis courts. In February, it is minuted that, because Nos. 2 - 6 Tennis Courts were not to be put into use for Tennis until after the May Croquet Tournament, there would only be 6 Tennis courts (presumably Nos. 7 - 12) available for tennis members and visitors, and so none could be loaned to the Games Club, in May, if they asked for them. This implies that there were no courts in use on the extreme northern strip. Organisation. At the start of the year, Mr. E. Ackermann was Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, assisted by Messrs. Powne and Pearce, but in July, Mr. Ackermann announced that he wanted to resign. After fruitless private enquiries, it was decided in September to advertise locally for a Secretary, and a Mr. Lake was offerred the post at £ 250 per year. Then, in December, he said that he could not take it. About the same time, Mr. Ackermann fell ill, and, temporarily, Mr. L.G. Walters became Hon. Secretary with Mr. Pearce as Hon. Treasurer. However, there was a lack of confidence in relying on voluntary secretarial work, and the post was re-advertised in the National Press. The work was much less than it was formerly, as the Sections now looked after their own affairs, except for finance, and the Tennis Tournament had its own secretary. In February, Dr. Roome and Mr. Bennett had resigned as Trustees, and Mr. W.K.H. Coxe and Brig. Bliss were appointed in their stead. Annual General Meeting. In the review of the position, the Vice-President, Mrs. Jones-Bateman, described 1954 as a successful year, except for the weather. There had been many gifts to the Club, including a looking glass, a chair, some pictures and an office desk from Lt. Col. Cave. She said that Col. Cave and Mr. Ackermann, by becoming Honarary officials, had saved the Club some £ 900 in secretarial salaries, over their three years in office. The ground staff, under West, were praised for their efforts, and they had carried out a lot of repair work that was formerly done by local tradesmen. As regards the outside games, disappointment was expressed over the collapse of the Ladies' Bowling Section, and while the Club was very much on the Croquet map, Tennis badly needed recruits. The Club needed many more playing members; in fact, 40% of the members were non- playing. The question of finance would need re-examining. Personnel. In recognition of his services as Hon. Secretary, Lt. Col. Cave was presented with £ 20 towards a portable radio. The position of the ground staff relative to the Agricultural Wages Act, 1948, and the Wages Council Act 1945 as examined by W.K.H. Coxe, who concluded that they did not come within the provisions of these acts. He also concluded that their Xmas bonuses were not liable for Income Tax. In December, Dymond, who had been ill, was discharged, leaving only West and Hunt. Buildings. Heating arrangements for the south end of the Tea Room were installed, 110
so as to accommodate additional Bridge players in comfort. Some additional heaters were also installed in the large Card Room. A Frigidaire was installed in the Kitchen for £ 70. Grounds . There was considerable pressure to allow play on Sundays to start at 2 p.m. instead of 2.30 p.m. (in fact, many members were already starting then), and this was made official, subject to confirmation at the next Annual General Meeting. In February, Palmers, the contractors, arrived to adjust the boundary of No. 4 Croquet Lawn alongside the "Ingleside" grounds, as proposed in 1954, but they were told to leave it until next season. (In fact, it was never done.) An additional 50 concrete sockets were obtained to complete the fence supports on No. 2 Croquet Lawn, and on the road fence alongside Cricket Field Lane. The Hard Courts had to be surfaced once more. Croquet. There were the usual Club competitions, and an all-day match was played against Parkstone in September. There were again two Tournaments, in early May and mid- July. For the May Tournament, Miss A. Mills was Manager and Handicapper, and 6 lawns were in use. There were 22 entrants, and the Tournament took the form of an American Handicap Singles, played in 4 blocks, with a play-off. The Godfrey Turner Cup was the main trophy, and the L.G. Walters Long Handicap Trophy was awarded to the winner of the bottom block, the blocks being in handicap order. There was also a handicap Doubles event, with pairs of a combined handicap of at least 6 bisques. The July Tournament was Managed and Handicapped, for the first of many times, by Major Dibley, with Mrs. E. Reeve as Referee. There were 8 lawns in use, and there were 43 entries. The main, 'A' Class Singles, event was for the Colman Cup (Draw & Process), won by Major Stone. Other events were as in 1954, and the trophy winners are listed in Appendix 7. The net profit on the two Tournaments was £ 23. The Calthrop Salver was presented for a Club Doubles Competition, in which long bisquers would be partnered by A or B Class players. Winners of this annual event are listed in Appendix 8. A New Zealand team were to visit England in 1956, and one the Test Matches was to be played here. Authority was given, in October, for all croquet and ex-croquet members to be circularised to raise funds for entertaining the visiting team. Tennis. The Inter-County Week was held once again. For the Tennis Tournament, Mrs. Jones-Bate man was again Chairman of the Tournament Committee, with Mr. N. Heywood as Vice-Chairman. The Committee included a Devon L.T.A. representative, and Sqd. Ldr. R.S. Hartree was the Secretary, with A.T. Hill again as Referee. Entries were rather better than in 1954, and with fine weather, so were the Gate receipts, and Stand ticket receipts. With a profit of £ 81 on lunches and teas, the total receipts were up to £ 721, a much better level than in the previous two years. The main details of income and expenditure are given in Appendix 3, and the gross profit was £196, of which £ 45 each was charged to Lawn Repairs and Establishment Charges, leaving a declared net profit of £ 106. In addition, there had been a Hospitality Fund set up, to which donations had totalled £ 133, and there were additional profits from bar sales and from a Dance. Overall, it was estimated that the Club had made a profit of £ 339 from running the Tournament. Players' Expenses had amounted to £ 102. A collection for the Staff during the Tournament had yielded more than usual, and so the Kitchen Staff also received a share. (West got £ 10, Hunt and Dymond got £ 5 each, Mrs. French got £ 2, and Mrs. Lanning £ 1.) Bowls. The Brounlie Bowl was presented for a 3-wood, 91 up, Club Competition, of 111
which the winners are listed in Appendix 6. Bridge. This was very popular, and the two rooms were often insufficient, As mentioned on page 110,, heating was installed in the south end of the Tea Room to provide more room for Bridge. In April, there was a request for evening Bridge, on two evenings per week, and this was agreed. However, whilst partnership evenings were very successful, the "cut-in" evenings were poorly attended, so much so, that in June, the conclusion was reached that it was not worth while continuing with evening Bridge at all. Finance. In August, another Finance Committee of 4 was appointed to consider the Club's position. They reported in November, and suggested that the ground staff should be reduced to two, for most of the year, and that, to save wages, various labour-saving machines should be purchased. A Special General Meeting was held in December to consider their findings, and, in particular, to discuss the need for a further increase in subscriptions, in view of the need to find the salary of a new Secretary, now that "the Golden Age" of voluntary labour in the office had come to an end. It was estimated that revenue needed to be increased by about £ 450 per year, although some economy could be effected by reducing the ground staff to two. Subscriptions had last been raised in 1951, although new members had paid more since 1953. After various suggestions of extra subscriptions for extra games had been demolished by the Chairman, who pointed out that the Club must be considered as one unit, it was agreed that, from April 1956, playing members would pay £ 6-6-0 per year ( with third and subsequent members of a family, and junior members, paying £ 3-3-0), and that non-playing members would pay £ 2-2-0. It was also decided to have Country Members, who lived more than 15 miles from the Club, at £ 3-3-0 per year. Visitors' Fees would also be increased to 4/- per day (including Table Money), 16/- per week or £ 2 per month. Children of members would pay half rates, and summer holiday children of members would pay £ 1-1-0. Financial Results. The total income, for the year, was £ 2434, about £ 250 up on 1954. The increase was very largely the result of the increased profit from the Tennis Tournament, and the Hospitality Fund. Expenditure, at £ 2252, was slightly lower than in 1954, mainly because less had been spent on repairs. Further details are given in Appendix 2. The year, therefore, showed a profit of £ 182, but there had been capital expenditure of £ 102 on new furniture for the Card Rooms, and of £ 195 on a new Motor Mower. The Club's balance was therefore almost unchanged at £ 1674, of which there was £ 1009 in 3.5% Defence Bonds, £ 430 in the Devon & Exeter Savings Bank, and £ 270 in the P.O. Savings Bank. When these results came to be discussed, the opinion was expressed that the recent increase in subscriptions had been rather hasty, and that the Club's Reserve Fund, which had stood at £ 1700 for some years, should have been allowed to diminish, by using it for heavy repairs, such as Pavilion painting, or installing Central Heating, etc. before calling on members for higher subscriptions. On the other hand, the Hon. Auditor, still Mr. Duncum, felt that there were more heavy repairs in the offing, and that the subscription increases were well justified, as in 1955 Club had, in reality, only just paid its way.
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1956. Organisation. In response to the advertisement at the end of 1955, there were 47 applications, of whom 9 were interviewed. None of these was really satisfactory, and Messrs. Walters and Pearce indicated that they were both prepared to carry on together, sharing the emoluments. They were willing to sign a 3 year contract, incorporating a three months notice clause. This was accepted, with L.G. Walters as Secretary and W.H. Pearce as Treasurer, each receiving approximately £ 86 per year, after tax, plus £ 50 expenses, as from 1st. February 1956. To improve the liaison with Sub-Committees, the Secretary was to attend all Sub- Committee meetings. There would be facilities in the office for typing minutes, and the Sub- Committee minute files were to be kept in the office. A Kardex system was adopted in March in lieu of the old members' register. Because of the alleged unfairness in having a 15-mile boundary for Country Members, the boundary was drastically altered. It was agreed that the new boundary should run from Peak Hill to the railway through Hartford Wood, then due west to the Halfway Inn, then south along B 3180 to the cross-roads near Lympstone, then south along B 3179 to the railway bridge on the Exmouth Road, and then south to the Beacon on the cliffs. This new boundary allowed many residents of Exmouth and Sidmouth to join the Club as Country Members, and, in fact, it brought in a number of new members. It was to apply from October 1956. Annual General Meeting. Some interesting figures were given of the effect of increasing the subscription rates for 1956, and these are given in the following table:-
April 1955 April 1956 Playing members 180 - £ 878 160 @ 6 gns. £ 1020 Non-playing members 119 - £ 217 111 @ 2 gns. 233 Junior members 9 2 @ 3 gns. 6 Third ( or later ) members 5 5 @ 3 gns. 16 Country members - 1 @ 3gns 3 Total 313 £ 1056 279 £1278
There had been a net loss of 34 members. Actually, 6l had resigned, of which 37 had been brought about by the rise in subscriptions, 21 had left the district, and 9 had died. Against this, there had been 36 new recruits Mr. E. Ackermann was elected as Vice-President for the next three years. As a means of trying to recruit new members, it was agreed that a resident of Budleigh Salterton, not being or not having been a member, might be introduced as a Playing Member (Honorary) on a maximum of two occasions, the usual Visitor's Fee of 4/- per day being paid. Personnel. In April, Hunt asked for a wage increase. He had joined the Club staff in October 1945 at £ 3-5-0 per week, and his wages had been raised to £ 4 per week in April 1947, to £ 4-10-0 per week in April 1950, and to £ 5 per week in May 1953. Although Mr. Coxe's opinion, as given in 1955, was that our groundsmen were not Agricultural Workers within the meaning of the Agricultural Wages Act 1948, it was nevertheless felt that their wages ought to bear some resemblance to agricultural wages, and both Hunt and West were given an extra 30/- per week, bringing West to £ 8-10-0 and Hunt to £ 6-10-0 per week. In November, the Stewardesses' wages were raised to 2/6 per hour. Grounds. In November 1955, it had been decided to fell all the fir trees below the 113
Bowling Green and replace them by Macrocarpas to form a good wind break. St. Bridget Nurseries ( Exeter) recommended a double row of 80 - 90 Macrocarpas together with a few specimen conifers. These cost £ 12 and were planted by the groundsmen in February. Further labour-saving equipment was purchased in January, including a 28" Atco Motor Mower for £ 175, a Coultas Distributor for £ 35, a Lawn Cleaner for £ 24, and a Hedge Cutter and long flex for £ 10. Apparently "Croquet Golf" (is this Golf-Croquet?) was being played on the disused turf of the northern strip, as, in July, it was agreed to make this permanent, and free of charge to all members, including non-playing members. Buildings. In April, Col. Healing and Mrs. Sandercock put forward ideas for brightening up the bar and the bar end of the Tea Room. In May, it was agreed to extend the bar 3 to 4 feet into the Tea Room, to install curtains, on a runway, across the Tea Room, and to improve the lighting, at a cost of £ 160, so as to make the bar section more attractive and encourage bar takings. Another £ 100 was spent on new chairs, as many of the older ones were in poor condition, some of them being infested with wood-worm. In June, there was an official Fire Precautions inspection, which recommended illuminated "EXIT" signs, and the provision of fire extinguishers, together with independent secondary lighting. Fire buckets were placed in the Dressing Rooms, but, in November, it was decided to appeal for leniency in respect of the illuminated exit signs and the independent secondary lighting. New Catering Regulations required the provision of hot water for washing glasses, and an electric water heater was therefore installed in the Lower Bar in August. The Secretary's Office, built in 1926 as an adjunct to the Lower Pavilion, was in need of considerable external repairs to keep out wind and weather. When it was realised what the cost would be to make it habitable in winter, the fact that the office was inconveniently situated and that the Tennis Tournament Committee had insufficient room, the idea of making a new Office at the north end of the Tea Room Verandah was put forward and accepted. The estimated cost was £ 63 plus £ 20 for fittings, etc. and construction proceeded immediately. Arrangements were made for an extension telephone from the new to the old office. Croquet. There were again two Tournaments, in mid-May and mid-July. For the unofficial May Tournament, Miss A. Mills was again Manager and Handicapper. Six lawns were in use, and there were 32 entrants. The main event was again an American Handicap Singles, played in 4 blocks in order of descending handicap, with a play-off, for the Godfrey Turner Cup, and the L.G. Walters Long Handicap Trophy. Major G.F. Stone won the main trophy. There was also a Handicap Doubles, with a limiting, combined handicap of 6 bisques. For the July Tournament, the Manager and Handicapper was again Major Dibley. There were 44 entrants, and 8 lawns were used. The events were the same as in 1955, and Mrs. Longman won the Colman Cup. Other trophy winners are listed in Appendix 7. The Club profit on the two Tournaments was £ 25. A successful Gymkhana was held on August 4th, to which visitors were admitted at 1/- each. (On a previous occasion they had had to pay the normal Visitors' Fee of 4/-.) Croquet Test Match. On September l8th., 19th. and 20th. the fifth Test Match between Great Britain and New Zealand was played here; it consisted of 6 Singles and 3 Doubles, each being played on the Best of Three basis. Three good lawns were needed, and the use of the Bowling Green was offered by the Bowls section, and gratefully accepted. Local hospitality was arranged for the New Zealand team, and the cost of their lunches 114
and teas at the Club was paid by the Croquet Association. They also contributed towards local publicity costs, a total of £ 39 having been collected as donations and sent to the Croquet Association. The arrangements for the Test Match were in the hands of a Joint Sub-Committee, of 2 from the Croquet Sub-Committee and 2 appointed by the General Committee. Efforts were made to attract a "Gate", by distributing posters and leaflets to Clubs and hotels in the area. Croquet players were to show visitors round and explain the game to them. Admission was 1/6, with no extra for a chair, of which half went to the Croquet Association. Both bars were open before and during lunch, and spectators were allowed to bring picnic lunches, with teas available to all.
Teams for the Fifth Test Match between Great Britain and New Zealand. Played at Budleigh Salterton on Sept 18th – 20th 1956. England Team in the Back Row: Maj. G.F.Stone, Mrs. E.Rotherham, M.B.Reckitt, Dr.W.R.D.Wiggins and W.P.Ormerod.
The Great Britain team included Mrs. E. Rotherham and Major G.F. Stone, of the Budleigh Salterton Club. The result of the match was a win for Great Britain by 7 - 2. (The Singles being won by 5 - 1, and the Doubles by 2 - 1). A surplus of £ 9 remained to the Club from the retention of half the Gate Money and of the Programme sales. In November, it was recorded that "as No. 9 Croquet Lawn had not been satisfactory, and considering the small usage of Tennis courts, it was decided to lay out a fifth permanent Croquet Lawn on Tennis Courts Nos. 2 & 3 ( west of No. 2 Croquet Lawn ), which would revert to Tennis for special occasions." This implies that, by now, some rehabilitation of the northern strip had been attempted, and that No. 9 lawn was in normal Croquet use. This confirms an account given by West of efforts to bring this area back into use, which, however, were frustrated by the use of this area as a Car Park during the Tennis Tournament. This is also the first mention of a fifth regular Croquet Lawn since the war, although there were 5 Croquet Lawns in regular use before the war.
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Tennis. At the Annual General Meeting, the lack of young Tennis players had been deplored and the position regarding Tennis had been described as far from happy. Regarding the Tennis Tournament, Mr. W.K.H. Coxe had expressed his opinion that this must now be considered purely as a commercial proposition, and, as such, was a sound revenue maker for the Club. An Inter-County Week was held, with Group 2 (Men). The Fixed Stand, on No. 1 Court had become unsafe even after regular repairs and painting. After much deliberation, it was decided to build up the two lower tiers with bricks and mortar, with back-rests, and duck-boards for seats. This was complete in August, and cost £ 169, but the seats were not very comfortable. The Tennis Tournament Committee was under the Chairmanship of Mr, H. Heywood, with Sdn. Ldr. R.S. Hartree as Tournament Secretary and Treasurer. Mr. R. Powell was Referee and Handicapper. Two additional events were added, viz. Boys' and Girls' under 15, level Singles, thereby splitting the former Boys' and Girls' level Singles into two age groups. Entries were somewhat improved, but bad weather caused a big fall in Gate receipts, while Players' Expenses rose to £ 120. The gross profit was £ 184, in addition to which there was a profit of £ 29 on a Dance held during the week. Details of financial data are given in Appendix 3. Sdn. Ldr. Hartree had done all the secretarial work himself, but for 1957, he asked for an Assistant Secretary. The Tournament Committee also wanted the sole use of the existing Secretary's Office and the room adjoining, during the Tournament week, and this was one of the factors influencing the decision to build a new Secretary's Office on the Club House Verandah. In November, the Tennis Sub-Committee proposed that there should be Tennis-only members at £ 3-13-6 and that Visitors' Fees should be reduced to 1/6 for a morning, 2/6 for an afternoon, 3/- per day, 12/-per week, and 30/- per month, to encourage more players. This was refused by the General Committee, who, nevertheless, referred it to the 1957 Annual General Meeting. Bridge. The old controversy regarding maximum stakes came up again, and at the Annual General Meeting, a motion was moved that there should be only one stake. It was said that 3d. players could not readily get a game on cut-in days. The Chairman pointed out that whether the one stake was fixed at 3d. or 6d., there would be grave disappointment, and that, therefore, it was better to leave things as they were, a view that had been expressed by the Bridge Sub- Committee. The motion was heavily defeated, but Mrs. Cane, one of the proposers of the motion, started causing trouble in other ways, and her expulsion was seriously considered. Mrs. Cane is the subject of an anecdote related by Mrs. Jones-Bateman. It appears that Mrs. Cane, who was the wife of Col. Cane, and Mrs. Stone, wife of Major Stone, had been preparing lunch, probably on one day of the Tennis Tournament. Mrs. Stone was busy dealing with the main course, in the Club Kitchen, when Mrs. Cane arrived by car with a load of sweets that she had prepared at home. She asked Mrs. Stone to help her move them from the car to the Kitchen, but Mrs. Stone said she was too busy. Whereupon, Mrs. Cane turned on her, to Mrs. Stone's great distress. Mrs. Jones-Bateman went to see what was afoot, and Mrs. Cane described what had happened, and how she had asked Mrs. Stone to help her, and went on " She should, you know, when I ask her, as my husband is a Colonel and her's is only a Major". (This is a much better story than many of the music-hall jokes about Budleigh Salterton ! ) Early in the year, the set-table booking fee had been increased from 6d. to 1/- per 116
head plus 6d. Table money each. Set Teas at 5/- for 4 people for set-table players were also agreed, with a limit of 3 such teas on any day. The Haig Day function was held, as usual. In December, it was found that the electricity consumption in 1956 was much higher than in 1955, and the Bridge Sub-Committee were asked to see that the heating was switched off when the temperature reached 65oF. However, not only did this not happen, but there were complaints of overheating! Finance. The Club income for the year was £ 2618, an appreciable increase on the 1955 figure, mainly the result of the increased subscriptions. There was a welcome windfall in the shape of an Income Tax refund of £ 120, covering the previous 3 years, which resulted from a change in the interpretation of Inland Revenue regulations. Expenditure had also risen, by about £ 200, to £ 2436. Wages had risen to £ 1392, presumably because of the salaries to the Secretary and Treasurer. The Fuel bill was now £ 144, and Administration costs were also rising. There was a profit on the year of £ 182. Financial data are summarised in Appendix 2. There had also been capital expenditure of £ 190 for furniture, £ 85 for the new Office, and £ 84 for half the cost of the new Stand, the other half being charged into the Tournament Accounts. During the year, the Club's investment had been switched to Defence Bonds ( £ 1008) . The total credit balance was £ 1437. Recruits. During the year, Mrs. Stansell joined the Club.
1957. Annual General Meeting. In a review of the previous year, mention was made of the many essential improvements that had been carried out, including the new fixed Grandstand on No. 1 Court, the new Office for the Secretary, and the improvements to the Tea Room. Membership had improved from 281 to 297 and the Club had paid its way apart from the welcome recovery of £ 120 of Income Tax. Although there were now only 2 groundsmen, they had done a lot of useful work repairing fences, etc. Formal approval was given to the new Country Membership boundaries, which would allow people who might normally join the Sidmouth or Exmouth Clubs, to join our Club as Country Members. Proposals to reduce the Visitors' Fee for Bridge only, on the grounds that the existing rates of 3/6 + 6d. Table Money per day kept people away, and to reduce the Visitors' Fee for Tennis only to 3/- per day, were defeated, on the grounds that all sections must be treated alike. However, it was agreed to have a half-day Visitors' Fee for Tennis at 2/6 as a trial for one season. Unfortunately, owing to bad weather, this trial was inconclusive. Organisation & Personnel. In February, Mrs. Sandercock resigned from the House Committee, but was asked to continue until April. Then, the Committee decided, that, with a full-time Secretary and Treasurer, there was no real need for a House Committee. This decision caused some problems, as it appears that no explanation was given to the members of the House Committee, and they were rather upset about it. There had to be a lot of apologising! In June, Mr. Ackermann had to resign his position as Vice-President on account of ill health. The rules did not cater for the election of a new Vice-President in the middle of a year, and so Col. Healing was asked to become Committee Chairman, until the next Annual General Meeting. In July, the President, Lord Clinton died, and the Club was closed during his funeral. He 117
had been President since 1909, a total of 46 years. In September, Mrs. Lanning (assistant stewardess) resigned, after many disagreements with Mrs. French, and Mrs. Fayter was engaged in her place. Other changes were, a decision to post bulletins giving precis of Committee decisions, a decision to admit children under 11 so long as they were in the charge of a parent or host, and a decision to register the Club for lotteries, so that the Club could run the various Sweepstakes on the Derby and Grand National, etc. and could deduct 10% for Club funds. In December, the Secretary evidently had found that there was more to do in connection with the Club House than he expected, and a form of House Committee was re- constituted, with a Chairman to be elected at each Annual General Meeting, with power to co-opt, who would advise and assist the Committee and Secretary on all matters affecting the comfort and convenience of members in the Pavilion. Buildings. A suggestion that lighting should be installed in the Dressing Rooms was turned down, in March, on the grounds that there was very little late evening play, and apart from the installation cost, an increased insurance premium would be demanded. This decision was re-iterated in December, after an approach from the Tennis Tournament Committee. The Tea Room fireplace was opened up to burn logs. Another batch of Tea Room tables were riddled with wood-worm, and were replaced at a cost of £ 43. In June, volunteers were called for, to provide and arrange flowers in the Tea Room. On the night of 23rd.- 24th. December, there was a burglary, but nothing was taken, although a small amount of damage occurred. Croquet. As it was planned to send a Great Britain team to New Zealand in early 1963 for the next Test Match series, the Croquet Association started a Dominion Tour Fund, and many functions were held over the next few years in aid of this. In late June, there was a Gymkhana, which made £ 47, of which £ 28 was sent to the Fund, the Club retaining £ 18. All Tournament entries included an additional 1/- levy, for the Fund. There were again two Tournaments, in mid-May and mid-July. The May Tournament, with Miss A. Mills as Manager and Handicapper, attracted 28 entrants. Six lawns were in use, and the main event was again an American Handicap Singles, in 4 blocks, arranged in handicap order, for the Godfrey Turner Cup, which was won by Col. D.W. Beamish. There was also a Handicap Doubles, with a minimum combined handicap of 6 bisques. The July Tournament was again Managed and Handicapped by Major Dibley, with J.G.Warwick as Referee, and attracted 43 entrants. Nine lawns were in use, and the events were similar to those of recent years, except that the Big Handicap was played on an X-Y basis. The Colman Cup was again won by H.O. Hicks; other trophy winners are given in Appendix 7. The Club profit overall was £ 31. An innovation was the serving of coffee at 11 a.m. each day. The bar was open at 12.45 p.m. daily, both in the Pavilion and at the Lower Pavilion. Lunches were provided in July, but not in May. In September, there was a 3-day week-end match against a Home Counties top team, with a cocktail party on the Monday evening. Tennis. An Inter-County Week was held once more, and, during the year, the Devon Girls' Schools played their final rounds at the Club. For the Tennis Tournament, Mr. N. Heywood was again the Committee Chairman, with 118
Sdn. Ldr. Hartree as Tournament Secretary and Treasurer, and H. Kerridge as Referee. Entries were higher than of late, and there were 86 in the Mens' Open Singles. Gate receipts were also much better, and the inclusion of Bar Profits as well as Catering Profit increased the total receipts to £ 852. Players' Expenses rose to £ 143. Other financial data are given in Appendix 3; there was a gross profit of £ 252, of which £45 each was charged to Lawn Repairs and Establishment Charges, leaving a declared net profit of £ 162. There was also a Dance, which brought in £ 31 profit. After the Tournament, it was realised that the Temporary Stand, which was erected and dismantled at each Tournament, was now moribund, and consideration was given to the extension of the concrete stand on the west side of No. 1 court by one more row, and also to the possibility of erecting a new concrete stand on the East side to replace the defective wooden stand. Also the possibility of putting an additional 2 courts into use was considered. The Committee discussed, somewhat inconclusively, whether the Tournament was to be regarded mainly as a money making effort, or as the major social event of the year, but they did decide that any profit must be treated as part of the Club funds, and not as a separate entity. Bridge. There was again a lot of discontent, and it is reported, in August, that rudeness and discourtesy were only too common, with the result that there was a disinclination to serve on the Sub-Committee. An analysis of the situation revealed that the main features were:- 1. Inefficient action by the Hostesses in allowing too much noise to develop, or tactless or discourteous action in trying to reduce it. 2. Irregular or discourteous action by players regarding cutting-in or cutting-out. 3. Dissatisfaction with partners too openly expressed, especially when poor play caused unnecessary losses. 4. The inability to dissolve existing partnerships without giving offence, leading to irritation and impatience. 5. The selfishness of some members who treated badly the members of the Sub- Committee. As a result, the Committee decided to suspend the Sub-Committee from the end of September, and to nominate a strong Sub-Committee to run the Bridge affairs, and to call a general meeting of all Bridge players, at which there would be some plain speaking. However, they were not successful in getting names for the nominated Sub-Committee, and a last effort was therefore made at the special meeting to get an elected Sub-Committee, which was apparently successful. It was agreed that Hostesses were not to be expected to do "chores", and were not to be responsible for noise. The use of the bell was abolished. Bridge Sub-Committee members were not to be expected to do Hostess duty, but there was difficulty in getting other members to do this, except on partnership days. The idea of a paid Hostess was again considered, but not adopted. In November, things were reported to have settled down. The ventilation of the Bridge Room was still not satisfactory, and the small fan in the Large Room was replaced by 2 x 9" fans, working together, at 3 possible speeds. Finance. The Club income was £ 2672, much the same as in 1956. Apart from an increased Drinks profit, the only item of note is the increased Tennis Tournament profit. Expenditure was £ 2595, an increase of about £ 160 on 1956, mainly the result of a higher Wages bill, which now amounted to £ 1528. The Fuel bill was now £ 195. Further details are given in Appendix 2. 119
The result was a modest profit of £ 77, and, at the year end, the Club's balance was £ l603, with £ 1008 in 4.5% Defence Bonds, and £ 238 in the Devon & Exeter Savings Bank, and £ 299 in. the P.O. Savings Bank. Recruits. During the year, Mrs. G.E.Cave, Mr. A.J. Cooper, Miss E.J. Warwick and Mr. J.G. Warwick joined the Club.
1958 Annual General Meeting. Following the death of the President, Lord Clinton, his daughter, the Hon. Mrs. Fane, had consented to accept the Presidency, but she too had died suddenly. Later, Gerard Fane Trefusis, (her son ?) became President. J.G. Warwick was elected Vice-President, after only about one year as a member. The sorry story about Bridge was described, and it was said that there had been some trouble or another every month. These troubles continued into 1958, and are further described in the comments on Bridge, below. A Football Pools Scheme, put forward by Major Stone, was agreed. The reconstitution of the House Committee was agreed and Mrs. Sandercock elected as Chairman of it. It was decided that, in future, the sectional Sub-Committees were to be known as Committees. Visitors, staying with members, were to pay only half the normal daily or weekly fees, for a maximum of 2 weeks. (This concession to visitors staying with members had been adopted in various forms, on several occasions, and, just as regularly, abolished again.) Personnel. In September, it was felt that the ground staff were underpaid, relative to agricultural workers, whose wages had again been recently increased. It was thought wise to encourage West to remain with the Club for the next 5 or 6 years. In October, West's wages were increased from £ 8-10-0 to £ 10 per week, and later, Hunt's wages were raised from £ 6-10-0 to £ 7-15-0 per week, the minimum agricultural wage then being £ 7- 16-0 per week. It was thought that these increases might have been devoted to some sort of pension scheme, but, after discussion of the possibilities, the men decided against it. Buildings. The new fans were installed in the Bridge Room in January. In the autumn, a proposal for thermostatic control was turned down, but efforts were made to seal off all draughts. In June, the Kitchen flat roof was again beyond repair, and it was renewed in September at a cost of £ 148. 146 - Grounds. A 15 foot beam level, to assist in levelling the lawns, was presented, in March by an anonymous donor. The Allen motor scythe, bought some years earlier, was not really suitable for dealing with the Car Park grass, or the plantation area, and a 'Flymo' type machine was obtained. Although there were complaints about parking of cars on the grass area in wet weather, the high cost ( £ 95 ) of preparing a rubble park deterred the Committee from taking any action. ( In later years, they had to spend far more than this ! ) The rule that dogs could be taken straight through the grounds, on a lead, in winter only, was extended to the summer season as well, on trial, but, under no circumstances, were dogs to be allowed in the grounds during Tournaments, or on any other Club occasions. Croquet. A request for play to be permitted on Sunday mornings was refused in February. Two Tournaments were again held, in mid-May and early July. The May Tournament, with Miss A. Mills as Manager and Handicapper, and J.G. 120
Warwick as Referee, attracted 32 entrants. There was again an American Handicap Singles on the same lines as previously, and a Handicap Doubles, with a minimum combined handicap, this time, of 8 bisques. The July Tournament, with Major Dibley as Manager and Handicapper, and J.G. Warwick as Referee, attracted 54 entrants. There were 8 lawns in use. The major event, the Colman Cup was won by H.O. Hicks. The handicap limitations on the other Singles events were modified to be the Longman Cup, Class 'B' for players of 3 - 7 bisques, and the 'C' Class for players of over 7 bisques. For the Handicap Doubles, the rule was that no 2 players of 1.5 bisques or less could be partners. (This change might have been associated with a general lifting of all handicaps.) The trophy winners are listed in Appendix 7. The Club profit on the two Tournaments was £34. This year, the Raydon Stone Cup became the trophy for the Club Championship. Winners of this, and other Club trophies are listed in Appendix 8. Other events of the year included another match against the London Clubs, in August, and another Gymkhana, in September, of which the profit of £ 9 all went to the Dominion Tour Fund. Tennis. The Devon County L.T.A. had the use of 2 courts on 4 Sundays in May and June for their Ladies' County trials. There was an Inter-County Week with Group 4 (Ladies). It was agreed in May that children, under 11, would be allowed to play tennis on a specially designated children's court, for the same fees as applied to the 11 - 18 year olds. Also a playground was arranged for them, near the Car Park, with a sand pit. Tennis Tournament. The Sub-Committee which had been appointed after the 1957 Tournament to consider Stands, etc. reported that:- 1. A permanent stand was not required for the east side of No. 1 Court. 2. Temporary seating for over 150 competitors had to be provided on the East side, and seating for an additional 100 - 150 spectators was needed on the West side. 3. The competitors could be catered for in the gradually diminishing East side sectional stand, which used to hold 300, but would now hold only 200. 4. The extra seats on the West side could be provided in a 2-tier or 3-tier by 90 ft. block of sectional wooden stand, replacing the row of chairs above the concrete stand, at a cost of about £ 250. The proposals for the East side were agreed, and would involve cannibalisation of the existing temporary east stand. For the West side, it was decided to construct a 3-tier, 45 seat sectional stand, at a cost of £ 751 which could be later extended. Permanent wiring for the Public Address system was installed, at a cost of £ 15, to save £ 9 per year on hiring charges. This year, the Chairman of the Tournament Committee was Col. Tippett, with Sdn. Ldr. Hartree again as Tournament Secretary and Treasurer, and H. Kerridge as Referee. Entries were good, a list of the entries for the various events appears on page 106. The weather was poor, but the Tournament was completed. The total income was £ 880. Players' Expenses were up to £ 167, and other financial details are given in Appendix 3. The gross profit was £ 246, of which £ 50 was charged, each to Lawn Repairs and Establishment Charges, leaving a net declared profit of £ 146. The collection for the staff realised only £ 10, only about half of that collected in recent years. This was made up to £ 15 by the Club, but it was decided that, because the staff were now paid for overtime worked, there was no real need for a collection at all. 121
Bridge. The controversy over stakes still raged. In February, it was reported that some members were again trying to upset the existing arrangements, under a threat of their resignation. The 3d. faction resented not being able to play on 6d. days. At the Annual General Meeting, the Chairman had had to emphasise that affairs at the Club must be decided by a majority, and that blackmail by a minority could not be tolerated. Other members had been decrying the Club, and one member was reported as having said it was a filthy place compared with Cranford Club at Exmouth, and another had said that he would not recommend anyone to join, as the Bridge Room was known as the "Snake Pit". The Vice- President had said that the Club would be better off without such members. In June, there were more complaints about bad manners, and too much noise. The result of all this was a falling off in attendance, and, in September, the falling Table Money, together with the increased cost of heating and lighting, as revealed in the half-year financial review, caused much concern. Apparently, at the special Bridge Meeting in September 1957, it had been decided to have 3d. and 6d. Bridge on all "cut-in" days. Because of the agitation early in 1958, certain days had been allotted to 3d. bridge, and consequently some 6d. players had resigned, and many of those who had insisted on being able to play for 3d. did not attend on cut-in days. The final outcome was that there would be 3d. days on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and 6d. days on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Set tables would be permitted, at 4/- per table on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and at 2/- per table on Tuesdays and Thursdays, at which any stake up to the 6d. maximum would be permitted. Monday would be a 3d. partnership day, and Friday a 6d. partnership day, with Sundays at 3d. or 6d. as agreed at the time. This compromise has continued, substantially unaltered until the present day ( 1973 ). Football Pools Scheme. This commenced in August, with the opening of the new football season, and, to avoid Betting Tax, was confined to members. Cards having 3 sets of numbers were sold at 1/- each per week. Each week there was a draw to determine which teams would correspond to the various numbers, for that week. The winner was the holder of the card corresponding to the highest number of goals scored. The Club took half the takings. Some 77 members participated, the Club benefitting by about £ 60 per year. Miscellaneous. In September, it was agreed that local residents, interested in joining the Club, could join as Temporary members for one month, on one occasion only. In November, an old photograph was presented to the Club and hung in the Tea Room. In the minutes, it is described as a photograph of Club Archery players, taken in 1879, but, it is, in fact, a group of Croquet players, taken at the side of the first Pavilion. Because the Club was losing revenue by not selling drinks on Sunday evenings, the Chairman ( Col. Healing ) offered to operate the bar himself, then, an offer that was gladly accepted. The Burglary Claim of £ 7 for loss and damage, during the Burglary in December 1957, was not agreed by the Insurance Co., but they did make an ex gratia payment of £ 5. The Insurance arrangements were therefore brought up to date. Finance. The Club income, at £ 2533, was £ 140 down on 1957, mainly the result of lower Visitors' Fees, reduced Table Money, and reduced profit on Drinks, both the latter two items probably stemming from the Bridge Room upsets reported already. In its first year, the Football Pools Scheme produced £ 31 for the Club. Expenditure, at £ 2817, was about £ 200 up on 1957. Wages were about £ 100 higher, at £ 1615, and Repairs were also higher, at £ 216. Only 1/5th. of the cost of the Kitchen Roof renewal was charged into the accounts for this year. Further details are given in Appendix 2. 122
In consequence, there was a loss on the year of £ 284. There had also been several items of Capital expenditure, such as £ 69 on furniture, £ 116 on Games Equipment, and £ 70 for the new Sectional Stand. At the year end, the Club's balance was down to £ 1219, of which £ 1008 was still in 4.5% Defence Bonds. Recruits. Notable recruits were Dr. & Mrs. Smart, Mr & Mrs. B. G. Perry and Brig. Peters.
1959 Annual General Meeting. In a review of the year 1958, it was reported that Croquet had been most successful, but Tennis and Bowls were not well supported, that there had been a falling off in attendance in the Bridge Rooms, early in the year, but the Tennis Tournament had been a great success. Although there had been a loss of £ 284 on the year's working, it was hoped to balance out in 1959, by careful housekeeping, without any need to increase subscriptions or charges. The rules were amended to permit play on Good Friday after 3 p.m., and on Xmas Day, but Sunday morning play, which had been asked for by the Croquet Committee on behalf of visitors who came down for the week-end, was not approved. Visitors' Fees for Bowls or Tennis were to include a half-day fee at 2/6, with 4/- for a full day. An appeal was made for volunteers for organising Tennis Tournament lunches, and it was pointed out that with voluntary help a profit of £ 100 could be made. If outside caterers were employed, the profit would disappear, and the personal touch, which was so valuable, would be lost. 0rganisation. Over the years, the Rules had been modified very frequently, and amendment slips had been printed and issued to members, with reprints of the Rules at frequent intervals. To save printing costs, it was agreed, in April, to keep an up-to-date copy of the Rules posted in the Vestibule. To encourage non-playing members to transfer to playing member status, it was decided to permit them to play all games for one week, to try them out, by arrangement with the Secretary. In October, it was agreed that all competitors at Open Tournaments and at the Inter- County Week would be automatically appointed as Honorary Members for the duration of the Tournament, and for the preceding Sunday, after 2 p.m. ( This was a repetition of what had been arranged some years earlier. ) In December, Mr. A.Lawson Walton, one of the Trustees, died. Buildings. To reduce the heat loss from the Bridge Room, fibre glass insulation of the ceiling was recommended, after Col. Healing had carried out an investigation "with every apparent enjoyment, amongst the hanging cobwebs and rafters of the upper regions." An estimate of £ 30 for the work was agreed, but, by the end of the year, the job had not been done. In September, the House Committee reported that the Kitchen was unhygenic, and a considerable amount of reconstruction, tiling and redecoration was agreed. Serious leakage had occurred, during heavy rain, through the Ruberoid roofing of the Dressing Rooms (presumably the rear part) and this had to be replaced. Grounds. The retaining wall at the south end of the Bowling Green was found to be defective in October, but it was felt that repairs were not urgent. There were further complaints at the muddy condition into which the grassed area of the Car Park got in bad weather, and that the hard area was quite inadequate. It was requested that the grass area 123
should be converted into a hard standing, with white lines for orderly parking. The parking of cars on No. 9 Croquet Lawn during the Tennis Tournament was evidently continuing, and this had probably been the practice ever since the war ended. It was suggested that Westfield Road might be used instead, to avoid repeated damage to No. 9 Croquet Lawn. , Nos. 9 & 10 Tennis courts (also called No. 7 Croquet Lawn) was relevelled in May, and was used for Croquet until it was required for the Tennis Tournament. The Bowling Green was again lent to the Games Club for their annual tournament in July. Croquet. There were two Tournaments, in mid-May and early July. For the May Tournament, Miss A. Mills was again Manager and Handicapper, with J.G. Warwick as Referee. There were 34 entrants and, this year, 8 lawns were in use. The main event was again an American Handicap Singles, played in blocks arranged in descending handicap order, for the Godfrey Turner Cup, which was won by Miss E.J. Warwick. The Doubles event was played as a shortened game, with a 2 yard boundary, with pairs of at least 8 bisques in total. For the July Tournament, the Croquet Committee requested the use of the Bowling Green, as a 10th. Croquet Lawn, as entries, higher than in 1958, were too many for 9 lawns. (Presumably, the 9 lawns were Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4, with 2 lawns on Nos. 2 - 6 Tennis courts, No. 7 (ex Nos. 9 & 10 Tennis courts), with Nos. 9 & 10 Croquet lawns on the northern strip.) ( This would leave Nos. 7, 8, 11 & 12 Tennis courts available for Tennis,) It was proposed to leave Rinks 1 & 2 for Bowls, and play Croquet on the remainder of the Bowling Green up to 4 p.m., after which the whole Green would be available for Bowls, if necessary. However, as there were normally only 2 Rinks in use at a time, the lifting of the Croquet hoops each day at 4 p.m. would probably not be necessary. Some of the Bowlers felt that they were being ousted by Croquet and they were not all willing to accept a majority decision of the Committee; in fact, Mr. J.H. Bennett felt so aggrieved that he resigned from the Committee in protest. After the Tournament, it was reported that, in fact, the use of the Bowling Green for the Croquet Tournament had not inconvenienced the Bowlers at all. Major Bibley was again Manager and Handicapper, with J.G.Warwick as Referee. There were 56 entrants, the events following the 1958 pattern, with a slight modification of the handicap range for the Longman Cup (Class 'B'), which was now 2.5 - 6.5 bisques. The Colman Cup was won by Mrs. E. Rotherham. Other trophy winners are listed in Appendix 7. Another match against the London Clubs was played in August, again using the Bowling Green as No. 1 Croquet Lawn had already been turned over to Tennis. There was also another Gymkhana, in August, in aid of the Dominion Tour Fund, which raised £ 40, mostly from a White Elephant sale. Of this, £ 25 went to the Fund, the Club retaining £ 15. There was a Golf-Croquet afternoon at the end of July, open to non-members and non- playing members at 1/- each, plus the event fees. In November, a Croquet Tea was held for the first time, with a Prize-giving, and a request was made for a shelter hut on No. 9 Lawn. In December, the loss of one of the Le Mesurier Cups was reported by the winner. From the two Tournaments the Club made a profit of £ 41. Tennis. The Devon County L.T.A. played an under 21 Ladies' match v. Somerset on our lawns in May, and the Devon Girls' Schools semi-finals were played here in June. An Inter-County Week was held in July. There was a Club American Tournament on August 4th. (Bank Holiday) open to non- 124
playing members and non-members at 1/- each plus the usual entry fees. Tennis Tournament. The Committee Chairman was again Col. H.K. Tippett, with Sdn. Ldr. Hartree as Tournament Secretary and H.Kerridge as Referee. The Tournament Committee again pressed for lighting to be installed in the Dressing Rooms, but to no avail, and were insistent that No. 1 Court should be turned over to Tennis, for hardening play, well before the Tournament. This latter led to the use of the Bowling Green for the Croquet match against the London Clubs. Entries showed another increase, and there were 100 in the Men's Open Singles. The Tournament income was £ 904, and Players' expenses were down to £ 86. The Tournament was played in beautiful weather, and was most successful. The resulting gross profit was £ 317, and of this only £ 20 was charged to Lawn Repairs and £ 60 to Establishment Charges, leaving the declared net profit at £ 237. More details of the financial picture are given in Appendix 3, and the various event winners are given in Appendix 4. After the Tournament, there were complaints about congestion at the Lower Bar, and a Sub-Committee were appointed to look into this. Instead of making a collection for the staff, there had been three collection boxes at strategic points, but these had yielded only £ 3. This was made up to £ 5, but it was decided that, in the following year, any collection money would be added to the Xmas Fund. Bridge. Much less was heard this year about squabbles in the Bridge Room, but, in December, concern was expressed about the high noise level, which had again been the subject of many complaints. Another 50 chairs were renovated, towards the coat of which (£ 62), there were gifts of £ 10 each from Mrs. Sandercock and Mr. Higson. Fruit machine. A suggestion from 19 members that one should be installed was agreed, in February, with the Club taking half the profits from a hired machine, without any liability on the Club. A proposal to install a second machine, in the Lower Pavilion, during the Tennis Tournament, was not agreed by the Tournament Committee, who asked for the one in the Club House to be removed for the duration of the Tournament, which was done. Miscellaneous. At the beginning of the year, the Fire Insurance cover ( £ 7500 ) was thought to be inadequate, and it was later increased to £ 13,375 Plus £ 1000 for loss of profits arising from a fire. In March, cover was taken out against Public Liability to the extent of £ 10,000 for a £ 5 premium. The Football Pools Scheme continued and brought in a profit to the Club of £ 51. Finance. The Club income rose, to £ 3060, an increase of £ 500 over the 1958 figure. The Fruit Machine had yielded a profit of £ 183 in. its first year; the Tournament profits were up; and the Drinks profit, at £ 360 was the highest yet. Expenditure was also higher than in 1958 at £ 2990, Wages being up about £ 150 at £ 1767. Further details are given in Appendix 2. There was a profit of £ 70 on the year, and the Club's balance was up to £ 1255, of which £ 1007 represented the Defence Bond holding. Recruits. During the year, Mr. & Mrs. D.J. Bird joined the Club.
1960. Buildings. The ceiling insulation of the Bridge Room, sanctioned in early 1959, was completed in January, at a cost of £ 27. The Kitchen renovation was completed in February, at a cost of £ 82. New matting for the Kitchen floor, plus a rubber underlay, was presented to the Club. It had cost £ 12. 125
A new gas main had been laid in Cricket Field Lane, and the opportunity was taken of installing a new branch to the. Dressing Rooms, so as to eliminate the expensive Calor Gas installation, which was, in any case, not entirely satisfactory. The change-over was completed in July, at a cost of £ 15. With a gift of £ 20, 6 new hardwood tables for the Verandah were purchased. The plastic bowls installed with the improved lighting in the Tea Room haa had to be replaced several times, as they buckled with the heat, and when they failed again, in December, it was decided to install strip lights instead, at a cost of about £ 20. In the Bridge Room, new Sisal matting, with a rubber underlay, was laid to replace the worn-out carpet, and underlay was also laid in the small Bridge Room to prolong the life of the carpet there. The work was completed in December, at a cost of £ 153. The poor condition of the Nissen hut was again noted! Annual General Meeting. The year 1959 was described as very successful, particularly as a profit had been recorded. Croquet was said to be more popular than ever, with the lawns being fully engaged, and with record entries for the main Tournament. Tennis, apart from the Tournament, had been, disappointing.- 153 - Grounds. The asphalt paths on the east and south of the Club House were resurfaced (Cost- £ 49). Because of dis-satisfaction with the watering of the Croquet Lawns in dry weather, a new water supply was laid on from the main in Cricket Field Lane, by means of a 1.5 in. Alkathene pipe running westwards along the northern edge of Nos. 1 & 2 Croquet Lawns, then across the west of No. 2 Croquet Lawn to the Bowling Green and then westwards again to the junction of Nos. 3 & 4 Croquet Lawns, with hose connections at various points. This scheme was paid for by gifts, totalling £ 80, from Croquet players, organised by J.G. Warwick. It was estimated that the annual cost of water would rise from £ 22 to £ 39, as a result. In December, there were more complaints about having to park cars on the grass area. There was hard standing for only 11 cars, and accommodation was needed for a further 18. Croquet. Because of inadequate accommodation for members' mallets, it was arranged to turn the "Tournament Manager's Office." in the Lower Pavilion into a "Croquet Shed" on the same lines as the "Bowls Shed", and to provide clips on the walls, labelled with members' names, so that the mallets could be hung vertically. Croquet players were asked to use this new "Shed", in preference to keeping their mallets in the cloakrooms, which was objected to. The mallets would all have to be removed during the Tennis Tournament. The Croquet Tournament Managers would operate from the Committee Room (ex Secretary's Office) during Tournaments. With the growing demand for Croquet Lawns, it was agreed, in May, that a 6th. permanent Croquet Lawn would be provided whenever necessary, and then, in December, a 7th. Lawn was requested, and agreed up to the date of the Inter-County Tennis week in July 1961. The appropriate equipment was purchased. There were again two Tournaments, in early May, and early July. For the May Tournament, Miss A. Mills was again Manager and Handicapper, with J.G. Warwick as Referee. There was again an American Handicap Singles, as in recent years, and a Handicap Doubles with a minimum combined handicap of 8 bisques. There were 39 entrants, and 9 lawns were in use. The Godfrey Turner Cup was won by Major E.C. Heathcote. For the July Tournament, the Manager and Handicapper was again Major Dibley, with J.G. Warwick as Referee. There were 62 entrants and the pattern of events was as in 1959. 126
The Colman Cup was won by J.G. Warwick. Other trophy winners are listed in Appendix 7. Prom the combined entry fees of £ 119, prizes took £ 36, and the Croquet Association Levy took £ 34. The Club profit was £ 45, in addition to which there was a profit on lunches and teas of £ 38. There was another Gymkhana in August, which yielded a profit of £ 9. Another match was played against the London Clubs in August, which was won by Budleigh Salterton. This year the Bowling Green was not used. During the year, there were some notable successes for Club members, Mrs. E. Rotherham winning the Open Championship, and Miss E.J. Warwick thinning the Ladies' Championship. After the Tennis Tournament, some Croquet players complained of the serious damage that had occurred to some of the Lawns that had been used as Tennis Courts during the Tennis Tournament, a controversy that was to recur many times in the future. The Club Secretary, however, maintained that there was no damage, and that base-line wear was negligible, but this was evidently an example of where standards differed appreciably. Tennis. The Devon Girls' Schools finals were played at the Club in June, and two Junior County Ladies' matches were also played. An Inter-County Week was held again in July, but when the L.T.A. requested similar facilities for 1961, there was a protest at the Club's having been allocated only Group 4 matches. It was pointed out that a lot of work was entailed in preparing for the Week, and that it involved much inconvenience to Croquet players. In spite of poor weather, the Club had completed its Group, whereas Exmouth, with Group 2 (Men) had not. This protest resulted in the Club's being allocated Group 2 (Ladies) for 1961. Tennis Tournament. Col. Tippett was again the Chairman of the Tournament Committee, and Sdn. Ldr. Hartree was to have been again the Tournament Secretary. However, in May, he died suddenly, which put the Tournament Committee in some difficulty. This was resolved by W.K.H. Coxe becoming Tournament Secretary (Administrative) assisted by Mrs. J. Browne (his secretary), with Mrs. Rowsell, of Devon L.T.A., dealing with all matters concerning the tennis itself, such as inviting players, seeing to entries, arranging the draw, and assisting the Referee, H. Kerridge to get matches on court. Entries were nearly up to the 1959 level, but the weather was appalling, and it was hardly a Tournament at all, only the Open Singles being completed. In consequence, Gate receipts were well down, but £ 130 was received from Pluvius Insurance. After the Tournament, W.K.H. Coxe presented a comprehensive report, in which he advocated that the Tournament Committee should have complete control of the whole Club from the Saturday night before the Tournament to the Sunday morning after it, and that there should be no Croquet after the Saturday afternoon, and that Tournament competitors should be free to knock-up on the Sunday afternoon. Every court that could be made available should be used, and a proper arrangement made for the borrowing of some courts from the Games Club, which, up to now, had been done on an ad hoc basis. Furthermore the Tournament Committee wanted the complete use of all the Card Rooms, and asked that the Pavilion should remain open in the evenings, instead of closing down at 7 pm., and that snack suppers, which the Tournament Committee would organise, should be provided. He suggested completely separate accounts, with a drink stock taken on the Saturday night, when the Tournament Committee would take it over for the week, with another stocktaking on its return. Mr. Coxe also advocated spending more money on invited players, in order to maintain the standard of the Tournament. He also advocated a permanent stand on the east side of No. 1 Court, as it was costing £ 24 each year to erect and dismantle the present 127
one, which, in any case, was not likely to last more than a further 2 or 3 years. He wished to consider renting a school, or suchlike to accommodate the invited players, instead of using hotels. With good weather, he thought that a profit of £ 500 might be made, but, as there was no potential for the increased sale of Stand tickets, any additional profit had to come from the players themselves, through catering or other facilities. The General Committee agreed to the principle of more invited players, and to the taking over of the whole Club for the week, and to the late snack suppers, and to the take over of the Bar, and to requesting the Games Club to lend 3 tennis courts. However, regarding the use of the Bridge Rooms as rest rooms, they suggested the alternative of a marquee on No. 4 Croquet Lawn. They also decided to continue the use of the existing Stand on the east side of No. 1 Court, but that this would be gradually replaced by sections to Brig. Bliss' design, which had already been tried out. Finally, as Col. Tippett did not wish to continue as Tournament Committee Chairman, K.H.L. Coxe agreed to accept this post, provided he were given a free hand in co-opting several people from outside the Club. This would require the sanction of a General Meeting of members. The Sub-Committee appointed in the autumn of 1959, to look into the congestion reported at the Lower Bar, reported in June, and recommended that, instead of opening a separate Soft Drinks bar, with the attendant difficulties of water supply and location, soft drinks should be sold at the window of the existing bar, and this would necessitate some interior modifications. These were carried out in July, at a cost of £ 17. Ice Cream would also be sold at the Soft Drinks Bar. At the Tournament, the Junior (under 15) events, which had been poorly supported, were dropped. The total Tournament income was £ 907, almost the same as in 1959. Players' expenses rose to £ 172, and the gross profit was £ 189. The former practice, of charging part of the gross profit to Lawn Repairs and to Establishment Charges before declaring a net profit, seems to have fallen into abeyance, and, in years to come, this was to be regretted because it led to increased taxation. Financial details appear in Appendix 3. Bridge. The 3d. v 6d. controversy took a new turn, by an agreement to allow 3d. tables to be made up on 6d. days. The Haig Day event was held, as usual, in October. On the question of noise, the best solution that the Committee could think of, was to pin notices on each table, which read "please speak as quietly as possible". Finance. It was decided that the various Croquet and Tennis Tournaments would, in future, carry in their accounts, the cost of any extra labour and overtime. In July, the Catering profits were disappointing at the half-yearly review, and some increases in prices, including the Tennis Tournament prices, were made. In December, the cash position was such that either an overdraft of £ 700, or the sale of Defence Bonds would be necessary to tide the Club over until March. The overdraft was decided on. The Club income was £ 2656, about £ 200 less than in 1959, mainly because of the lower Tennis Tournament profit, and a fall in the profit on Drinks. On the other hand, expenditure was £ 3039, resulting in a loss on the year of £ 182. Although the costs of modernising the Kitchen, the new carpets for the Bridge Room, and the resurfacing of Paths round the Club House, were to be spread over 3 to 5 years in the Revenue accounts, they had to be paid for, in full, out of reserves, which, at the year-end, were down to £ 796. The Club still had £ 1008 in 4.5% Defence Bonds, but there was an overdraft of £ 240. 128
Recruits. Among those who joined the Club during the year were Lt. Col. & Mrs. Laverty and J.K.Brown.
1961. Personnel. The Agricultural Wages minimum was raised to £ 8-9-0 per week in February, and in March, the outside staff had wages increases, West from £ 10 to £ 12 per week, and Hunt from £ 7-10-0 to £ 8-15-0 per week. The wages of the Stewardesses ( Mrs. French and Mrs. Fayter ) were increased from 2/6 per hour to 3/- per hour. It was also agreed to supply the groundsmen with one suit of dungarees per year, as protective clothing against various chemicals, etc. The Secretary and Treasurer also received increases of £ 10 per year, in September. Organisation. A Sub-Committee had been appointed in 1966 to consider primarily the boundary between full playing members and country members, but a number of other aspects of membership was also considered. As a result, the General Committee recommended :- 1. There should be a determined drive for new members. Mr. Coxe thought that an extra 50 members should be aimed at, as the Club facilities were not being used to capacity, and that the doors should be opened much wider. He also thought that there was a great need for new members to be introduced around, so as to make them feel at home. 2. Entrance Fees should be abolished, and all elected members should have equal voting rights. 3. The special class of Third or Subsequent members of a Family should be abolished. 4. Subscriptions should be increased to raise an extra £ 300 per year to allow for higher wages, and increased national Insurance contributions. 5. The Country Member boundary should be moved to a 10-mile radius from the Club. 6. The maximum age for Junior Members should be reduced to 22. These proposals were put to the Annual General Meeting. Annual General Meeting. It was pointed out that Wages had increased by about £ 400 over the 1955 figure, the year that subscriptions had last been increased, and would rise by a further £ 200 per year in 1961. A proposal for a differential subscription scheme for the various games was turned down as undesirable, and it was agreed that Playing Members' subscriptions should be increased from £ 6-6-0 to £ 8-8-0. Country Members were split into two classes, Far-Country Members from beyond the new 10-mile boundary, whose subscription would be £ 4-4-0, and Near-Country Members resident outside the old boundary but inside the new one, whose subscription would be £ 6-6-0. Junior Members' subscriptions would be raised from £ 3-3-0 to £ 4-4-0. A new class of Foreign or Service Member was established at a subscription of £ 1-1-0. The other proposals of the General Committee were agreed. The other major matter dealt with was the question of the new management arrangement for the Tennis Tournament. It was pointed out that, since 1955, when it was decided that the Tournament should continue, it had become progressively more difficult to find volunteers to run it, and if the Club could not find such people then outside help would be necessary, if it were to continue. The general plan put forward by Mr. Coxe was approved, with the exception that the small Bridge Room would remain open for Bridge, during the Tennis Tournament. Brig. Peters was elected as Vice-President for the next 3 years. Mr. Duncum was still Hon. Auditor, and Mrs. Sandercock was still Chairman of the House Committee. 129
Buildings. The strip lighting was installed in the Tea Room in January. Lights were fitted on each corner of the Lower Pavilion Office and Bar, to Light the path from the Club House to Cricket Field Lane, in December. A larger gas cooker had to be installed in the Kitchen to cater for the Tennis Tournament suppers. Grounds. Another estimate was obtained for an extension of the main Car Park hard standing area. It was likely to cost up to £ 250, and the Committee again considered that this work could not possibly be sanctioned. An interesting point arose over repairs needed to the Wall of the Dial House garden, where the ownership of the wall was not clear in the deeds. The Club decided to repair the buttresses on the Club side. Croquet. Major Stone was the Croquet Tournament Secretary, a new post. An additional (unofficial) Tournament, (American), was held the week before the main July Tournament, but no details are available. For the May Tournament, Miss. A. Mills was again Manager and Handicapper, with J.G. Warwick as Referee. There were 49 entrants and 9 lawns were in use. The American handicap Singles, in blocks of descending handicap, for the Godfrey Turner Cup, was won by J.G. Warwick. For the Handicap Doubles, the handicap limit was reduced to a minimum of 7 bisques. For the July Tournament, with Major Dibley as Manager and Handicapper, and J.G. Warwick as Referee, there were 56 entrants. The Bowling Green was used as a 10th. lawn. Events were similar to 1960. Miss E.J. Warwick won the Colman Cup; other trophy winners are listed in Appendix 7. From the 3 Tournaments, even after paying £ 50 for extra labour, overtime, etc., there was still a profit of £ 75. From now on all Cups taken away would be engraved at the winners' expense. Up to now, this had been done at the Club's expense. The Hutchinson Cup was re-allocated to an autumn Club competition for long bisquers. Another Gymkhana was held in August, open to all. This raised £ 68, of which £ 40 came from a Raffle, and £ 30 from a White Elephant sale. From the proceeds, £ 10 was donated to the local Chamber of Trade in return for the support given to the Raffle, £ 30 went to the Dominion Tour Fund, and the Club retained £ 28. There was also another match against the London Clubs in August. At the end of the year, a request that the grounds should open for play at 10 a.m. instead of 10.30 a.m., was agreed to. The Croquet Committee complained about the shortage of lawns, especially after mid-July, and said that saturation point had been reached. They also complained about the delay in getting Croquet Lawns back into service after the Tennis Tournament, and the losing of courts earlier before the Tennis Tournament. The Club Secretary said that his plan was to put Lawns 2, 4 & 9 back into service for Croquet during the week after the Tennis Tournament, but, that as lawns 1 & 3 would be unfit, the return of No. 3 was normally delayed for a week. The courts in the " Cage", ie. Nos. 5 & 6, on Nos. 2-6 Tennis Courts, needed to be rested. The General Committee decided to put a, new Croquet Lawn, now No.l0, into service in 1962. They would keep Nos. 5 & 6 for Croquet up to the Inter-County Tennis Week (late July), thus making 8 lawns for Croquet up to that date, (i.e. Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 & 10). After the Inter-County Week, there would be 6 lawns (i.e. Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 9 & 10) and perhaps one more if conditions permitted. The period after the Tennis Tournament would be left to the discretion of the Secretary and Groundsman, as no definite arrangements were considered 130
possible. The Croquet Committee suggested avoiding the use of this new lawn (No. 10) as a Car Park during the Tennis Tournament, by using Westfield Road instead. (This had already been suggested a few years earlier, but nothing seems to have been done about it.) The argument between the Croquet Committee and the Club Secretary seems to have developed into almost a feud. In September, the Secretary himself complained that, in spite of the rules terminating summer games on October 15th., two Croquet Lawns had been kept in commission during the previous autumn until 1st. January 1961. He said that no harm had resulted, but the maintenance of these lawns for play had interfered with the winter programme of work. The General Committee thereupon decided to shut down all lawns on October 15th. or on such later date as the Secretary would decide. (One up to the Secretary !) Tennis. The Devon Girls' Schools finals and a Devon County Junior Ladies' match were played on our courts. The Inter-County Week was for the Group 2 (Ladies), and, as a heavy gate was expected, a section of the portable stand, with 60 seats, was erected at the west end of the courts, and an extra charge made for its use. It must have been a successful week, but there was some criticism after-wards because, although play was advertised to commence at 2 p.m., some morning matches had taken place, which was considered to be very unfair on the public. The failure of players to call out the score was also criticised. The Club made a profit of £ 77 out of the week, which was very popular. Junior Tennis. A special Sub-Committee was appointed to run this, and considerable progress was made. Instructional classes had been organised, and there were "cut-in" days twice each week, an American Tournament, and a match against Sidmouth. There were 20 Juniors regularly involved, and, it was agreed to allow local children of non-members to join the classes over the Xmas holidays, at 2/6 per lesson to the Coach, and 1/6 per lesson to the Club. Also, non-playing members might play tennis with their own children, on courts reserved for children, for the usual Visitors' Fee. Tennis Tournament. Under the Chairmanship of K.H.L. Coxe, Mrs. J.H. Browne was the Tournament Secretary and Treasurer, with H. Kerridge as Referee. Whilst the General Committee agreed to the Tournament Committee deciding the prices of drinks sold at the bar, and to evening catering, they would not agree to a proposal to allow play on the Sunday morning before the Tournament. Both bars were open during the Tournament, but there was some difficulty over finding someone to take overall control of the lunches. Entries were well up and more was given away in Prizes and in Players' Expenses than formerly, the latter totalling £ 240. Two new events were included, Boys' and Girls' level Doubles. There was a profit of only £ 96, and nothing had been charged for Lawn Repairs or Establishment Charges, although £ 171 had been paid in Extra Labour, etc. The organisers thought the Tournament had been a great success, and that our courts were much better than at most Tournaments. They thought a very high entry could be expected in 1962. The financial data for the Tournament are given in Appendix 3. In a review of the Tournament, it was claimed that entries were below what was expected, on account of the very wet unfinished tournament in 1960. In 1961, players had given preference to the Torquay tournament, but this had proved to be a poor tournament, and they were expected, in 1962, to give preference to Budleigh Salterton. Mr. Coxe hoped for 300 entries in 1962. Up to now, there had been a limitation of 2 events per player, and he thought this might have put people off. He reported that profits were down because, a. Prize Money was increased, but it was still only 33% of the Entry Fees. 131
b. Too much had been paid out in entertainment of invited players. In addition to the £ 240 in the accounts, there was a further £ 30 or so on free meals. He hoped to reduce this to £ 200 in 1962, but, he said, a form of commercial blackmail existed among the players, who demanded more than just accommodation, and some insisted on their friends being invited, too, or else they would not come. When the small profit came to be discussed at the 1962 Annual General Meeting, it was said that, of the 5 top tournaments in the country, ours was the only one to show a profit at all. Juniors' Den. In an endeavour to provide for Juniors and attract them to membership, a Juniors' Den was established in the Xmas holidays, in the Men's Dressing Room. Mrs. Lyndsay Fynn had given a Table Tennis table. Lighting was installed, and the room would be supervised by a Junior committee of 4 (Prefects), who would be responsible for keeping the room tidy and maintain order. It would be open daily to 6.30 p.m. The Juniors organised their own tournaments to raise funds for the Club, and adults were allowed to play Table Tennis during term time at 3d. ball fee, but children were to have priority at the table. Junior Tennis Instructional Classes continued during the Xmas holiday. A Fancy Dress Party was held on December 23rd. and classes in Scottish Country Dancing were held, too. Bridge. The Haig Day event was held, as usual. A winter tournament was held, with a small fee to cover prizes. In December, it was decided to increase the Set-Table Day fees from 1/- each to 1/6 each, so as to furnish some prize money. Otherwise, things seem to have quietened down on the Bridge front. Finance. With the increases in subscriptions agreed at the Annual General Meeting, Playing Members' subscriptions were up to £ 1339. The profit on Drinks fell to £ 220, possibly because all bar profits made in the Tennis Tournament week now appeared in the Tournament accounts. The profit from the Fruit Machine shot up to £ 287. The Football Pools Scheme was still running, and brought in £ 50. As expected, Wages increased to £ 1818, about £ 100 up on 1960. Repairs were also high at £ 245, in addition to which there was a total of £ 95 charged into the accounts, in respect of the repairs done in 1959, whose cost was being spread over several years. Further details of both income and expenditure are given in Appendix 2. Over the year, there was a small profit of £ 25, and the Club's balance was £ 898. There was still £ 1008 in Defence Bonds, but also a bank overdraft of £ 206.
SUMMARY.
The foregoing decade had been characterised by a great increase in wage rates; whereas in 1951, the last year of the previous section, wages had cost £ 1306, including the salary of a paid Secretary and 3 groundsmen, in 1961, wages amounted to £ 1818, again with paid officials but with only 2 groundsmen. There had been a period between 1952 and 1955 when the officials were Honorary, but it had been necessary to revert to the paid officials again. Subscriptions had had to be increased in 1953 (for new members only), in 1955 for all members, and again in 1961, to balance the increased outgoings. A Fruit Machine installed in 1959 had yielded good profits for the Club, as had a Football Pools Scheme started in 1958. Throughout the period, the need for new members had been stressed, and to encourage them, the Entrance Fee had been abolished in 1961. 132
A considerable amount of improvement had been made to the Club premises, and the new office for the Secretary was built in 1956. In the grounds, Tennis had languished, but Croquet had become very important, so much so that the two lawns on the northern strip had been reconditioned as Croquet Lawns. The May Croquet Tournament had been restarted in 1954, and a third annual Tournament instituted in 1961. A Test Match, against New Zealand had been played here in 1956. Fundamental changes had been made in the organisation of the Tennis Tournament, which had become a commercial venture, with the payment to invited players really determining the success of the Tournament. Several outside people had joined the Tournament Committee. There had been continual trouble over Bridge, with the conflict between 3d. and 6d. players extending over many years, resulting in a very bad atmosphere. Much more autonomy had been granted to the Sectional Committees, who, since 1952, had been elected by the Sectional members, instead of being appointed by the Committee. There had been some revival of Bowls, but the Ladies' Bowls Section, started with a great flourish in 1954 had soon fizzled out. In 1961, considerable efforts were made to encourage Junior Tennis, and, at the end of the year, the Juniors' Den was started. The Club's reserves had been reduced from about £ 1700 at the end of 1951, to only about £ 900 at the end of 1961.
SECTION 10. - A PERIOD OF FINANCIAL UPS AND DOWNS. - 1962 - 1970.
1962. Personnel. In April, W.H. Pearce, Treasurer since 1956, died, and Col. W.R. Healing offered to do the job and was appointed Treasurer on the same terms as his predecessor. In October, it was decided to pay West an additional £ 1 per week, Bar Allowance, to cover the responsibilities attached to the work, whenever the bar was open. He paid a visit to Wimbledon during the season, to get some experience. In December, an event occurred, fortunately not met with frequently. A 16-year old boy was such a bad influence on other children, so much so that some had been forbidden by their parents to use the Club, and of bad behaviour, that his membership of the Club was cancelled and his fee of 1.5 gns. returned. ( Stern but justified measures.) Organisation. Due to an alteration in the Licensing Laws, which required 40 hours membership of a Club before drinks could be served, the position of competitors and others attending a Tournament, match or other function had to be safeguarded, and a new rule was adopted to permit the sale of liquor to such persons or temporary members. To facilitate the valuation of fixed assets, etc. for insurance purposes, a Property Book was started in July, and Sub-Committees were appointed to list the items to be included. A modification of the rule about Serving Officers was made in December, to admit Serving officers in the Forces and their wives to membership, for £ 1-1-0 singles or £ 2-2-0 to include wife and children under 18, if they were resident within 20 miles of the Club. Annual General Meeting. This was relatively uneventful. In commenting on 1961, the success of our leading Croquet players in National events was praised. A big effort was to be made to get Bowls going again, and tuition for beginners was being arranged. Tennis had been poorly attended, but Junior Tennis was thriving. There was much adverse criticism of the poor profit from the Tennis Tournament, and 133
many members considered that the "invited" players had been getting too much. It was hoped to reduce these payments in 1962. Buildings. The Men's Dressing Room was officially allocated as the Juniors' Den, except during Tournaments. A considerable programme of painting was carried out, including the exterior of the Dressing Rooms, the interior of the Ladies' Dressing Room, and of the Bridge Room and Tea Room. Hire charges for the Club House rooms were revised in November, to 40/- for the Large Bridge Room, 30/- for the Small Bridge Room, and 40/-for the Tea Room, with an overall maximum of 70/- for an evening. The Bridge Room heating was unsatisfactory, as the electric wiring was old and troublesome, and, in November, a Sub-Committee was appointed to consider it. They reported that, even with a coal or wood fire, the electric tubular heaters had to be switched on at 11 a.m. to ensure a temperature of 60o F by 3 p.m. The corners of the room, near the heaters, became too hot, while the centre of the room remained cold. They recommended blocking up the fireplace, and installing a gas radiator, leaving the electric heaters in situ for boosting the temperature, if necessary. A second gas radiator was to be installed in the Tea Room. These recommendations were agreed. In December, some members had been impressed by the Bar at the Cranford Club, and thought that our Bar ought to be improved to attract custom, and the preparation of a scheme for improvement was agreed. Grounds. Two Tennis courts and one Bowls Rink were loaned to the Southwest Electricity Board for their competition finals on a Sunday in July, for which they were charged £ 3-3-0. Bridge. Apart from the usual Haig Day function, a Xmas Bridge Party was held. Fruit Machine. It was suggested that it might be to the Club's advantage to buy a Machine, which would cost about £ 300, since with the hired machine, the Club was receiving rather less than £ 6 per week, but with a purchased machine, the Club should receive about £ 7 per week. A Machine was bought, at a cost of £ 280, in October, the cost being spread over 4 years. Croquet. Referring to the complaint that lawns had been taken out of commission, for the Tennis Tournament, earlier than usual, the Club Secretary said that this was untrue, and felt that there was antipathy by the Croquet Committee towards him and West, and not necessarily towards the Tennis Tournament itself. This bad feeling became evident again, in April, when the Secretary complained to the Committee that he had been under undue pressure to supply lawns before it was reasonably possible. In retrospect, it would seem that he was unnecessarily touchy, and did not realise that all the Croquet members were after was opportunities to play, and that they felt frustrated at what they considered was a lack of keenness to supply their needs. The Devon L.T.A. wished to play their championships on our courts over the Whitsun week-end, and this would take away Nos. 5 & 6 Croquet Lawns. The Croquet Committee asked that these should be replaced, but this was not agreed on the grounds that if they were (by turning Nos. 9 - 12 Tennis courts over to Croquet), there would be only 2 Tennis courts (i.e. Nos. 7 & 8) available for members, children and visitors, which was not enough. The General Committee thought that the 6 Croquet Lawns which would be available was sufficient, but the Croquet players thought otherwise. There were again three Tournaments, in early May, and early July (for two weeks). Mrs. Vincent was now Tournament Secretary. 134
For the May American Tournament, Miss A. Mills was again Manager and Handicapper, with J.G. Warwick as Referee. There were 49 entrants, a new record. The American Singles was played in 7 blocks of 6 or 7 in each, the Godfrey Turner Cup being won by R.A. Godby. For the first July Tournament, there were 42 entrants for the American Singles, with blocks drawn at random, and the winner was Lt. Col. T.F. Laverty. For the main July Tournament, Major Dibley was again Manager and Handicapper, with J.G. Warwick as Referee. There were 53 entrants, and 9 lawns were in use. The pattern of events was the same as in 1961, with the Colman Cup shared by Lt. Col. Cave and Miss E.J. Warwick. All trophy winners are listed in Appendix 7. For the three Tournaments, Entry Fees totalled £ 172, of which Prizes took £ 63, and the Croquet Association Levy took £ 29. Catering profits of £ 28, and Bar profits of £ 21 were credited to the tournament account, and £ 42 for extra labour and overtime was deducted. The resulting Club profit was £ 85. The General Committee objected to the Prize money being 37% of the Entry Fees, and required the ratio to be kept down to 33%. This year, there was no Gymkhana. In October, a request for Winter Croquet was refused. Tennis. The Devon County Championships were played at the Club over Whitsuntide. Six courts were used. Gate money was charged and the Club made £ 10 profit. A Devon v. Dorset match was played here in June. The Inter-County Week was held once more, but there were more protests at the failure of the players to call out the score, and the feeling about this was so strong that the Committee thought they might well refuse to stage the event again, if there was no improvement. The Southwest Electricity Board again staged their competition finals ( Tennis & Bowls ) one Sunday in June. Tennis Tournament. K.H.L. Coxe was again Chairman of the Tournament Committee with Mrs. J.H. Browne as Tournament Secretary. For the first time, Tennis courts were laid out on the present Nos. 9 & 10 Croquet Lawns, in preference to using them as Car Parks. The earlier protests by the Croquet Committee about their use as Car Parks had evidently had no effect until now. It was realised that the revenue from the unreserved stand on the east side of No. 1 Court did not cover the cost of erection and dismantling ( £ 27 ), and as considerable repairs were needed to it, it was again proposed that two double rows of concrete seats should be built on the east side, to seat 130 people, on each side of the 38 seat stand designed by Brig. Bliss, at an estimated cost of £ 200. However, this was again refused, and a number of portable forms, to seat 120, were obtained instead. The Tournament gate receipts were much better than in 1961, and so were the Catering and Bar profits. The total income rose to £ 1204, Players' expenses were kept down to £ 200, and the gross profit improved to £ 247. Further financial details are given in Appendix 3, from which it will be seen that, once more, there was no allowance for Lawn Repairs or Establishment Charges. After the Tournament, it was reported that it had been more difficult to get outside helpers, as the Club had a reputation of being stand-offish. There were not enough members to provide the necessary help, and Mr. Coxe thought that the Club's policy was wrong, and that everything possible should be done to popularize the Club locally. Junior Affairs. Several Junior Tennis matches were arranged, and some of the Juniors did well at the Sidmouth Tennis Tournament. The instructional classes had averaged 135
25 per class, which brought £ 10 to the Club. Non- members' children were admitted to the classes held during the Easter holidays. Three Cups for Junior Tennis were presented: - a. by Mrs. Allen for the Girls' Club Championship, b. by Mrs. Vincent for the Boys' Club Championship, and c. by Mrs. Heathcote for all-round merit. The winners of these cups are listed in Appendix 5. A Junior American Tournament was held in August. Juniors' Den. This had functioned well over the 1961/1962 Xmas holidays. Heating was by paraffin stoves, but these were not satisfactory. Electric heating was too costly, so a gas convector heater, at £ 15, was tried out. Except during Tournaments, the Juniors had the full use of the Men's Dressing Room, and men had to change in the back premises, to which an entrance was arranged at the side. A Record Player was obtained, mainly by private collection, and the Club voted £ 3 for Dance records. The floor was treated with poly-urethane to keep down the dust. The Den made a profit of £ 30. It could be hired for private parties for £ 1-1-0. Table Tennis. A problem arose because some adults wanted to play during school holidays, but as this could lead to a breakdown of the Junior Movement, which would affect 20 members and 30 children, it was laid down that :- a. Table Tennis is not a Club game. b. The Table Tennis Table was presented for the benefit of children. c. The children used the Den well, and treated, it as their own Club. d. The children were to be left on their own, supervised by their own prefects and by the Junior Tennis Committee. e. All adults must refrain from playing during the school holidays, but could play at other times for a 6d. table fee, which could be commuted to 7/6 per year, but children must always be given preference. Finance. Because of low Bar profits and the increasing cost of spirits, the price of sales was raised to yield a profit of 42%. In December, it was agreed to sell liquor to members by the bottle. In July, the investment in 4.5% Defence Bonds was switched, to 6% L.C.C. Bonds, to increase the yield. For the year, the Club income was £ 3728, an increase of £ 500 on 1961. Increases took place in Playing Members' Subscriptions, in the yield from the Fruit machine, in the Drinks profit and in the profit from the Tennis Tournament. Expenditure remained fairly steady at £3289, of which wages was £ 1909. The Fuel bill was now up to £ 233, and Repairs, including the share of work carried out in 1959, cost £ 309. Further details are given in Appendix 2. There was therefore a profit on the year of £ 439, the highest figure for 20 years. There had been Capital expenditure or £ 283 on the Fruit Machine, and £ 85 on Furniture, etc. At the year-end, the Club's balance totalled £ 1279, of which the 6% L.C.C. Loan Stock amounted to £ 1016.
1963. Organisation. Some interesting figures were given of the membership, which are compared below with figures given in 1956:-
136
April 1956. August 1962. August 1963. (see Page113) Playing members 160 138 127 Third member etc. 5 - - Overseas & Service - 6 9 Country 1 38 41 Total playing 166 182 177 Non-playing 111 153 154 Juniors 2 - - Children - 27 31 Grand total 279 362 362
Thus, compared with 1956, there had been a substantial increase in both total Playing members (although more were now resident further from the Club), and in Non-playing members, who were entirely local. Up to now, only Resident Playing Members had been eligible for membership of the Committee, but, in January, in view of the greater ease of transport, it was ruled that all elected members, whether playing, non-playing, country or life-members would be so eligible. Security and Insurance. On the night of February 13th./14th. there was a burglary at the Club House, when the Fruit Machine, cash and three silver cups (including the Bull croquet Cup and the L.G. Walters Long Handicap Trophy), cigarettes and liquor were stolen, the total loss being about £ 320, mostly covered by insurance. There was deep criticism at the loss of the cups, which ought to have been in the Bank, instead of in a cupboard at the Club. The cups were later replaced, but the names of the winners of the Bull Cup from 1927, when it was presented, to 1946 have been lost for ever. Arising out of the burglary, the Insurance Co. wanted a complete alarm system on all doors and windows, wired through to the Police Station, before they would cover the Bar Stocks, particularly the higher stocks needed at the Tennis Tournament. The Club, considering this demand to be unreasonable, offered to convert the Kitchen Larder into a Strong Room, with a gong alarm. The General Accident Insurance Co. would not accept this, but the Motor Union did, provided the Fruit Machine was moved into the Strong Room each night. The Larder was converted into a Strong Room at a cost of £ 45, and insurance cover was arranged for £ 1200 for furniture, £ 280 for the Fruit Machine, £ 100 for Liquor stocks plus £ 10 of Liquor stock at the Lower Bar. Fire Insurance remained with the Commercial Union, as a condition of the lease, but a revaluation was needed. Additional fire extinguishers were bought, including one for the Junior's Den. Personnel. The question was raised, in January, of securing and training a successor for West, but good men were hard to get, and the Committee felt that the Club could not, in any case, afford a third man, so a decision was deferred. In December, wage rates were raised again, West going from £ 12 to £ 13 per week, and Hunt from £ 8-15-0 to £ 9 per week, and the Stewardesses from 3/- to 3/6 per hour. In November, Mr. Duncum, the Hon. Auditor, had to resign, and he was replaced by Mr. Powell-Phillips. Mrs. Sandercock was still Chairman of the House Committee. Social Functions. A very successful Cocktail Party was held in March, at which some 220 members and friends were present, together with some guests of the Club. 137
Unfortunately, one of the ladies suffered the loss of a fur coat from the Cloak Room. An attempt was made to hold more social functions, and it was decided that every Friday evening should be a Club Night, to enable members to get to know each other better, Mrs. Healing held some Flower Arranging Classes in the autumn in the Juniors' Den, and Col. Healing proposed a series of evening concerts, with a record player, which was agreed. Another Xmas Party was also arranged. Croquet. At the Annual General Meeting, it had been said that we had some of the finest players in the country, and two of them ( Miss E.J. Warwick and Dr. W.P. Ormerod ) had gone to New Zealand with the Great Britain Test team, which had been successful in retaining the MacRobertson Shield. At this time, there were only 3 shelters for Croquet players at Tournaments, one between Lawns 3 & 4, and the two pay huts at the gates, which were moved twice each year. There was also a temporary shelter made out of Verandah canvas, and erected twice each year. A permanent shelter was required for Lawns 9 & 10. To meet this situation, the east gate hut was made into a permanent shelter for Lawns 9 & 10, and the old sentinel box became the east gate pay hut. Temporary canvas shelters were erected between Lawns 7 & 8, and between Lawns 5 & 6. There were again three Tournaments, on the same lines as in 1962, and Mrs. Vincent was again Tournament Secretary. For the early May Tournament, Miss A. Mills was again Manager and Handicapper, with J.G. Warwick as Referee. There were 38 entrants, and the American Singles was played in 6 blocks of 6 each, the Godfrey Turner Cup being won by R.A. Godby. For the early July American Tournament, there were 33 entrants, and it was played in 5 blocks of mixed handicaps, and won by A.J. Cooper.- 168 - For the main July Tournament, 9 Lawns ( + the Bowling Green ? ) were in use. Major Dibley was again Manager and Handicapper with J.G. Warwick as Referee. For the Doubles event, the handicap criterion was altered, to be a combined handicap of at least 3 bisques. The Colman Cup was won by Miss E.J. Warwick, and other trophy winners are listed in Appendix 7. The Entry Fees for the three Tournaments totalled £ 177, of which Prizes took £ 62, the Croquet Association Levy took £ 35, and £63 was debitted for extra labour etc. Catering profits of £ 40 and Bar profits of £ 33 were credited to the. Tournament account, which showed a profit of £ 117, the highest ever achieved. Dr. R.D.N. Smartt presented a new cup for a Men's Club knock- out event, and the Hutchinson Cup was re-allocated to an autumn knock-out handicap event for those not eligible to enter for the Club Championship. Tennis. The Hard Courts needed complete reconstruction, and Messrs. Gaze submitted, in May, three estimates, ranging from remedial works only, for £ 262, for reconstruction and resurfacing with red all-weather surface, for £ 697, and for reconstruction and resurfacing with green non-attention surface, for £ 609. These were all too expensive for the Committee, in view of the small use made of the courts, and, in September, new drains only were laid, at a cost of £ 32, but these turned out later to be unsatisfactory. In June, the Tennis Committee recommended the purchase, for £ 40, of a Dan Maskell wall net for tennis practice. This was a device to be placed behind and above a Tennis Court net, which had recently been designed. It was to be used like an ordinary wall, but was more efficient, as the tension could be adjusted. The General Committee were against it, 138
until it had been thoroughly tested out by Devon L.T.A., and this upset the Tennis Committee very much. An inter-county match between Devon and Cornwall Ladies was played in June, but the Committee protested to the Devon L.T.A. at giving us such poor matches. The Inter-County Week was also disappointing, both as regards poor play and a poor profit, which was nil. The Club was far from satisfied with the Group that had been allocated, but agreed to stage the event in 1964, in the hope that Group 2 (Men) would be allotted. Tennis Tournament. The Chairman of the Tournament Committee was again W.K.H. Coxe, with Mrs. J.H. Browne as Tournament Secretary and H. Kerridge as Referee. Entries were at a very high level, and there were 109 entries for the Mens' Level Singles. A table showing the entries for all the events is given under the 1967 report, but there was the formidable total of 717 matches to be played. Unfortunately, because of rain, the Tournament was unfinished, and the Gate receipts were down. Mr. Coxe and Mrs. Browne presented a trophy ( the Withane Plate ) to the Club, to be awarded to the best behaved and most co-operative player. Details of the Tournament finances are given in Appendix 3, but it might be noted here that £ 150 was received from Rain insurance, and Players' Expenses were down to £ 172. The gross profit was only £ 187, although the total income was up to £ 1306. Again, no allowance was made towards Lawn Repairs or Establishment Charges After the Tournament, Mr. Coxe and Mrs. Browne did not want to do another one. They were not convinced that the Club members really wanted a Tournament. If it were to continue, he thought it would have to be on the modern lines he had followed, which would involve flooding the place with large numbers of very modern teenagers, whose habits and customs were very different from those of the majority of members. Did members really want this, or would they prefer a more gentle and gradually disappearing garden party type of tournament, which would eventually result in the Club's becoming a modest little Bridge and Croquet Club for retired people? A Special General Meeting was held in November to discuss the future of the Tournament. On the credit side, we had a good date, and whereas most Clubs did not make any profit out of their Tournament, we made an average of about £ l80 per year. This additional income was a welcome help in meeting special items of expenditure, and there was the attraction or being able to watch first-class tennis. The Club came to life for a week. On the debit side, it caused a lot of disorganisation of Club routine, and a lot of work for many members. Mr. Coxe said that our 1963 Tournament had been the largest of over 100 Tournaments in the country. There was certainly a lot of work, much of which was done by non-members, but it was not practicable to hand the Tournament completely over to an outsider to run, as the days of a fully-sponsored Tournament had not yet arrived. By a large majority, it was decided that the Tournament should continue as for the past few years. It should be a large Tournament, with meals, and so on. Very few favoured a small Tournament. In December, a new Tournament Committee was appointed with Sir Leonard Daldry as Chairman, and the Club Secretary as the Tournament Secretary. As the wooden seats on the top row of the concrete stand were beyond repair, another tier of concrete seats was added to this stand during the latter part of the year. A blow was struck by the Inland Revenue, who charge Income Tax on the 1962 Tournament profit, from which there had been no deduction for Lawn Repairs, etc. 139
Junior Affairs. The Allen Cup for Junior Boys' Tennis, and presented in 1962, was awarded for the first time. Several Tennis matches took place, and there was an American Tournament in August. A bit of an argument developed as a result of Dancing Lessons in the Juniors' Den during the Easter holidays, whilst two members were trying to play Croquet on No. 1 Lawn. It was ruled that there should be no music etc. in the Den, once serious Croquet had started. The growth of the Junior Section justified the election of a proper Junior Affairs Committee, to replace the existing one co-opted by the Tennis Committee in 196! to get things going. At the year-end there were 40 - 50 on the Juniors' list, but, of these, about 10 would become too old in 1964, and another 10 in 1965. It was suggested that an attempt should be made to recruit new Juniors by contacting Schools, etc., and offering Tennis Coaching. But the General Committee would not agree, as they felt there was danger in casting the net too wide. Earlier in the year, Mrs. Jones Bateman had felt strongly that a new class of member should be established to bring in young people who were working, who could not afford adult rates of subscription, and who could only play games in the evening, or at week-ends. She thought that the young people now using the Den and playing Tennis, would not stay at the Club after reaching the age of 18, but would then join Cranford Club, where they could get Badminton, Dancing, etc, for a £ 3-3-0 subscription. She suggested a class of "Restricted Members", who would play outdoor games only, after 5 p.m. for a subscription of £ 2-2-0, but there seems to have been little support for this idea. Bridge. Duplicate Bridge was agreed, once a fortnight, for 12 evenings in the summer. Several Duplicate matches were played, using the small Card Room, with no financial burden on the Club. The Club also became affiliated to the English Bridge Union. It was decided to elect the Bridge Committee in April starting in 1964, so as to facilitate the preparation of the following winter's programme. It was arranged that the Bridge Hostesses would open up the Club on Saturdays in the winter, as, on that day, no staff were available. Buildings. The gas heater, installed in the Bridge Room in 1962, had proved satisfactory, and a second one was installed in the south end of the Tea Room. The Sub-Committee appointed to consider improvements to the Bar, recommended a new Bar, located along the west wall of the Tea Room. This was carried out, at a cost of about £ 120, towards which the wine merchants contributed £ 50. An offer to present Bar Stools was accepted, and the curtains across the room were removed, and made into window curtains. Mrs. Bradshaw presented a picture by herself, which now hangs over the fireplace, and the clock which was formerly there, was moved to a position over the Bridge Room door. Lights were installed in the Lower Bar, as, without them, custom was being lost at the Tennis Tournament. A new door was made into the Bar from the east side, to facilitate deliveries of supplies. A second gas heater was installed in the Juniors' Den, and a small Ascot water heater was installed in the Gents' Cloak Room in the Club House. Grounds. For some years, on the grounds of economy, no winter fertiliser had been applied to the lawns. This had been false economy, as some deterioration of the lawns must have occurred. It was decided, in January, to apply it. There was a considerable spread of clover by August, and the Bowling Green and 7 lawns had to be treated. 140
Prolonged frost in the early part of the year had seriously damaged the Tarmac Car Park, and Paths round the Club House, and Lower Pavilion, and repairs cost £ 220.In May, the Secretary complained about having to do Sunday duty, and suggested that the 3 Games Committees could organise the opening and closing of the Dressing Rooms, the slackening of Tennis nets, etc. Miscellaneous. In June, the Games Club Pavilion was burned down, and they were offered the loan of the Dressing Rooms and the use of the Lower Bar. The Football Pools Scheme was dropped in February, owing to lack of support, the Fruit Machine evidently having proved to be a more attractive gamble. The sale of drinks by the bottle, agreed in 1962, was rescinded as it was not worth while upsetting the local tradesmen. It was decided in October to sell the Grand Piano, as it was unlikely to be used in the future for dances. Finance. In February, it was decided that there was no need for any further increase in the Club's cash reserves. As things were getting dearer steadily, some of the surplus might just as well be spent on benefits to members, such as the New Bar, repairs to the damaged Tarmac Paths, etc. instead of letting the reserves dwindle in purchasing power. In April, the Rateable Value was increased from £ 150 to £ 600. It was feared that this would lead to an increased annual payment of £ 52, but, in June, a 25% relief was granted, which would leave the payments as they were. Unfortunately this relief was cancelled in October, so the payments would increase after all. There was a muddle over Schedule 'A' Tax. The Ground Rent had been paid less Tax, but the Tax had never been passed on. This came to light when a refund was claimed on account of Maintenance, which consequently never materialised. In October, the commuted charge for Table Tennis was increased from 7/6 to 10/- per year. There had been great difficulty in collecting the 6d. Table money. Over the year, the Club income was £ 3679, much the same as in 1962. Expenditure was, however, up to £ 4004, largely on account of the increased Repairs cost, which had included the heavy Frost damage repairs, the new Bar, and extensive redecoration. Further details are given in Appendix 2. There was, therefore, a loss on the year of £ 324, but the Balance Sheet still shewed reserves at £ 1318, including the £ 1016 of 6% L.C.C. Loan Stock. Recruits. Among those joining the Club during the year, were Miss E. Fisher, Miss Locks Latham, Mrs. Christine Baldwin, Dr. Laurence, Lady Peacock, and Sir Leonard and Lady Daldry.
1964. Annual General Meeting. In a review of the previous year, it was pointed out that, excluding special expenditure, income had more than covered the outgoings. However, wages had been recently increased by Statutory Order, and Rates had increased, but with the high membership it was hoped that these extra expenses could be met from normal income. The success of Croquet members at a national level was commended, Mrs. Rotherham having won the Ladies' Championship and the Ladies' Field Cup, and the Club having been strongly represented in the President's Cup and the Mixed Doubles Championship. Club Croquet activities were at a record high level. The many events arranged for non-playing members were referred to, including Flower Arrangement, Chess, Xmas Party etc. Great efforts were being made to weld the 141
Club into a cohesive whole, and it was hoped that the Friday Club Nights would be well supported. Lt. Col. Preston was elected as Vice-President for the next 3 years. Various new rules of a minor nature were adopted to facilitate the work of the sectional Committees, and formal approval was given to the formation of a separate Junior Affairs Committee. The House Committee became the House and Entertainments Committee, a title more in keeping with the scope of the work. A motion to establish a new class of Part-time members was defeated. A motion to admit children of non-members to the Junior Tennis Instructional Classes was approved, as was a proposal to offer Tennis Coaching facilities to selected schools in the area. Organisation. Figures for membership in June were somewhat higher than those for June 1963, given on Page 137. A comparison of these figures with those of 1965 are given on page 146. A feeling developed that Bridge and Croquet players from the Exmouth and Sidmouth areas ( who, under the new rules governing Near Country Members paid £ 6-6-0 subscription ) were being charged too little, and ought to pay the full subscription of £ 8-8-0. A Xmas Party was again held. Personnel. In October, it was announced that the minimum Agricultural Wage was to be increased by 12/- per week from 1st. January 1965, and it was agreed to apply this increase to the ground staff. They were also to have an additional 3 days holiday, which, would be taken separately from the normal 14 days annual leave. In December, Employment Contracts became obligatory for the outside staff, which had to specify what sickness benefit and pensions they were entitled to. It was decided to record on these that, in 1958, they had decided not to devote part of their wages increase to a pension fund. From September, Mrs. French was paid an extra 17/6 per week Bar Money, for the extra, responsibilities associated with that part of her work.- 173 - Buildings. In August, a scheme was put forward for enclosing the Verandah to make an extra Bridge Room. Frequently, the use of 8 tables in the Large Room plus 6 in the Small Room plus 4 in the Tea Room was insufficient, as there were now 110 Bridge playing members compared with 90 not long before, several having recently transferred from the Cranford Club. Many people objected to playing in the Tea Room. The alterations proposed would cost £ 350. A Special Meeting took place in November to discuss the proposals. It was re-iterated that Club policy was to increase the membership to meet rising costs, and not to increase subscriptions. The position was similar to that of 1937, when the Small Bridge Room was added. The scheme was adopted, of which the total cost, including carpets, curtains, heaters and furniture, on top of the building costs, would be about £ 6lO, which, it was thought, could be paid off in 2 - 3 years. The ventilation of the Large Bridge Room was again criticised, in December, and a request was made for the re-opening of the fireplace and the removal of the gas heaters. It appeared that the real cause of the trouble was overheating, and insufficient use of the fan. Actually, the cost of electricity for heating this room had risen, in spite of the use of the gas heaters, and some of the electric heaters were, therefore, disconnected. The Burglar Alarm on the Strong Room was found, in December, to be ineffective, because of battery failure, and new power arrangements were made. Grounds. A suggestion that the Allotments should be converted into a Car Park for 142
the Tennis Tournament was investigated, but the likely cost was so great that the idea was deferred, and the Allotment holders were told later that they could continue to use them, on a year to year basis. In the spring, a row of new trees was planted to screen the new Games Club Pavilion. The perennial question of Dogs came up again, and it was agreed, in June, that dogs may only be taken straight through the Grounds, and must be kept on a lead. The East Gate pay shelter was moved to a permanent position between Lawns 9 & 10, and for Croquet Tournaments, the West Gate pay hut was moved to a position near Lawns 5 & 6, and put back to the West Gate again in time for the Inter-County Tennis Week. Croquet. Help was given to the Cranford Club to get Croquet restarted there, by lending them some old balls and mallets. The Bowling Green was loaned to the Croquet section, by the Bowls Committee, for the first few days of the May Tournament, without the sanction of the General Committee, and this led to some protests. The objectors wondered whether an 11th. Lawn was really necessary, and thought that entries should be limited to the capacity of 10 Croquet Lawns. ( This implies that the present Nos. 7 & & Croquet Lawns were now being used for Croquet Tournaments.) The General Committee were quite happy that the use of the Bowling Green should be arranged by mutual agreement between the Croquet and Bowls Committees. There were again 3 Tournaments. Lt. Col. Cave commenced his long period as Croquet Secretary and Tournament Secretary. For the early May Tournament, Miss A. Mills was again Manager and Handicapper, and J.G. Warwick the Referee. There were 49 entrants, the highest yet, in May, and the American Handicap Singles was played in 7 blocks, with the Godfrey Turner Cup won by Col. W.R. Healing. The Handicap Doubles event again had a handicap limit of 6 bisques minimum. The early July American Tournament attracted 35 entrants. It was played in 5 blocks, the winner being Lt. Col. T.F. Laverty. For the main July Tournament, with Major Dibley again as Manager and Handicapper, and J.G. Warwick as Referee, there were 55 entrants, of whom 32 were visitors. The main event was won by Miss E.J. Warwick for the 4th. time in succession. Winners of all the trophies are given in Appendix 7. The profit on the three Tournaments was £ 75, excluding catering and bar profits. In September, through Mrs. R.B.N. Smartt, a Cup was provided to replace the stolen Bull Cup, and the Club provided a plinth on which the names of the winners of the Bull Cup since 1945 were engraved. As mentioned earlier, the names of the winners from 1927, when the Bull Cup was originally presented, are now lost. The new cup was the 'New Zealand Cup' but it is still known as the Bull Cup. In December, Major G.F. Stone presented a small replica of the Raydon Stone Cup, for the Glass 'C' Singles in the July Tournament, commencing in 1965. This was a year in which Club players achieved numerous successes in many other Tournaments. Among other victories, Miss Warwick won the Ladies' South of England Championship at Eastbourne, and J.G. Warwick won the corresponding Men's event. Together, they won the Open Mixed Doubles at Hurlingham Tournament, and nearly won the Open Mixed Doubles Championship. Mrs. Rotherham again won the Ladies' Championship. Miss Warwick also won the Club Championship. A legacy was received from Miss Goddard, which it was decided could best be used for providing a permanent Shelter hut for No. 4 Croquet Lawn, by moving the existing West Gate pay hut to that point, and purchasing a new portable hut for £ 50, which would serve as 143
a West Gate pay hut for the Tennis Tournament, and as a shelter hut for Nos. 5 & 6 Croquet Lawns at other times. Some teak or hard wood seats would also be bought, which it was intended should have suitable plaques affixed. Tennis. The Inter-County Week was held, as usual, but there was little profit in it. However, the L.T.A. granted £ 20 to the Club for wear and tear on the lawns, and there was a healthy catering and bar profit. For the 1965 Inter-County Week, Group 2 (Men) was allocated. Tennis Tournament. Sir Leonard Daldry was the Chairman of the Tournament Committee, with L.G. Walters (Club Secretary) as the Tournament Secretary, and H. Kerridge as Referee. Four new trophies were presented; the Charleton Cup from Mrs. Bishop for the Boys' Level Singles; a cup from Sir Leonard Daldry for the Girls' Level Singles; one from B. Lindsay Fynn for the Boys' Under 21, West of England Championship; and one from the President of the Devon L.T.A. for the Girls' Under 21 West of England Championship. For the first time there was a sponsorship, Messrs’ W.D. & H.O. Wills offering £ 100 plus gifts to the Singles winners, in return for advertising space in the programme and by means of posters. The Games Club loaned three of their courts. Entries were again very good, Entry Fees reaching a new level of £ 452, Gate and Stand receipts were also very good, and there were handsome Catering and Bar profits. Players' Expenses rose to £ 249, including free lunches, etc. The weather was perfect, and the resulting gross profit was £ 295, but again no deduction was made for Repairs to Lawns or for Establishment Charges. The trophy winners are listed in Appendix 4. The President was present on Finals Day, and presented the prizes. Afterwards, he presented two Cups for the Men's Open Doubles event, commencing in 1965. After the Tournament, it was agreed to provide another row of concrete seats on the West Stand, at a cost of £ 70. At the end of the year, Messrs’ Carter & Sons said that they would not, in future, be able to hire to the Club the Loud Speaker equipment used at the Tournament, and offered to sell it to the Club for £ 92, with an annual 8 gns. labour cost for erection and dismantling. Hard Courts. In April, it was evident that the new drain, installed in 1963| did not function properly, and, furthermore, the trench dug to accommodate it was dangerous, as the back-fill had not combined with the surrounding surface. Carter's put the trench right, but the drainage itself was no better and the court still flooded easily at the south end. Table Tennis. It was reported in November that the increase in the annual compounded table fee from 7/6 to 10/- in October 1963, had completely killed adult Table Tennis in 1964. It seems, in these days, incredible that the extra 2/6 per year had so affected members' pockets, but there was a request for a reversion to the former fee, which was refused. Bridge. The Treasurer ( Col. Healing ), who was also Chairman of the Bridge Committee was the subject of a Round Robin attack, in January, after he had made some announcement in the Bridge Room, in the course of which, he admitted, he had perhaps used some unfortunate expressions. The General Committee expressed their complete confidence in him, and made it clear that he and the Secretary were full members of the Club, and were not to be treated as Club Servants, as some members seem to have done. In June, the Set-Table fees were standardised at 4/- each day. Up to then, they had been 2/- on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 4/- on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Junior Affairs. It was realised, in January, that the continuance of the Junior Scheme really depended on the Tennis Coaching Classes. The coach was a busy man, and if 144
the number of pupils fell off, he might stop coaching here altogether. There was therefore pressure to recruit children to the classes from outside, which might lead to their parents becoming members too. However, the Committee felt that this process might result in recruiting the wrong sort of members, and it should therefore be pursued with caution. In February, the Secretary had allowed some Juniors to play Chess in the Small Card Room, in the course of a Juniors' match at Table Tennis and Chess. This had annoyed Bridge players, and it was decided that Juniors must never enter the Card Room. ( Children must be seen and not heard ! ) However, this was later rescinded, and, from December, children, invited by adults, were allowed, to play Chess in the Small Card Room on Thursday afternoons, which was the recognised Chess day. By the end of the year, the number of Juniors had fallen off, and the possibility of subsidising the coach was mooted, so as to avoid his withdrawal, and the consequent collapse of the Junior Section, which would lose the Club 20 adult and 20 child members. Finance. In July, the Committee felt that there would be some money in hand at the end of the year that could be used for further improvements. The "List of Desirable Works" was brought up to date and sanction given for :- 1. Tarmac Path from the East Gate to the Bowls Shed. £ 50. 2. New Table cloths for Bridge Tables. £ 30. 3. "Grass Master" and Tarpon Hedge cutter attachment. £ 50. 4. Improvements to Men's Dressing Room. £ 20. £150. The next batch of improvements to be carried out were:- 5. Double glazing of some Bridge Room windows. £ 10. 6. Curtains for Bridge Room. £ 50. 7. A new top row on West Stand of No. 1 Court. £ 60. £140. The Club income for the year was £ 3955, a rise of nearly £ 300 on the 1963 figure, mainly due to an increase in Playing members subscriptions of £ 150 to £ 1515, and to the increased Tennis Tournament profit. For the first time, there is mention in the accounts of Chess Table money. Expenditure was £ 4000, wages being £ 2160, an increase of £ 220 over the 1963 level. Repairs totalled £ 904, including the cost of the Verandah extension, and the shares of various spread-over items. The Fuel bill had risen to £ 271. Details of the finances are given in Appendix 2, where, it should be noted that the former item of "Motor Mowers" had been compounded, in the general maintenance bill, instead of being shown separately. There was a loss, on the year, of £ 45, and, with a further wage increase in the offing, it was clear that there could be no further improvements without mortgaging the future. So, from July, when the Committee were thinking of ways to spend money, there had been a complete turn-about by the year-end, when they were again worried about the future. At the year-end, the Club's balance was £ 1335, with the 6% L.C.C. Loan Stock still valued at £ 1016. Recruits. Among those who joined the Club daring the year, were Mr. & Mrs. Trussler, Commn. Baldwin, Mrs. Traill, and Mrs. Sheil.
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1965. Annual General Meeting. The President, Mr. Gerard Fane-Trefusis, had become Lord Clinton, and he was re-elected as President for the next 3 years. In a review of 1964, the financial situation was thought to be satisfactory, as, in spite of heavy expenditure on various improvements, expenditure had exceeded income by only £ 45, largely because of the increased membership and the sponsorship of the Tennis Tournament. Members were, however, warned that costs were continuing to rise, and subscriptions would be once more coming under review. Personnel. In connection with the new Employment Contracts, it was resolved, in February, to pay the outside staff in full (less Sickness Benefit) for up to 6 weeks absence per year through sickness or injury. Copies of the contracts were given to each member of staff. In April, West was 67 and Hunt was 63. Hunt did not wish to retire before he was 67, and therefore, the question of a successor to West could be deferred for a few years. In September, Hunt was married, and there was a collection for a wedding present. From May, the Stewardesses received an extra 3d. per hour, bringing them to 3/9 per hour. In November, a ruling was received that all staff with more than 20 years service were to have an extra 6 days holiday per year, instead of the extra 3 days, in addition to their normal 14 days annual leave. In August, the Hon. Auditor, Mr. Powell-Phillips, who was appointed in 1963, resigned, and Mr. E.H.S. Shelton was appointed in his place. 0rganisation . Figures for membership were given in December, compared with the figures for 1964. They appear in the following table, with those for 1963 also:
1963 1964 1964 1965 June June Dec. Dec.
Playing Members. 127 134 140 131 Near-Country members. 17 23 28 33 Far-country members. 24 25 26 26 Juniors. - - - 1 Overseas and Service. 9 6 6 7 Total 177 188 200 198 Non-playing members. 153 167 169 166 Total members 330 355 369 364 Children 31 20 20 10
Buildings. The Bridge Room extension on the Verandah was built in the spring, at a cost of £ 762 in total. It was agreed, in April, that this extension would be used as a Bridge Room overflow on Set-Table days, and on Mondays and Fridays partnership days, during the winter only. On other days members could use it as a Sun Lounge or Reading Room. Both the Large and Small Bridge Rooms needed redecorating, at a likely cost of £ 155, but the Club was short of funds. Mrs. Sandercock offerred to meet the cost, instead of leaving a legacy to the Club. The work was done, and, in November, she handed over a cheque for £ 200, the residue to be credited to the proceeds of a White Elephant sale ( see below, under 'Miscellaneous' ), and put at the disposal of the House and Entertainments Committee. The deterioration of the Nissen hut, which had been used for the storage of Tables and 146
Chairs in the winter, necessitated making other arrangements. It was suggested that the Loft over the Pavilion could be used; the rafters were strong enough but it would cost £ 20 to floor over the loft, so the Ladies' Dressing Room was used instead. Ventilation of the Bridge Room was again the subject of complaint, in March, and the Gas Board made an investigation. It was decided to put a revolving cowl on the chimney to avoid a down-draught into the room, and to extend the exhaust pipe from the gas heater, so that it would discharge into the open air instead of into the loft. Grounds. The fence north of Nos. 3 & 4 Croquet Lawns was badly damaged in a gale in September, and repairs would have cost £ 25, but the fence was not really worth repairing, and a new fence would cost £ 300. There were objections to removing the fence completely, as the glare off the sea would interfere with tennis on Courts 2 - 6, and there would be no wind-break for the two Croquet Lawns. After a lot of argument, it was decided, in November, to scrap the whole fence and replace the eastern half with woven-wood fencing, using the existing oak posts on concrete post-ends, at a cost of £ 50. A suggestion to buy a turf-piercing machine for £ 100 or so, so as to reduce the labour of hollow-tining, was deferred for a year. About this time, the Cranford Club had sold off some spare land to their advantage, and it was suggested that we might sell off the allotment area. It was decided to get the reactions of the Clinton Devon Estates to this idea. The Croquet Committee requested the use of 6 lawns after the Tennis Tournament, in order to get through the autumn competitions, and the General Committee agreed to 4 lawns to be available by 13th. September, with one other a little later. Croquet. The Croquet Committee wished to play a week-end match against Cambridge University, including Sunday morning play, and they put forward a proposal to allow outside games to be played on Sunday mornings. The General Committee agreed to this, in May, subject to no staff being required, but this decision led to a requisition for a Special Meeting, the object of which was to dis-allow the Committee decision. This took place in June, and it was argued that most clubs were now open for outdoor games on Sunday mornings, and that visitors to Tournaments, and Inter-County Week would welcome the opportunity to practice then. There were also Country Members from London, etc., who did not find it worth while coming down for the week-end if they could not play on Sunday mornings, and there were young members who had little other time to play. Nevertheless, there were many members who were against the playing of games during the hours of public worship, and the General Committee decision was reversed, i.e. Sunday morning play was barred. The new hut was erected on No. 4 Croquet Lawn early in the year, and three 5ft. seats were purchased out of Miss Goddard's legacy. There were again 3 Tournaments, as in recent years. For the May Tournament, Miss A. Mills was again Manager and Handicapper, with J.G. Warwick as Referee. There were 36 entrants, and the American Handicap Singles was played in 6 blocks, and won by Prof. A.S.C. Ross. There was also a Handicap Doubles with a pairs limit of 6 bisques minimum. A new trophy was obtained to replace the L.G. Walters Long Handicap trophy which was stolen in 1963. The early July unofficial American Tournament attracted 35 entrants, and was played in 5 blocks, and won by Mrs. T.F. Laverty. The main July Tournament, again Managed and Handicapped by Major Dibley attracted a record 67 entrants. This involved 181 matches, which was found to be too many, and there was a lot of scratching late in the week to get the Tournament finished. The 147
Colman Cup was won by Dr. W.P. Ormerod. Other trophy winners are recorded in Appendix 7. No detailed accounts are available, but the overall profit from the Tournaments was £ 78. Tournament players, in play, were only allowed 15 minutes for tea, and they had to be given special passes by the Manager, to give them priority in the Tea queue, as some members had objected to queue-jumping. Two matches were played, the Club losing in the Longman Cup ( an inter-club competition ) against Oxford University, and winning against the Heley Club from Cambridge. In outside events, Miss Warwick won the Ladies' Championship, and Mrs. Rotherham won the Ladies' Field Cup. Devon, mainly the Budleigh Salterton Club, came second in the Inter-County Croquet Tournament. Tennis. The C.E.G.B. were loaned 2 Tennis Courts for their Finals in July, at a charge of £ 7-7-0. A county match, Devon v. Dorset, was played here, in June. The Inter-County Week took place in July, with Group 2 (Men), from which there was a profit to the Club of £ 32, plus catering and bar profits. The poor effect of the continued failure of players to call out the score was again commented on. Tennis Tournament. Sir Leonard Daldry was again the Chairman of the Tournament Committee, with D.M. Robinson as Tournament Secretary, and H. Kerridge again as Manager and Handicapper. Messrs. W.D. & H.O. Wills were again the sponsors. Because of some unfortunate incidents at the Tournament Dance at the Rosemullion Hotel in 1964, for which the players were not responsible, it was decided to hold a Dance at the Club House instead. However, there were too many difficulties involved in holding an official dance, so informal dancing to a record player during and after supper took place. There had been very great difficulties in awarding the Withane Plate, presented by W.K.H. Coxe and Mrs. Browne in 1963, as it was too delicate a matter to decide on who had shewn the "best sportsmanship and pleasing conduct". It was therefore agreed with the donors to award, it to the best unseeded player in the Open Singles. Both Large and Small Bridge Rooms were used for Teas, Bridge players being confined to the Verandah. In spite of Carter's statement of 1964, the Loud-speaker equipment was again hired, but after the Tournament, it was acquired by the Club for £ 50. The weather was poor, but all the Level events were completed, except for the Mixed Doubles. Entry Fees reached a new high level of £ 486, and, in spite of the weather, Gate receipts were good. Players' Expenses were kept down to £ 148, well below the 1964 level. Takings at the Bar totalled £ 497, but with Labour Charges of £ 92, this left only £ 57 Bar profit. To minimise Income Tax, it was realised that there was a need to charge everything possible to the Tournament account, although again no charge was made for Lawn Repairs or Establishment Charges, which were last debitted in 1959. Details of finances are given in Appendix 3, and the profit shown was £ 294. Bridge. The Haig Day event, started by Mrs. Rowlandson in 1939 (?), had gradually developed into an automatic annual event, to which non-members and non-playing members were admitted, paying 3/6 per head, recently increased to 5/- per head. Although Club equipment was used, the Club got nothing out of it, but it was decided to allow it to continue as before. Junior Affairs. Tennis coaching continued and there were several Tennis events, 148
including an American Tournament in August, but the number of Juniors was falling and the prospects for 1966 did not appear to be very rosy. Nevertheless, coaching arrangements were made for the Easter and Summer holidays of 1966. Bowls. Mr. W. Nash presented a Cup to replace the Evans Cup, which was stolen in the burglary in 1963. Miscellaneous. A Maintenance contract for the Burglar alarm was entered into, to comply with insurance requirements. There was an attempted break-in on February 16th. when the alarm was set off. The Strong Room door had been forced but nothing had been taken. Again, on February 20th. lights were seen on in the Kitchen late at night, but again nothing had been taken. However, the locks were changed, as a precaution. The sale of wines and spirits in bottle, to members, was restarted in September. A Cocktail Party had been held early in the year, and a Xmas Party was also held. There was a White Elephant sale in March, in aid of the House and Entertainments Committee funds. Guests were invited by members, and coffee was served, and the bar was open. It realised a profit of £ 122. A wine and cheese party was held in April. The piano was sold. All Croquet Cups were now being engraved at the winners' expense ( see 1961 ), whereas Bowls and Tennis Cups were still engraved at the Club's expense. It was agreed, in March, to ask Bowls Cups winners to pay for the engraving, but the question of Tennis Cups was left in abeyance. During the year, there had been numerous gifts to the Club, apart from the decorating cost borne by Mrs. Sandercock, including a carpet for the Small Bridge Room from J.G. Warwick and Mr, Higson, outside benches from Col. Preston, Lt. Col. Cave, L.G. Walters and Sir Leonard Daldry, and a donation from Sir. W. Michelmore, and Light Shades from Mrs. Hobbs. Finance. In this year, the Committee seems to have been in a dilemma. On the one hand, there was the policy of not accumulating any surplus which might decrease in purchasing power before it was used, and the need to avoid showing a profit on the year, to avoid the levying of Income Tax on the profit from the Tennis Tournament. On the otner hand, costs were increasing and an increase in National Insurance contributions was due in April, and to balance these increased costs, subscription rates would probably have to rise. The situation therefore seemed to be that if there was a surplus, it should be spent; and if there were a loss, increase the subscriptions; if that resulted in a surplus there would be pressure to spend it; and so on, an ever-increasing spiral. By October, it was clear that some increase in subscriptions would be necessary for 1966, as there might well be a deficit of £ 150 on the year 1965. (in the event, the deficit was £ 318.) A Finance Sub-Committee considered that Playing Members' Subscriptions should be increased by 50%, and that Visitors' Fees should also go up. There had been a suggestion that the Entrance Fee should be re-instated, but this found no favour with the Sub-Committee, who, instead, recommended that Non-playing Members should lose their vote, granted in 1961. A Special Meeting, in December, approved the following changes : - 1. Playing members Subscriptions to rise from £ 8-8-0 to £10-10-0. 2. Near Country Members " " " " £ 6-6-0 to £ 8-8-0. 3. Far Country Members " " " " £ 4-4-0 to £ 5-5-0. 4. Non-Playing Members - no increase in Subscriptions, but would lose their vote. 5. Junior Members (18 - 21) would be increased to £3-3-0. 6. Children's Subscriptions would be reduced from £ 1-11-6 to £ 1-10-0. 149
7. Temporary members' Fees would rise to 5/- per day or £ 1 per week, with no reduction for staying with members. There were protests again at the Exmouth and Sidmouth members being classed as Near-Country Members, but these were countered by the argument that, if these boundaries were altered, there would be a breach of faith with those who had joined on the basis of the existing boundaries, which were agreed in 1957. The income for the year, at £ 3826, was about £ 130 down on the 1964 total, due to a small reduction in Playing Members' Subscriptions, a reduction in Catering and Drinks profits, and a decrease in Bridge Table Money. Expenditure, at £ 4144, was about £ 140 up on the 1964 total, mainly due to an increase of £ 100 on the Wages bill, which was now £ 2259. Repair costs were £ 538, including the purchase of a new motor mower. The final payment on the Fruit Machine was charged, but the cost of the Bridge Room Extension fittings of £ 335 would be written off over 4 years. Further details of finances are given in Appendix 2, and there was an excess of expenditure over income of £ 318. At the year end the balance was down to £ 815. The Club still owned £ 1016 of 6% L.C.C. Loan Stock, but there was an overdraft of £ 239. General. In a review of the year-end position, it was pointed out that, 4 years earlier, in 1961, the Club had started to thrive once more, with many new activities, e.g. the Juniors' Den, Drink Parties, Chess, Table Tennis etc., which had all done well through the enthusiasm of certain members. These activities had attracted new members, but the enthusiasm of the initiators had now waned somewhat. It was important to attract new members in the 40 - 60 age range, and to give encouragement to new ideas. In 1962, the idea of a Club Night, each Friday, had started well, but had faded out; a further effort to get this going again would be made early in 1966. Recruits. Among those who joined the Club during the year were F. Henshaw, E.H.S. Shelton, Prof. & Mrs, A.S.C. Ross, and Comm. & Mrs. G. Borrett.
1966 General. The major problems of this year were concerned with finance, with the advent of Selective Employment Tax, a Tax on the Fruit Machine, and considerable increases in all costs. These are dealt with below in the appropriate sections. From the Croquet aspect, it was a remarkably successful year, for Club members in outside events. A list of the main successes appears in the section on Croquet, and in Appendix 9. Annual General Meeting. The season of 1965 was described as very successful, in spite of the wet summer. Tennis had been very quiet, and the position was causing much concern, owing to the lack of new players. Bowls was progressing, but Junior Affairs were languishing as the numbers fell off. At last, it was agreed that outdoor games might be permitted on Sunday mornings, at the discretion of the Committee. The need for a better Car Park was re-emphasised. Brig. Bliss resigned as a Trustee on leaving the town, and Sir Leonard Daldry and J.G. Warwick were appointed as Trustees, to bring the number back to three. Buildings. There was a need for substantial building maintenance, and it was intended to repaint the outside of the Club House early this year, at an estimated cost of £ 236, but in the end the work was deferred to 1968. The problem of the winter storage of tables and chairs, and the new Public Address system bought for the Tennis Tournament, led to a revival of the proposal to floor in the Loft 150
of the Club House, and make an additional access trap. The job was put in hand in September, at an estimated cost of £ 33. West's Bar had shown no profit except during the Tennis Tournament, and it was decided, again, only to open it during Tournaments, Inter-County Week and for matches. Grounds. Another estimate was obtained for a new Car Park, which would involve removing 6" of top soil, laying 4" of Hard Core, and 2" of crushed stone, rolling the area and topping with chippings. This would cost £ 286, or £ 336 with a tarred surface. The Committee again got cold feet about the expense, and once more deferred the proposal. Another seat for the grounds was provided, this time by Sidmouth members. It would cost £ 10 to provide donors' name plates for all the seats presented, and the Committee decided that this expense was not justified, so none of them were provided. In October, Mr. Strickland had left £ 200 to the Club, for the benefit of Bridge players. It was suggested that this might be used towards the cost of a new Car Park, but his solicitors were adamant that this legacy must be used for the Card Room. Social Functions. A determined effort was made in January to restart the Friday Club Nights, but, again, they were not very successful. A Club Cocktail Party was held in March, and a social event was made of the Grand National Draw, also in March. A Xmas Party was also held. Bridge. There were still problems of ventilation in the Bridge Room due to insufficient use of the fan. There were also complaints of overheating, and, to save electricity, thermostatic control of the heaters was installed at a cost of £ 25. However, in April, the thermostats were found to be unsatisfactory and they had to be changed, for a better type. There was occasional evening cut-in Bridge. In July members were asked to stop playing at 6.30 p.m. on Sundays, as, on that day, the Bar was being run by members, who also had to lock up. The Haig Day event took place as usual, and some matches were arranged, in the Small Room, for the winter. Over the past few years, there had been a considerable reduction in the number of Set-Tables, as many members were holding private parties at home, instead. The Bridge Committee therefore favoured the use of the Verandah for Set-Tables in the winter, and this was agreed, at a fee of 1/6 per person for all Set-Tables, both private and the monthly Club event . Junior Affairs. The interest among Juniors and their parents was declining, and, in October, the Junior Affairs Committee, in consequence, resigned, leaving the Tennis Committee to arrange future Junior Tennis. A Junior American Tournament was held in August. Bowls. The Games Club were loaned 5 rinks, up to 4 p.m. each day, during their annual Tournament, and 5 rinks were also loaned for the Devon County Ladies competition in May. Croquet. The General Committee agreed to Sunday morning play, by competitors only, on the three Sundays before the various Tournaments. For the early May Tournament, Lt. Col. G.E. Cave was Manager and Handicapper, with J.G. Warwick as Referee. The American Singles event attracted 39 entrants, and. was played in 6 blocks. The weather was poor, and the Godfrey Turner Cup was won by E.H.S. Shelton. The Doubles event was for pairs of at least 5 bisques. The unofficial Tournament at the end of June attracted 28 entrants,and was Managed and Handicapped by Miss E.J. Warwick with J.G. Warwick as Referee. The American Singles 151
was played in 4 random blocks, and a new trophy, the J.K. Brown Memorial Cup was won by B.G. Perry. There was also, for the first time, a Handicap Doubles event, for pairs of at least 4 bisques. For the main July Tournament, the Manager and Handicapper was again Major Dibley, with J.G. Warwick as Referee. There were 55 entrants, and the Colman Cup was won by Dr. R.W. Bray. The Doubles event excluded two minus players as partners. Other trophy winners are given in Appendix 7. The overall profit from the three Tournaments was £ 96. The Club again entered for the Longman Cup (the inter-Club) competition, and won the first round against Oxford University by 3-2, but lost the next round ( at Cheltenham ) against Wrest Park by 4 - 1. A match was also played against the Heley Club ( Cambridge University ) over a week-end in July; there were 6 Singles and 9 Doubles matches, and Budleigh Salterton won by 8 - 5, with 2 unfinished. This was a remarkable year for Club players, and apart from many successes and near- successes in many Tournaments, the following performances in National events are noteworthy:-
Championships. Open Championship. Runner-up - Mrs. E. Rotherham. Plate winner - J.G. Warwick.
Men's Championship. Winner - H.O. Hicks. Women's Championship Winner - Miss. E. J. Warwick. Runner-up - Mrs. E. Rotherham.
South of England Championships. ( Devonshire Park, Eastbourne.) Men's Championship. Winner. - A.J. Cooper. Runner-up. - J.G. Warwick. Ladies' Championship. Winner. - Mrs. E. Rotherham. Runner-up. - Miss E.J. Warwick. Doubles Championship. Winners. - A.J. Cooper & Miss E.J. Warwick.
Invitation Events.
Chairman's Salver. (2nd. Eight.) Winner. - Mrs. E. Rotherham Equal second.- J.G. Warwick, & Miss E.J. Warwick. Surrey Cup. ( 3rd. Eight.) Equal third. - B.G. Perry & Lt.Col. G.E.Cave.
All England Handicap. Runner-up. - Comm. G.Borrett.
Tennis. The Inter-County Week was held as usual, with Group 2 (Ladies). The L.T.A. could give no assurances regarding the players calling out the score, as it was said to destroy the players' concentration, and the General Committee therefore thought we should not continue to hold this event. The week was a great success, and the half share of the profit amounted to £ 10, in addition to a £ 20 grant from the L.T.A. and the Bar and Catering profits. 152
A meeting took place in October, with Mr. Weaver of the Devon L.T.A. on the question of the 1967 Week. The L.T.A. were most anxious to continue it, as they felt that Budleigh Salterton was one of the best centres, but they could not apply sanctions against players for not calling out the scores. The view was expressed that the Week took too many Croquet Lawns out of commission, and that the Club was not really a Tennis Club any more. However, on financial grounds, and the need to provide an attraction for the non- playing members, and the fear of reaction on the Tennis Tournament, the Committee decided to stage the event again in 1967. Three courts were loaned in June for a Devon Girls v. Millfield School match. Tennis Tournament. Sir Leonard Daldry was again the Chairman of the Tournament Committee, with D.N. Robinson as Tournament Secretary. The Referee and Handicapper was Capt. M. Gibson. Sir Leonard Daldry presented two new Cups for the Ladies' Open Doubles, commencing in 1967. Entries were again at a high level, and Gate Receipts were good. An extra £ 50 was spent on equipment, and an extra £ 50 on invited players. There were increased Bar profits. Financial details are given in Appendix 3, the overall profit being £ 265, but, again, no deduction was made for Lawn Repairs or Establishment Charges. The weather was good, and the Tennis was reported as being the best seen here for some time. Finance. The introduction of Selective Employment Tax was likely to cost the Club an extra £ 195 per year. It was said that to pay the Secretary and Treasurer £ 50 per year each, was costing the Club £ 242 per year, on top of which there would be a further £ 130 in S.E.T. If they would forego this payment, the Club could save £ 372 per year. Their appointments were therefore terminated, and they became Honorary officials as from 29th. September 1966. ( In the minutes, this is officially recorded as dating from the year 1966 - but it is certain that their term of office had not extended that long!) In return they would receive an increased expenses allowance of £ 100 per year, as from 25th. March 1967, and free membership for their wives. The 1966 Budget also introduced a Tax on Fruit Machines, and also rescinded a ruling that the income tax on investment income could be offset against payments made under the National Insurance scheme. These new arrangements were likely to cost the Club an extra £ 75 + £ 25 per year respectively. A comparative statement in June showed a decrease of 17 in the number of playing members, with a corresponding reduction of £ 183 per year in subscription income. The Treasurer forecast a loss of £ 300 on the year's working, and in October, the Vice- President sought the help of the 4 Games Committee Chairman. It was pointed out that, when subscriptions were raised in April 1966, it was expected that the extra income generated would, be adequate to see the Club through the following 4-5 years, but the imposition of S.E.T. and the fall in playing membership had drastically altered the position. There was little room for a reduction in expenditure, as this was mainly wages, over which the Club had little control, and a further increase in subscriptions was undesirable. The Committee proposed to increase Bridge Table Money from 6d. to 9d. (to raise an extra £ 125), but this would be unfair unless, in some way, the outside games players also paid more. They suggested a 1/- Green Fee, per day, compounded if desired to £ 2 per year. At a meeting with the Games Committee Chairmen, in November, the Bowls section were prepared to pay a Green Fee, but felt that they got the smallest return for their subscriptions, and they were afraid that keen players might defect to the Games Club if the number of players fell. They advocated the re-establishment of the half-day Visitors' Fee at 2/6. 153
The Bridge section suggested a 1/- Table Money on partnership days, leaving it at 6d. on other days. The Croquet section were opposed to Green Fees, and felt that a drive to increase membership was essential. They preferred to raise extra money voluntarily, but agreed to Locker Rents being raised from 2/6 to 10/- per year. The Tennis section felt that any increased charges would kill the already weak section. They pointed out that Bowls was cheaper at the Games Club, and that Tennis was cheaper at Cranford. They supported the half-day Visitors' Fee idea, and suggested a Tennis-only membership at £ 7. They also pointed out that Cranford permitted Sunday morning play. In the Committee discussion afterwards, the need for increased membership was stressed, and Mr. Coxe pointed out that the premises were being used to less than 50% of capacity, and he advocated the recruitment of people working locally and only able to play in the evenings. The decision was that, for 1967, Bridge Table Money would be increased to 1/- on partnership days, Locker rents would be raised to 10/- per year, there would be no levy on Bowls or Tennis, and the Croquet Committee would raise £ 70 by a compounded Green Fee. Other fund-raising activities would be considered. Financial Results. Over the year, the Club income was £ 3914, about £ 100 up on 1965, mainly the result of the increased rate of playing members' subscriptions agreed in December 1965. Expenditure was £ 4197, about £ 50 up on 1965, wages now amounting to £ 2367. Repairs had cost £ 473, plus £ 85 for deferred charges on the Bridge Room Verandah extensions. The Fuel bill had risen to £ 314. Further financial details are given in Appendix 2. The net result was a loss on the year of £ 233, and the Club's reserves at the year-end were down to £ 743, Mrs. Sandercock having paid £ 200 towards the Repair cost. Miscellaneous. The valuation of buildings for insurance purposes was raised from £ 6,000 to £ 15,000. Fire insurance premiums had risen from £ 18 in 1963 to £ 44 in 1966. The Committee ruled, in June, that no new cups were to be presented without their agreement, as these generous gestures could involve the club in additional insurance premiums and sometimes engraving costs.
1967 General, The dominant theme in this year was again the financial position. There were three aspects or this:- 1. was to try to wipe out the deficit of 1966, which had been brought about by the introduction of S.E.T. and a fall in playing membership. This was to be tackled by a number of Club activities, such as a Bridge Drive, a White Elephant sale, etc. 2. was to try to balance in 1967. This was to be achieved by an increase in Bridge Table Money, a levy of £ 70 on Croquet players, etc. 3. was to deal with 1968, and this might involve a further increase in subscriptions, which would be discussed at a Special General Meeting in the autumn. Annual General Meeting. The meeting was told quite plainly that all these deficits could be wiped out by increased membership, and all members were urged to recruit new members. The alterations to Visitors' Fees were agreed. They would be 5/-per day (including Bridge Table Money) and for Tennis and Bowls the new half-day fee of 2/6 was agreed. They agreed that residents of Budleigh Salterton could be introduced as Temporary members, and that there would be a new class of Tennis-only members at £ 6-0-0 inside the 10-mile boundary, and £ 4-4-0 outside that limit. To encourage Junior Tennis, local children, in the coaching classes would be allowed to play practice games as well, on payment of the 154
appropriate visitors' fee. W.K.H.Coxe was elected as Vice-president for the next three years. Mrs. Sandercock was still Chairman of the House and Entertainments Committee. Buildings. Hire charges for the Club rooms were revised in February to be : Large Card Room £ 3- 0-0. Small Card Room 1-10-0. Tea Room 3- 0-0. All Rooms. 5- 0-0. Wedding Receptions 10- 0-0 Juniors' Den. 1- 0-0. The working parts of the large Electric Clock had to be replaced in June at a cost of £ 10. New Chairs for the Bridge Room were purchased with £ 100 from Mr. Strickland's legacy plus £ 60 from other donations. Grounds. After consultation with Mrs. Strickland, it was agreed that £ 100 from Mr. Strickland's legacy could be devoted towards the cost of a new Car Park after all, as it was judged that this did affect the comfort of Bridge players. Other donations were sought, and, by April, a total of £ 687 had been raised, of which £ 160 was to go on Bridge Room chairs ( see above ), leaving £ 527 for the Car Park, which just about met the likely cost. The new Car Park was therefore constructed during the summer, to accommodate 29 cars. ( 610 sq. yds. ) Sunday morning play was agreed before the various Tournaments. The Croquet Committee asked for 2 extra half-sized lawns for tuition, and Nos. 11 & 12 Tennis courts were allocated for this, until mid-May. In July, the Croquet Committee complained about the poor condition of the lawns, after a drought, especially the prevalence of clover, and it was alleged that the maintenance of the lawns had been neglected. There had been bitter complaints from visitors to the July Tournament. The condition was apparently due to a lack, over the years, of autumn fertiliser to promote root growth, a lack of watering, a lack of mechanical cultivation in the winter, insufficient resting, and excess acidity of the soil. In October, as the result of an investigation by a Sub-Committee, the General Committee approved recommendations for regular winter fertiliser, regular weed-killing, and the improvement of winter cultivation, for which powered machines for deep-spiking and scarification were bought at a cost of £ 220, and for treatment with lime to reduce the acidity of the soil. A scheme for more satisfactory watering, which would involve a storage tank and pumping unit, which would cost £ 900 was not agreed. ( It is evident that the deterioration of the lawns had been the result of many years of inadequate treatment, and that it would take some time to bring them back to their former standard.) In the autumn, the Croquet Committee requested the use of 3 more lawns, including the Bowling Green, for the 1968 Tournaments. The allocation of the Bowling Green was refused, but Tennis courts 9 - 12 ( Now Croquet Lawns 7 & 8 ) were allocated to Croquet up to the 1968 Inter-County Tennis week, but the Secretary pressed for one of the ten Croquet lawns to be always out of commission, in turn, for watering, etc., except during Tournaments. Croquet. This was the Croquet Association Centenary Year, in which the All-England Handicap assumed very large proportions, there being 42 entrants from the Club. An Area Final was held at the Club, which was won by Mr.E.H.S. Shelton, playing as a Sidmouth member. The Lord Lieutenant and his wife ( Lord & Lady Roborough ) attended this area final and presented the medals. 155
The Club again entered the Longman Cup competition, winning the first round against Oxford University by 3 - 2, but losing in the semi-final round to Worton Hall Recreation Club (National Coal Board) by 2 - 3. There were again 3 Tournaments, and the Bowling Green was used, after all, at times. For the early May American Tournament, Miss A. Mills and Col. Cave were joint Managers, with J.G. Warwick as Referee. There were 39 entrants, and the Singles was played in 6 blocks, the winner of the Godfrey Turner Cup being B.G. Perry. There was also a Handicap Doubles, in which no two players of 3 bisques or less could play together. For the early July unofficial Tournament, there was an American Handicap Singles (with random blocks), in which there were 42 entrants. The J.K. Brown Memorial Cup was won by E.H.S. Shelton. The Doubles event criteria were the same as in May. Miss E.J. Warwick was Manager and Handicapper, with J.G. Warwick as Referee. The main July Tournament was again Managed and Handicapped by Major Dibley, with J.G. Warwick as Referee. There were 63 entrants, and the Colman Cup was won by K.F. Wylie. Other trophy winners are given in Appendix 7. The Doubles criterion was that no two minus players could be partners.
Club players again gained numerous successes in major national events, including :
Championships. Women's Championship. Runner-up. - Miss E.J. Warwick. Mixed Doubles Championship. Winner - Miss E.J. Warwick with Lt.Col. Prichard. Du Pre Cup Winner - B.G. Perry. Open Championship. Runner-up - H.O. Hicks. Association Plate. Winner - Mrs. E. Rotherham. South of England Championships. Men's Championship Winner - A.J. Cooper. Women's Championship. Winner - Miss E.J. Warwick. There were also many successes at Parkstone, Hurlingham and other Tournaments.
A Gymkhana in aid of Club funds raised £ 53. Tennis. There were very few playing members. Matches played on the Club grounds included a Devon Junior Girls v. Millfield Schhol match in June, and the S.W.E.B. Finals in July. The Inter-County Week was held, as usual, with a Group 2 event. There was a profit of £ 70 to the Club. Tennis Tournament. Sir Leonard Daldry was again Chairman of the Tournament Committee, with D.M. Robinson and Mrs. M.H. Vincent as joint Tournament Secretaries. Capt. M. Gibson was again the Referee. In February, Messrs. W.D. & H.O. Wills withdrew their sponsorship, having paid a lump sum direct to the L.T.A. who were supposed to share this out. Another sponsor was sought, unsuccessfully. However, in July, Mrs. Lindsay Fynn donated £ 100 for the benefit of the Tournament, but wished this to be not generally known, as it might reduce the L.T.A's. contribution. For Tax reasons this was credited to the general Club account. The Daldry Cups for the Ladies' Open Doubles were awarded for the first time. Entries were at a very high level, as will be seen from the following table, in which entries for 1963, and 1965 are given for comparison. Earlier levels of entries were given in the table on page 106.
156
1963 1965 1967 1. Men’s Level Singles 109 122 149 2. Ladies’ “ “ 78 83 75 3. Men’s “ Doubles 53 pairs 60 pairs 67 pairs 4. Ladies’ “ “ 39 “ 47 “ 36 “ 5. Mixed “ “ 71 “ 83 “ 73 “ 6. Men’s H/C Singles 80 96 94 7. Ladies’ “ “ 53 60 43 8. Men’s “ Doubles 39 pairs 46 pairs 50 pairs 9. Ladies’ “ “ 33 “ 30 “ 26 “ 10. Mixed “ “ 57 “ 60 “ 60 “ 11. Boy’s Level Singles 32 38 43 12. Girls’ “ “ 51 48 50 13. Boy’s “ Doubles 11 pairs 18 pairs 21 pairs 14 Girls’ “ “ 25 “ 23 “ 23 “
The winners of the various trophies are given in Appendix 4. As regards finance, Entry Fees reached a new high level of £ 505, and Gate receipts were good. It had always been the custom to sell used balls, after the tournament, in bulk, a price of £ 1 per dozen for 106 dozen having been obtained in 1966. This year, Messrs. Slazengers prejudiced the sale of used balls, by reducing their prices for new balls, which meant that the used balls from our tournament had to be sold, as and when possible, for what they could fetch. The result was that instead of a net cost for Balls being the usual £ 80 or so, this year the net cost was up to £ 169. More detail of the accounts is given in Appendix 3, where it will be seen that the gross profit was only £ 75, excluding the £ 100 donation. In reviewing the Tournament accounts for Tax purposes, the Hon. Auditor realised that the declared profit of £ 268 on the 1966 tournament, had allowed nothing for Lawn Repairs or Establishment Charges, which should have amounted to about £ 360. The Tax authorities were convinced, and Income Tax paid was refunded. For the 1967 tournament, he contended that the true position was a loss of £ 285. ( Thus, the practice common until 1959, and then allowed to fall into abeyance, was, at last revived. Quite a lot of unnecessary Tax must have been paid over the intervening 6 or 7 years, that would have been of benefit to the Club. ) After the Tournament, Sir Leonard Daldry resigned from the Tournament Committee, and Col. Preston was appointed in his place. Bridge. As part of the effort to wipe out the 1966 Club deficit, a Bridge Drive was held in March, open to non-members, all paying 5/- including tea,. It was a great success, and with various ancillary activities, a profit of £ 64 resulted. The replacement of Bridge Room chairs, which were in poor condition, was referred to above ( page 187). With Mr. Strickland's legacy and other donations, 32 new chairs at £ 5 each, were bought. The Verandah was now available for Bridge on all days, except for special occasions. The Haig Day event was held as usual. Finance. In January, the Treasurer, who was very unhappy about the Club's financial position, had carried out a cost analysis of the various Club activities. He came to the conclusion that whereas Bridge brought in about £ 790 per year, the outdoor games cost the Club a lot of money, the total for Croquet being £ 590 per year, for Tennis £ 151 per 157
year, and for Bowls £ 388 per year. This led him to propose that the Croquet section, ought to contribute more that the Levy of £ 70 already decided for 1967, and that if Green Fees were not acceptable, then there ought to be a differential subscription scheme, which had recently been introduced at Cranford Club. He thought that if new members were not forthcoming, subscriptions would have to be raised again, and therefore a differential subscription scheme ought to be worked out. In 1966, subscriptions had totalled £ 400 less than the Wages bill, and he thought that another £ 250 per year, at least, of income ought to be raised. He proposed that either all playing members' subscriptions should be increased by £ l-l0-0 per year, or there should be an increase in Table Money and the imposition of Green Fees, or that a differential subscription scheme should be adopted, under which the Basic Subscription would be £ 2-2- 0, and that for Bridge would be £ 9-9-0, for Croquet £ 11-11-0, for Bowls and Tennis £ 7-7-0. The latter scheme was favoured by the Committee. The special activities to deal with the 1966 deficit brought in £ 347, of which £ 53 was from the Croquet Gymkhana, £ 64 was from the Bridge Drive, and £ 230 was from a White Elephant sale in May. This had more than balanced the 1960 deficit. However, there was a further increase in National Insurance contributions in June, and there would be further wage rises in February 1968. The whole position was reviewed by a Sub-Committee, who came to the conclusion that an extra £ 500 per year of extra income was needed. Their proposals were put to a Special Meeting in December, where it was agreed that, for 1966, subscription rates should be raised to:- Bridge, would remain at 10, 8 & 5 gns, for Resident, near-Country and far-country members, respectively, Croquet would be 16, 14 & 5 gns., but for Croquet-only, there would be a rate of 14 gns. for Resident members. Bowls would be 12, 10 & 5 gns, with a Bowls-only subscription of 10 gns. Tennis would cost the same as Bridge, and the half subscription for Tennis-only, tried out in 1967 would be abolished. Overseas members would pay 2 gns. Non-playing members would remain at 2 gns. Juniors would pay 3 gns. Service members would continue at 1 gn. single and 2 gns. for a family For Croquet there would be a Green Fee of 2/- for Winter Croquet, after October 15th. and the Visitors' Fee would be 7/6 per day or 30/- per week. For Bridge the temporary members' fee would not include Table Money, and Set-Table days would cost 2/- per head, of which 1/- would go towards prizes. Beginners would be allowed to play free for one month to try out the game. So, at last, after numerous earlier attempts to establish a differential system had been unsuccessful, we now had one. Personnel. It was reported in July that West had received £ 747 per year ( £ 894 with overtime ), equivalent to £ 14-7-0 per week, and that Hunt had received £ 610 per year, equivalent to £ 11-15-0 per week. At the end of the year, the Agricultural Wages minimum was raised once more from £ 10-10-0 to £ 11-11-6 per week, and both groundsmen's wages would be increased proportionately. Miscellaneous. Burglary Insurance (with the Motor Union Co.) originally covered £ 100 of liquor stocks in the Club Bar and £ 10 worth in the Lower Bar, but the cover for the Lower Bar had recently been cut out. Cover was refused for the extra stocks carried for the 158
Tennis Tournament. Fire Insurance premiums on the Buildings, with the Commercial Union Co. as a condition of the Lease, had risen from £ 17-17-0 in 1963 to £ 70-17-0 in 1967. Fire Insurance on the Contents, with the Motor Union Co. had increased from £ 28 to £ 31, which was very modest compared with the Insurance on the Buildings. Financial Results. The Club's income for the year, excluding the special events, rose by £ 250 to £ 4163, largely as the result of an extra £ 160 from Table Money and £ 190 from Donations. Expenditure was down to £ 3764, a drop of £ 430 from the 1966 level, largely owing to a reduction of £ 70 on Wages (mainly lower S.E.T. and National Insurance payments) and a fall of £ 280 on Repairs, which cost only £ 212. Further figures are given in Appendix 2. There was a net profit on the year of £ 339, and, at the year end, the Club's balance was £ 1290, still including the £ 1016 of 6% L.G.C. Loan Stock. Recruits. Among those who joined the Club during the year were Mrs. Jeffries, Dr. & Mrs. C.W. Evans, Mr. & Mrs. R. Goode, and Mr. & Mrs. C. Edwards. Note. In this year, the Railway into Sidmouth from Sidmouth Junction, and the branch from Tipton St. John through Budleigh Salterton into Exmouth, was closed down.
1968. Annual General Meeting. The Vice-president pointed out that the profit of £ 399 recorded for 1967 had really arisen because the wages increases had not been as high as had been expected, and because the painting of the Club House, which ought to have seen done in 1967, had been deferred to 1968. Lord Clinton was re-elected as President for the next three years. Members were again urged to recruit new members. Personnel. Hunt was due to retire in June 1969, but West was prepared to carry on until the summer of 1970. A replacement for Hunt would therefore have to be recruited by about the end of 1968, who would be capable of taking over from West in 1970. It was recognised that housing accommodation might be necessary. How the Committee must have wished that their predecessors in 1931 had not turned down the idea of buying the Groundsman's cottage! Thomas was taken on at the end of the year. In April, Mrs. Fayter assumed the senior Stewardess's position, with Mrs. French, who was likely to retire at the end of the year, assisting her. Their wages were raised to 4/- per hour in October, and again to 4/3 per hour in November. Buildings. The deferred painting of the Club House externally was carried out, and the Cloak Rooms and Vestibule were also done, towards which Mrs. Sandercock made a donation of £ 5. The Kitchen was also redecorated and some new cupboards built ( £ 53 ). The Kitchen floor covering was replaced by Vinyl. ( £25). The Club Room carpet, which was 20 years old, needed replacement at a likely cost of £ 300, but this was deferred. Mrs. Strickland donated a second-hand Frigidaire. Bridge. Special events included a Bridge Drive in aid of the Cricket Club restoration fund, the field at Ottermouth having been seriously damaged by flooding in September, after a severe storm. Croquet. The use of the Bowling Green was sanctioned for the two July Tournaments. Lt. Col. G.E. Cave was still Croquet Secretary and Tournament Secretary. In the early May Tournament, with Lt. Col. Cave as Manager and Handicapper, and J.G. 159
Warwick as Referee, there were 42 entrants for the American Singles, which was played in 6 blocks in descending handicap order, plus a "Crocks Block" of 6 for the very elderly or infirm players who wished to play only one game per day. The Godfrey Turner Cup was won by F.W. Meredith. There was also a Handicap Doubles, in which no two players of 3 bisques or less could be partners. There was no play at all on the Wednesday, because of rain. In the early July unofficial Tournament, which was also American (in random blocks), the J.K. Brown Memorial Cup was won by M. Granger Brown. There was also a Handicap Doubles with the same criteria, as in May. The official July Tournament was again Managed and Handicapped by Major Dibley, with J.G. Warwick as Referee. There were 60 entrants, and the events pattern was the same as in recent years. The Colman Cup was won by B. Lloyd Pratt. On the Thursday, 2.67" of rain fell during play. Other trophy winners are given in Appendix 7. The total profit from the three tournaments was £ 123. The Croquet Association asked that the unofficial July Tournament should be replaced in 1969 by their competition for the Challenge and Gilbey Cups. This was agreed. In October, it was agreed that the Winter Croquet Green Fees of 2/- per session could be compounded into a lump sum payment of £ 2-2-0, if desired. Tennis. For the Inter-County Week, the L.T.A. paid £ 20 into the Joint Account (with the Devon L.T.A.) and Group 2 ( Ladies ) was allocated. It was a very successful week, and Gate money totalled £ 103 against only £ 40 in 1967. The benefit to the Club totalled £ 147, made up of £ 37 as half share of the net profit, + another £ 25 from the L.T.A. + £ 13 Bar profit + £ 33 Catering profit + £ 39 charged into the Joint account in respect of Wages. In the Club's accounts this appears as a profit of only £ 62. Tennis Tournament. Col. W.R. Healing was the Chairman of the Tournament Committee and Capt. M. Gibson again Referee and Handicapper. In February, it was realised that there would be no financial assistance from the L.T.A., although the Cranford Club had received £ 100, and without some grant or sponsorship there could be no Tournament. Fortunately, Mrs. Strickland, who was Tournament Secretary, was able to arrange Messrs. Whitbread's Brewery as sponsors. They would give a grant of £ 100 plus £ 30 in Prize money for the two Open Singles events. Entries were a new record, the figures being given on page 202 along with those for 1970. There were 158 entries in the Men's Open Singles. There were two new events, the Men's (under 21) and the Ladies' (under 21) Level Singles for the West of England Championships, for the trophies presented in 1964. The large entry implied an enormous total of 1016 matches, and Capt. Gibson said it was the largest Tournament he had ever managed. Entry Fees totalled the record figure of £ 645, and in spite of some rain (£ 75 was received from Rain Insurance), gate receipts were high. Catering and Bar profits were at record levels. The gross profit was £ 733, out of which £ 216 was charged each for Lawn Repairs and Establishment Charges, leaving a declared net profit of £ 301. Players' Expenses were only £ 58, almost entirely the cost of free lunches, etc. Further details are given in Appendix 3. Hard Courts. These were still not satisfactory, and it was realised, early in the year, that not enough was being done to maintain them in good order. A new top-dressing was applied each year, but there was insufficient watering and rolling. Organisation. Some figures for membership were given in July:-
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June June 1967 1968 Playing members 119 119 Near- Country members 20 19 Far- Country members 19 21 Overseas members 6 7 Service members 1 2 Juniors 5 3 Sub total 170 171 Non-playing members 135 104 Total 305 275
Comparing these figures with those given for 1955 and 1956 on page 113, and with those for 1962 and 1963 on page 136, and those for 1964 and 1965 on page 146, it will be seen that since 1965 there had been a considerable falling off in membership. Playing members had fallen from 198 in December 1965 to 171 in June 1966, and Non-playing members had decreased from 166 in 1965 to 104 in 1968, a drop of one third. These figures emphasise the great need for new members. It was pointed out that an anomoly had been created in allowing residents of Budleigh Salterton to play games as Temporary members, whereas non-playing members were not allowed to play games. It was decided to leave this to the Club officials to exercise their discretion. The rule about dogs was modified yet again, and they were allowed in the grounds, on a lead and under control. Chess Table Money was fixed at 9d., but any Bridge player who had paid his Table money, would not have to pay again if he played Chess. The allotment holders rents were so small, that from January, they were to be allowed to use them free, unless they used water from the stand pipe, in which case they would pay £ 1 per year. They would have no legal tenure. Sunday morning play was authorised prior to the various tournaments. Social Functions. There had been a Xmas Party in 1967, which brought in a profit of £ 18, and another was held in 1968, with a profit of £ 8. A Club Cocktail Party was held in April, with visitors invited, which resulted in a profit of £ 8. Miscellaneous. The Club gave a donation of 10 gns. to the Devon Flood Relief Fund, in respect of the damage resulting from the great storm in September. The Club also gave a donation of £ 25 towards the Croquet Association Tour Fund, in respect of the Test Match Tour that was to take place in early 1969. Bowls Locker Rents were reduced in February to 5/- per year, but the larger Croquet Lockers were still charged 10/- per year. It was found that the Office Safe was not securely bolted to the wall, and it was decided to brick it in, and connect it up to the burglar alarm system at a cost of £ 25. Finance. The annual Tax on the Fruit Machine was £ 75. There was a further increase in S.E.T. in April. Over the year, the Club income was £ 4340, an increase of nearly £ 200 over the 1967 level. This was mainly brought about by the increased subscriptions agreed at the end of 1967, and the greatly increased profit from the Tennis Tournament. Bar profits were much lower than in 1967. 161
Expenditure was £ 3980, of which Wages were now £ 2441. Repairs had cost £ 423, the Fuel bill was now over £ 400, and Rates had risen to £ 288. Further details are given in Appendix 2. In this, the revised method of showing the Tennis Tournament profit should be noted, part of the profits being shewn as a deduction from expenditure, rather than as an addition to income. There was an overall profit of £ 360, so the Club was once more in a healthy position. At the year end, the Club's resources totalled £ 1777, still including the £ 1016 of 6% L.C.C. Loan Stock. The Treasurer pointed out that although the Catering profit was shown in the accounts as £ 369, when everything, such as wages, was taken into account, the true position was a loss of £ 77. Recruits. Among those joining the Club during the year were Dr. & Mrs. W. R. Bucknall, Col. & Mrs. Stray, and Mr. Nigel Campbell.
1969. Personnel. Hunt retired in January, leaving West and Thomas as the ground staff. As a parting gift, Hunt was awarded £ 50 by the Club, and a subscription from members totalled about £ 100. He had worked for the Club since October 1945, over 23 years. Because of another increase in the Agricultural Wages minimum from £ 11-11-0 to £ 12-8-0 per week, Thomas was to receive £ 13-8-0 per week, and West was increased from £ 15-16-0 to £ 16-19-0 per week. Mrs. French also retired, on account of ill-health, in October, after a reported 28 year’s service. A subscription for her raised £ 124. She was replaced by Mrs. Thomas. In November, the Secretary, Mr. L.G. Walters, announced that he wished to retire not later than September 1970, and Mr. Nigel Campbell agreed to take his place. Annual General Meeting. There was serious comment on the considerable drop in the number of non-playing members, and on the poor support given to the various parties, organised by the House and Entertainments Committee to encourage non-playing members to make more use of the Club, to give all members a chance of mixing together, and to attract potential members as visitors. At long last, Sunday morning play was agreed on all occasions, without any limitation. It was confirmed that the grounds would be closed on Good Friday until 3 p.m. Buildings. The Bridge Rooms were much more comfortable since new curtains had been installed, which were paid for out of a legacy of £ 100 from Mrs. Blair, received in 1968. The lighting had also been improved, but there were still complaints about poor ventilation. It was arranged that all the rooms would be ventilated well, each morning, and preheated using both gas and electric heaters, with the gas heaters turned off at 2.30 p.m. The Club Room carpet was wearing out fast and it was condemned in September and £ 300 voted for replacement. The cleanliness of the Dressing Rooms was at a very low standard, and the House and Entertainments Committee agreed to take over responsibility for them. Grounds. Some of the trees along the eastern boundary were felled along with, some of the Macrocarpas south of the Bowling Green, which had been planted in 1956. These had all become too large, and they made good firelogs. At the end of the year, it was proposed to re-establish the Lawns Committee, to assist the new Secretary. Those appointed were Dr. W.R. Bucknall, Lt. Col. T.F. Laverty and Mrs. A.J. Cooper, with the Club Secretary as Chairman. In July, the first mention was made of the possibility of the Club's acquiring the 162
freehold of the site. The Clinton Devon Estates offered this for £ 10,000, and if Planning permission could be obtained for a block of 10 flats on the allotment area, there might be a considerable financial benefit to the Club. It was decided not to take any irretrievable step, as the lease still had nearly 50 years to run. In November, the Clinton Devon Estates indicated that they were not prepared to extend the lease. Bridge. Although this was still popular, Table Money continued to decline, and would also lead to a reduction of Bar profits. In November, a Set-Table day was arranged, to which visitors, as potential members, could be invited without Visitors' Fee. In the summer, evening Bridge sessions were arranged, once per week, at 6d. Table Money, without any staff on duty. The Haig Day event was held as usual, and there were several matches against local clubs. In view of the steadily rising Fuel cost, it was ruled in December, that any private Set- Tables in the Verandah, when heating was required, and when there was also room in the Large Bridge Room, would pay an extra 2/- per table to cover heating costs. Bowls. This continued at a relatively low level, with the Bowling Green used, to some extent, for Croquet Tournaments, and loaned to the Games Club for their Tournament, and to the Devon County Ladies for their Tournament in May. Croquet. There was a request for the fence, north of No. 3 Lawn to be extended to protect No. 4 Lawn also, but this was not looked upon with favour. In the May (American) Tournament, there were 5 blocks of 6 each, plus a small "Crocks Block", in the Singles. The Godfrey Turner Cup was won by Lt.Col. T.F. Laverty, and the J.K. Brown Memorial Cup was the trophy for the play-off between the winners of Blocks 'C' and 'D'. Details of all trophy winners are given in Appendix 7. There was also a Doubles event for pairs of at least 2 bisques. Lt.Col. Cave was the Manager, and J.G. Warwick the Referee. Instead of the early July American Tournament, the Challenge and Gilbey Cups competition was held on behalf of the Croquet Association. There were about 45 entrants, and full details appear in the Croquet Gazette. Lt.Col. Cave was the Manager and J.G. Warwick the Referee. For the official July Tournament, the Manager was again Major Dibley with J.G. Warwick as Referee. There were 60 entries, and the Colman Cup was won by B.G. Perry. Over the three Tournaments, the profit was £ 139. Tennis. There was again an Inter-County Week, with Group 5 (Ladies), which included the Devon team, but this was not a success, and there was a loss of £ 13 on the Joint account. Nevertheless, the Club benefitted to the extent of £ 75, through Catering profit(£ 20), Bar profit (£ 15), and £ 15 for Wages charged into the Joint account. There was also a grant of £ 25 from the L.T.A., and it is only the latter which appears in the Club accounts. For 1970, the L.T.A. Grant was to be £ 50, with another £ 50 to the joint account, with Group 2 (Ladies) promised. Considerable efforts by Mrs. Vincent led to successful coaching classes for Junior, during the Easter and Summer holidays, which brought in £ 46 to the Club. A Junior American Tournament was held in August. Tennis Tournament. Col. Healing was again, the Chairman of the Tournament Committee, with Capt N.H. Vincent as Tournament Secretary. Major G.I.Pettigrew was the Referee Entries in the Men's events were higher than ever, and there were 133 in the Men's Open Singles, and 109 in the Men's Handicap Singles, which was played in two sections. 163
Entries for the Ladies' events were lower. Only £ 27 was spent on Players' Expenses, entirely the cost of free lunches, and owing to poor weather, Gate receipts were down. The gross profit was £ 363, and after charging £ 216 each for Lawn Repairs and Establishment Charges, the accounts show a net loss of £ 69. More financial details are given in Appendix 3. Miscellaneous. A Xmas Party was held in December, which is described as the best ever held. It yielded a profit of £ 14. Some figures were given for membership, which are not quite consistent in themselves or with the figures given in 1967. They are set out in the following table:-
Because the annual licence fee for Music and Dancing had been increased from 5/- to £ 5, it was decided, in March, that, since Music and Dancing was not likely to occur more than once or twice per year, there was no need to apply for a licence, in future. Finance. The total Club income for the year was £ 3815, about £ 500 down on 1968. Playing Members' Subscriptions were down about £ 100, Bridge Table money was down by about £ 60, and there was a big reduction in the overall benefit from the Tennis Tournament. On the other hand, expenditure at £ 4123 was about £ 150 up on 1968, the increase being almost entirely due to higher Wages cost. Further details are given in Appendix 2. There was an overall loss on the year of £ 308, and, as a result of this, and of Capital expenditure of £ 358 on the Tea Room carpet, the resources of the Club were reduced to £ 1125, still including the £ 1016 of 6% L.C.C. Loan Stock.
1970. Personnel. L.G. Halters retired from the Secretaryship early in the year, and was succeeded by Mr. Nigel Campbell. Mr. Walters was presented with a Record Player and Tape Recorder, which he wanted, from subscriptions from members, in. recognition of his long period of 14 years as Secretary. 164
There was a further rise in Agricultural wages as from the beginning of February, and both West and Thomas received the appropriate increases, Thomas remaining £ 1 per week above the new minimum. In anticipation of West's retirement in September, L. Strawbridge was taken on in August. West did retire in September, at the age of 73, and a subscription from members yielded £ 190 for him. Thomas then became Head Groundsman. There was to be a further increase in Agricultural wages from 4th. January 1971, of 33/- per week for a 42-hour week. As our two men worked 44 hours per week, the possibility of their having alternate Saturdays off, to reduce their hours to 42 per week, was being considered at the end of the year. Annual General Meeting. B.G. Perry was elected as Vice-President for the next three years. Mrs. Sandercock was still Chairman of the House and Entertainments Committee. A proposition was put forward that Croquet should not be completely stopped during the Tennis Tournament. Two alternatives were suggested, either to keep Lawns 3 & 4 for Croquet and not use them for Tennis, or to use the Bowling Green for Croquet during the Tennis Tournament week. The latter alternative was supported by the Bowls section. After a spirited defence by Mrs. Jones Bateman, that with 900 to 1000 matches to play, all possible lawns were needed for Tennis, in addition to the 4 Tennis courts hired from the Games Club, and that nothing must be done to prejudice the Tournament profits, it was agreed to use the Bowling Green for Croquet during the Tennis Tournament, and, in fact, this was what happened. This proposal indicates that an anti-Tennis Tournament feeling was building up, on the grounds that it was too disruptive of Club life. There was also a proposal to establish a new class of Bowls-only and Tennis-only members for residents, at a subscription of £ 6 per year, in order to encourage new members, and to avoid existing members drifting away to other local clubs. This was carried and later extended to include near-Country members, too. A proposal to change the allegedly somewhat cumbersome name of the Club to "The Budleigh Salterton Country Club", on the grounds that the existing title did not really reflect the current main activities, was withdrawn after strong opposition. Buildings. The Office door was altered, to open on to the Verandah, in February, at a cost of £ 18. Grounds. On his retirement, L.G. Walters presented the Club with a summer house for use as a Croquet Hut on Lawns 7 & 8. To cater for increased entries to the Croquet Tournaments, the Croquet Committee requested that 3 slightly narrow lawns should be made on Tennis courts 2 - 6, instead of the normal 2 full-sized lawns. Additional hoops and stop-boards were obtained to make this possible. At the Annual General Meeting there had been a request for the further enlargement of the Car Park, but in June the Committee decided that this was quite out of the question financially, Hard Courts. Further estimates were obtained for bringing the Hard Courts back to a proper standard, but as it would cost £ 602 to put only one of the courts into first class condition, the proposition was shelved. Social Functions. A Cocktail Party was held in April, open to members' friends and potential members. A Xmas Party was again held. Bridge. The provisions of the Gaming Act 1968 which imposed a high Tax on Bridge Clubs run for private gain, and defined these in terms of the Table Money paid, caused some 165
headaches, but these were later dispelled by a decision to exempt all Bridge Clubs which charged no more than 1/ - Table money, our upper limit. The Haig Day event was held, as usual. In November, the Set-Table fee on Set-Table days each month, was increased to 2/- per head from 1/6 per head, the extra 6d. going to the prize fund. Croquet. Lt. Col. G.E. Cave was still the Croquet Secretary and Tournament Secretary. The Tournaments followed the pattern of 1969, with the Challenge and Gilbey Cups competition being played the week before the main July Tournament. For the early May Tournament, Lt.Col. Cave was Manager and Handicapper, with J.G. Warwick as Referee. The American Singles was played in 6 blocks, arranged in handicap order, the winners of Blocks 'A' & 'B' playing off for the Godfrey Turner Cup (won by Mrs. D.M.C. Prichard) and the winners of Blocks 'C' & 'D' playing off for the J.K.Brown Memorial Cup (won by M. Granger Brown), and the winners of Blocks 'B' & 'F' playing off for the L.G. Walters Long Handicap Trophy (won. by H. Hodgson.). There was again also a "Crocks Block." The Doubles event was for pairs of at least 2 bisques. The Challenge and Gilbey Cups competition attracted 48 entrants, and is fully reported in the Croquet Gazette. Important visitors were H.S.Clemons from Tasmania and Mrs. Jean Jarden from New Zealand.
Figure 6. Use of the Grounds in 1970.
The main July Tournament was Managed and Handicapped by Major Dibley, with J.G. Warwick as Referee. There were 65 entrants, and the Colman Cup was won by B.G. Perry. The Class 'B' event for the Longman Cup, for players of 1.5 - 5 bisques was won by Dr. W.R. Bucknall. The winners of all events are listed in Appendix 7. In the Doubles, with no two minus players as partners, there were 26 pairs. The overall profit from the 3 Tournaments was £ l6l. The Club competitions were played as usual, and a full list of winners is given, in 166
Appendix 8. Tennis. The Inter-County Week, with Group 2 (Ladies) was a great success, the main attraction being Mrs. Ann Jones. The recorded profit was £ 78, but the Club benefitted through Catering and other profits to the extent of £ 168. For 1971, the group allocated was Group 5 (Men). Tennis Tournament. There was no sponsor, but the L.T.A. made a grant of £ 52-10-0 towards the expenses. At the Annual General Meeting, reference was made to an extract from "Tennis World", in which the Budleigh Salterton Tournament was praised for the friendly atmosphere created by the voluntary helpers, Miss Joan Cooper, who had supervised Teas for 21 years being especially singled out. Mrs. Vincent was the Chairman of the Tournament Committee and Capt. Vincent the Tournament Secretary. Entries were at a high level, although not so high as in 1969. In the following table, the entries for the various events are given, together with those for 1968. Earlier years' figures appear on pages 86, 106 & 156.
1968. 1970. 1. Men's Level Singles. 158 119 2. Ladies' " " 70 50 3. Men's(Under 21) West of England Cham. 92 88 4. Ladies' (under 21) " " " 63 46 5. Men's Level Doubles. 80 pairs 60 pairs 6. Ladies' " " 36 " 31 " 7. Mixed " " 98 " 51 " 8. Men's Handicap Singles. 100 ? 9. Ladies' " " 58 ? 10. Men's Handicap Doubles. 54 pairs ? 11. Ladies' " " 27 " ? 12. Mixed " " 62 " ? 13. Boys' Level Singles. 48 ? 14. Girls' " " 42 ? 15. Boys' Level Doubles. 23 pairs ? 16. Girls’ ' " " 21 " ?
Unfortunately, no record exists of the numbers in events 9 - 16 for 1970. The winners of the various trophies are given in Appendix 4. The gross profit was only £ 178 and after charging £ 216 each for Lawn Repairs and Establishment Charges, the official loss was £ 254. For the 1971 Tournament, Robertson's Victa agreed to be sponsors. Junior Tennis. Numbers increased appreciably, and there was a request for 2 courts to be available for Juniors in the summer holidays instead of only one, which was agreed. For the 1971 Tournament, Robertson's Victa agreed to be sponsors of the three Tournaments in Devon, at Torquay, Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton. A Devon County L.T.A. Junior Coaching School was held for one week in August. There was also a Junior County match (Devon v. Warwickshire) on a Sunday in July, for which 4 courts were loaned Preferential treatment was given to children of members, and to children who were 167
members of the coaching classes, in that these were allowed to play for 1/- per day, compounded to £ 1 per year. Other children would have to pay 1/6 per session, with no compounding. The age limit to qualify as a child was reduced from 18 to 16, those between 16 & 18 years of age now being classed as Junior members. Membership. Figures were given in June of the estimated membership compared with the figures for the two previous years, which are shown on page 164. For convenience the three years figures are given below:-
Thus the membership was slowly declining. In September, a group of 23 young local people, potential tennis members, wished to use the Club, or form a Club within the Club, but, in view of their difficulty in finding sponsors, their application was rejected. Finance. Some figures produced in September indicated that there was likely to be a loss on the year of £ 250, and this, following the loss of £ 303 in 1969, led to a Sub- Committee being appointed to consider possible increases of subscription to meet the situation. (In actual fact, because of a very large increase in Bar profits, the expected loss did not materialise.) The proposals of the Sub-Committee were accepted by the Committee late in the year, for approval at the 1971 Annual General Meeting. 204 - The proposals were:- 1. Resident Members should be those living within a 6-mile radius of the Club. Near-Country Members should be those living between 6 and 12 miles of the Club. Far-Country Members should be those living beyond the 12-mile radius. 2. Subscriptions should be modified to be: - Resident-all games increased from 16 gns. to £ 20. -Croquet only " " 14 gns. to £ l8. -Bowls, Bridge & Tennis " 10 gns. to £ 11. -Bowls & Tennis reduced from £12 to £ 8. -Bowls only increased from £6 to £ 8. -Tennis only " " £6 to £ 8. Near-Country-all games " " 14 gns. to £ 15. 168
-all except croquet down " 10 gns. to £ 8. Far-Country increased from 5 gns. to £ 6. Service members " " 2 gns. to £ 2-10-0T Cverseas members " " 2 gns. to £ 2-10-0. Non-playing members remain at 2 gns. Junior members reduced from 3 gns. to £ 3. 3. Bridge Table Money to be 1/- every day. 4. Visitors' Fees for Tennis & Bowls to be 5/- per day, the half-day fee, of 2/6, to be abolished. 5. Children's (under 16) Tennis increased from 1/- per day to 2/- per day, but the £ 1 compounded fee to remain unaltered. Financial Results. The Club income for the year was £ 4403, about £ 600 above the 1969 level, mainly because of the large increase in the Drinks and Catering profits. Expenditure was about £ 300 above the 1969 level, at £ 4403. Wages, at £ 2732, were about £ 100 up, while Rates (including water charges) were now up to £ 327. Because of a new method in presentation, of the Tennis Tournament finances, there was an increased loss shown. Further details are given in Appendix 2. There was an overall profit on the year of £ 85, and, at the year end the Club's reserves amounted to £ 1O51, still including £ 1016 of 6% L.C.C. Loan Stock, but the middle market value of this had fallen to £ 843.
SUMMARY.
The period ended the long service of L.G. Walters, as Secretary, and of West as Head Groundsman, and so this is a natural point on which to end this history for the time being. Croquet had firmly become the major outdoor Club game, Tennis taking a very back seat, but there was some revival of Bowls, especially after the special class of Bowls-only members had been established in 1969. There was a struggle to keep Junior Tennis going, and the Juniors' Den, which had flourished during the early part of the period, gradually fell into disuse. The three Croquet Tournaments each year were very well patronised, and all available lawns (often including the Bowling Green as well) were pressed into use, and there were many successes of Club players in first-class major events elsewhere. After numerous unsuccessful attempts, Sunday morning play had been agreed for all Sundays, in 1969. In the Club Room a new Bar had been made in 1963. Part of the Verandah was enclosed in 1965 to make another Bridge Room. A new Car Park had been made, the cost being met by various donations. Unfortunately, the condition of the lawns had deteriorated over the years, due to false economies, and steps had been taken in 1967 to rectify the position. The Inter-County Week had continued, with excellent results when a high Group was allocated, and poor results when a low Group played here. The Tennis Tournament grew in size enormously during the period, but the profitability varied widely. In 1964, 1965 & 1966, when Messrs. W.D. & H.O. Wills had sponsored the Tournament, profits were good, but in 1967 and 1970, when there were no official sponsors, the profitability was much lower. The Hard Courts continued in poor condition, but they were not used very much, and the cost of reconditioning them was so prohibitive as to be out of the question. 169
Bridge continued to flourish and there was a marked increase in the interest in Duplicate Bridge. Regarding finance, whilst the previous period had seen a great increase in Wage Rates and in costs in general, in the present period, the trend was even greater. Whereas in 1961 the Wages bill was £ 1818, by 1970 it had reached £ 2732 and more increases were yet to come. The increase in subscriptions in 1961, from £ 6-6-0 to £ 8-8-0 for a full resident playing member, had led to a fairly comfortable financial position for a few years, but in December 1965 they had to be increased again, to £ 10-10-0 for a full resident playing member. The advent of Selective Employment Tax in 1966 increased expenditure still further, although the effect was minimised by the reversion of the Secretary and Treasurer to Honorary status, thus avoiding S.E.T. on their own jobs. The loss for that year was covered by special functions, and there was a drive for extra membership that was not very successful. Subscriptions had therefore had to be increased again for 1986, and, for the first time, a differential scheme had been introduced, by which Croquet players paid at a higher rate than other members, which was £ 16-l6-0 for a Resident Croquet and All Games member. At the end of the period, subscriptions were about to be raised once more, to £ 20 for a Resident Croquet and All Games player. Such were the effects of the continuous inflation over the period. There had been numerous attempts to get some social life going, and many successful Xmas Parties and Cocktail Parties had been held, but there was little support for mere social gatherings, and the Friday Club Nights were not well attended and they fizzled out. In 1970, the Club achieved 100 years of continuous existence, but no-one seemed to realise this, and there were no celebrations whatsoever.
REVIEW OF THE WHOLE HISTORY.
Thus the first hundred years of the Club had now come to completion. From very small beginnings, through a peak period in the inter-war years ( 1920 to 1938 ) when Tennis was supreme, the Club was now in a very difficult position, with Bridge and Croquet as the main regular activities, but with the Tennis Tournament still an annual event. However, this absorbed a lot of effort from a large number of members, and it was not always as profitable as was hoped. Actually, there was a growing proportion of the membership who disliked the Tennis Tournament intensely. Financially, the Club had had many ups and downs, but, in spite of them, it had expanded enormously from its early size, and had successfully survived the 1939-1945 war, although not unscathed. At the end of 1970, inflation was the major problem. The purchase of the Freehold of the site was being mooted, but the outcome of this will have to await the writer of the next volume of this history. Some of the major lessons to be learned from this review are:- 1. The necessity to ensure that when new work is undertaken, the job is done properly and thoroughly; e.g. the Hard Courts were never right. 2. The avoidance of false economy; e.g. the apparent saving that would result from connecting the drainage from the main Pavilion into a cess-pit instead of into the main drain; and the apparent saving resulting from not using winter fertiliser on the lawns. 3. The need to ensure that the various amenities are looked after properly; e.g. the 170
Turf Nursery was neglected, the Hard Courts were never given the treatment they needed, and the Bowling Green was not looked after really properly. 4. The difficulties of coping with the varying temperaments of the members, and keeping the Club going in spite of them. If this review contributes to the future well-being of the Club, it will have been well worth while.
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APPENDIX 2. SUMMARISED CLUB FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
Notes. In the statements that appear on the following pages, only the main items appearing in the accounts are given. The totals are correct, but the sum of the items appearing do not necessarily add up to the total for each year, as some minor items are omitted. In some years, certain items were not included in the Income & Expenditure account, but were credited to other accounts, e.g. the Debenture Redemption Fund, or direct to the Balance Sheet. Such items, there they are given in the summarised statements for the sake of comparison, are ringed with a bracket, e.g (81). The final item in each column, headed Cash Reserves, represents the sum of the value of investments, plus cash, plus bank deposits or less bank overdrafts. In the earlier years this truly represented the Club's reserves, but, following the adoption of Capital Accounts, in 1937, and the use of Stock accounts, the calculation of the Club's reserves became more complicated. So, from then on, the Cash Reserves figure was still calculated in the same way as in the earlier years, and the figures given, take no account of Stocks, Sundry Debtors or Sundry Creditors. Because of this, and because Capital Expenditure is not shewn, the Cash Reserve figure will not necessarily change each year by the exact amount of the Profit or Loss shewn, nevertheless, the figures given for "Cash Reserves" give a reasonable representation of the Club's varying fortunes.
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APPENDIX 9. - SUCCESSES OF CLUB MEMBERS IN NATIONAL CROQUET EVENTS.
Open Championship : Capt.K.H.Coxe. 1928. C.P.Colraan. 1937. H.O.Hicks (who joined the Club in 1953) had won this 7 times between 1932 & 1952. Mrs.E.Rotherham. 1960.
Men's Championship. C.F.Colman. 1938. H.O.Hicks. 1955, 1956, 1961, & 1966. (plus 5 other times between 1930 and 1950.) Women's Championship. Miss N.E.Coote. 1903, & 1905. Mrs.E.Rotherham. 1952, 1953, 1955, 1959, 1963, 1964, & 1969. Miss E.J.Warwick. 1960, 1962, 1965, 1966, & 1963. Open Doubles Chanpionship. C.F.Colman & partner. 1938. Capt.K.H.Coxe & partner. 1939. H.O.Hicks & partner. 1953, 1957, & 1960. (plus 4 other times between 1948 & 1952.) Major G.P.Stone & partner. 1956
Mized Doubles Championship. H.O.Hicks & Mrs.E.Rotherham. 1955. (also in 1950) H.O.Hicks & partner. 1966. (also in 1931.) Lt.Col.G.E.Cave & partner. 1960. J.G.Warwick & Miss E.J.Warwick. 1962. Mrs. E.Rotherham & partner. 1963, 1964 & 1965. B.G.Perry & Miss E.J.Warwick. 1970.
Beddow Cup ( later President's Cup). Capt. L.H.Coxe. 1928. C.F.Colman. 1938. H.O.Hicks 1954 & 1961. (plus 4 other times between 1930 & 1951.)
Oher members invited to play : Major G.F.Stone. 1949 & 1950. Mrs. E.Rotherham. ( 6 times between 1948 & 1959) Miss. E.J.Warwick.1960, 1961,& 1963. J.G.Warwick. 1963. B.G.Perry, each year 1968 - 1970. Runner-up in 1970.
Association Plate. Mrs.E.Rotherham. 1951 & 1967. J.G.Warwick. 1966.
Du Pre Cup. Mrs. E.Rotherham. 1937, 1961 & 1962.
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C.F.Colman. 1939. J.G.Warwick. 1963. B.G.Perry. 1967. Gold Caskets (Women). Mrs, J.Retallack. 1928, 1929.
Ladies' Field Cup. Miss J.Retallack. 1926 & 1934. Mrs.E.Rotherham. 1955, 1956, 1957, 1963, 1964, 1965. (also played on 18 other occasions between 1935 and 1970- runner-up 3 times.) Miss E.J.Warwick. 1959, 1960, 1961 & 1962. (also played on 5 other occasions between 1964 & 1970 -runner-up twice.)
South of England Championships. H.O.Hicks. 1967. (also 1948, 1949 & 1951) J.G.Warwick. 1962. A.J.Cooper. 1968. South of England Men's Championship. J.G.Warwick. 1964. A.J.Cooper. 1966 & 1967. South of England Women's Championship. Mrs. E.Rotherham. 8 times between 1949 and 1969. Miss E.J.Warwick. 4 times between 1964 & 1970.
Chairman's Salver. Mrs. E.Rotherham. 1966. (Runner-up was J. G. Warwick.)
Surrey Cup. Col.D.W.Beamish. 1955. Lt.Col.G.E.Cave. 1957 & 1959.
Silver Medals Awarded. Major G.F.Stone. 1912. H.O.Hicks. 1928. Mrs. E.Rotherham. 1946. Col. D.W.Beamish. 1956. Lt.Col. G.E.Cave. 1957. J.G.Warwick. 1960. A.J.Cooper. 1961. Miss E.J.Warwick. 1961. B.G.Perry. 1968.
Test Match Team Members. Major G.P.Stone. 1956 in Great Britain. Mrs. E. Rotherham. 1956 in Great Britain. Miss E.J.Warwick. 1963 in New Zealand.
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