SCC - About SCC
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SCC - About SCC |
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information on Southgate CC |
Southgate CC |
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Four generations of the Walker family lived in the big house called Arnos Grove on Cannon Hill. There had been no great tradition of sporting achievement, but the seven Walker brothers got their love of cricket during their school and university days. The three eldest played some cricket for the village team, then called Southgate Albert, on a very bumpy Chapel fields wicket. John, the eldest, spent large sums on re-turfing the ground to encourage a better standard of play. He founded Southgate Cricket Club in 1855 and arranged for all the great teams of the day to visit his Waterfall Lane ground and play the village team. For miles around, Southgate was soon to become the Mecca of cricket. In the middle of the 19th century, the organisation of cricket, both at club and county level, was sadly lacking. The Walkers were primarily responsible for raising a Middlesex team in 1859, founding the Middlesex County Cricket Club in 1864 and establishing the home of the country at Lords in 1877. The seven brothers all became first class cricketers, the very backbone of Middlesex and all played in many representative matches. Test cricket did not start until 1877, prior to which teams would be labelled "England" or "an England XI", and four of the brothers played in such teams. Reference must be made to perhaps the greatest cricketer of all the brothers, Vyell Edward Walker , who took 10 wickets in an innings on three occasions. A great all rounder, he stood head and shoulders above all his contemporaries in the game he graced for so long. his knowledge and sound judgment were so universally respected, that he served for years on the M.C.C. Committee and was elected their president in 1891. For Middlesex, he held every administrative office at some time or other and, whenever he played, he always captained the side. The United All England XI would come to do battle with the sixteen men of Southgate. It is wondrous to think crowds of up to 10,000 would flock to the Chapel Fields (now the Walker Ground ) to witness these great matches. The youngsters would be in the ground early for a good position. Admission was free. The famous brass band of the 2nd Life Guards would be playing. Marquees and tents lined the ground, gaily bedecked with flags and bunting, providing shade from the sun and dispensing a variety of refreshment. The gentry would be in their finery for these special occasions, the ladies conspicuous in their crinoline dresses and brightly coloured parasols. The mass of the crowd, from all walks of life and from all parts of London, added to the hubbub of excitement. they had been up to travel to the ground on special trains run by the Railway Company to Colney Hatch Station (now called New Southgate). There was indeed a carnival atmosphere. Christ Church and the Walker Ground opposite still serve to remind us today of the benevolence, long after their passing. They were wealthy benefactors who cared for the village and its people and came to be highly respected, not only for their generosity, but also for their willing involvement in community life. |