Go to Albums for a another team picture.

The revived Hambledon Club held its first luncheon on Saturday 10 April 1999 and its second on Saturday 2 October, both at the historic Bat and Ball. We have, thus, set a pattern of twice-yearly luncheons immediately preceding and following the cricket season.

We shall anticipate the start of next season with our third luncheon on Saturday, 8 April 2000.

Those of you with nothing planned for the Millennium celebrations may like to note an ambitious project currently being organised by your President and Steward. They are arranging the first cricket match of the new era to be played on the historic Broadhalfpenny Down. The sides will include one raised by Hampshire’s Adie Aymes to launch his benefit year.

They plan to bowl the first ball at midnight whereupon bad light will force them from the field. They will return at a brighter and more sociable hour (12 noon) to resume a ten-overs-per-side contest after which spectators, players and officials will retire to the Bat & Ball for warmth and refreshments!

They may not seek to emulate their predecessors of 1929 who, on a similar occasion proceeded to drink the Bat & Ball dry!

The second lunch was as enjoyable and successful as our inaugural meeting in the spring.

Sadly, our Chaplain, the Reverend David Brown, was unable to attend on 2 October. In his place Clive Barnet proved a more than capable deputy and offered the following prayer before we ate:

Dear Lord - For the fellowship of cricket; For the inspiration of Richard Nyren; For the honour of the Hambledon Club's name, we thank you.

The meal was, of course, excellent and our steward assured us that much of what we had consumed had been taking exercise in the Hambledon countryside shortly before the chef got to it.

The full menu was:

Stilton & Celery Soup

Fillet of Sole Veronique

Braised Venison, Rabbit & Pigeon in a Claret & Juniper sauce, served with seasonal vegetables.

Cheese Board

Coffee & Mints

It was a special delight that we were joined by three lady members all of whom are prominent figures in Hampshire cricket. They are: Marion Beagley (Secretary, Hambledon Cricket Club), Susanne Marlow (Chairman, Hampshire Cricket Society) and Penny Taylor (Secretary, Hampshire Cricket Board). In this respect at least we are ahead of our glorious predecessors!

After lunch, our President led us in the traditional toasts before we considered additions to the list of posthumous members.

Roy Clarke, savouring his first visit to the ground and Bat & Ball, gave an erudite speech on behalf of James Aylward (1741-1827). A notable player for many reasons, Aylward is probably best remembered for an innings of 167 in the match against England in June 1777. Despite fielding a very strong bowling side England were overwhelmed, losing by an innings. The case for Aylward was incontrovertible.

Next your secretary, Dave Allen, made a very brief speech on behalf of "the Great Cricketer" – W.G.Grace. Despite the stature and breadth of his achievements in the cricket world in general, Andrew Renshaw made a passionate case against the proposal on the grounds that Grace had shown little kindness to cricket in Hambledon or, indeed, throughout the county of Hampshire.

Among Andrew’s arguments were that Grace had blocked Phil Mead’s Hampshire debut and that he had failed to honour his promise to support the 1908 match celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Hambledon Club. His argument was powerful enough to carry the day and Grace collected another unique record – the first (and so far only) person to be rejected for honorary membership!

Our President announced that Mrs Christine Pardoe and her two sons Edward and Timothy, who are direct descendants of Edward Whalley-Tooker, have now become members. With Bob Beagley and his Marion this brings to five, members whose ancestors played for the club.

A number of members took the opportunity to renew for 2000 and we were happy that some of our guests also joined for the first time. A membership form is enclosed with this Newsletter – apologies if you have already paid but if so, you may like to pass it to a possible new member.

We were reminded by Chris de Mellow that we agreed at the previous meeting to endeavour to support colts cricket at the current Hambledon Cricket Club. Our steward introduced a draw whereby each member placed £5 (or more) in an envelope. Names were drawn from a hat whereupon the winner received the cost of luncheon for two with the remainder presented to the colts. We are delighted that £84 was raised for the young cricketers – perhaps with two meetings next year we might manage at least £200? Incidentally the winner – on his first visit - was Peter Baxter of Test Match Special. Congratulations! (Perhaps there is such a thing as a free lunch?)

NEXT MEETING and LUNCHEON Saturday 8 April 2000 12.30 for 1 p.m.

Please send bookings to the Steward and, if possible, bring one other person whom you consider a potential member.

Please note that your committee will present themselves for re-election at the next meeting. Other nominations and offers of help will be welcomed beforehand – to the secretary please.

President - Ashley Mote

Steward - Dick Orders

Treasurer - Neil Jenkinson

Secretary - Dave Allen