Embedded Files
The
Hampshire Stragglers Cricket Club was formed in 1966 by Tom Wilson (right), when he was captain of Folkstone Football Club. One evening over a gin and tonic he told the cricketers of Folkstone that he could bring a side from Hampshire to Kent and stuff them.Tom and his close friend Wilf Armory who was his football manager at the time, was the partnership that stirred the Stragglers through the early years. Wilf became the President of the Stragglers for many years and his speeches at the clubs dinners always began with “the day that I signed Tom”.
In the early years the tour party was mainly made up from Compton & Shawford, Winchester, Petersfield and Tom’s friends, people like Jack Harvey, Derek Igglesden, Don Dean, the Colonel, John Hull, David Heimes, Dusty Miller, Ken Mould and a very young Codge Greetham to name a few. Little did they all know at the time that this was the start of so many years of pleasurable memories and friendships, and hangovers!
From the very first tour Tom soon set up a very well organized club with officials and a Vice Presidents list from who’s who in show business and sport. New tour members were almost vetted for their cricket ability, personalities, drinking capacity and sense of humor before being invited to attend. The Stragglers also featured a number of test players such as Adam Gilchrist (Australia) and Paul Wiseman (New Zealand).
One of the reasons for the Stragglers success over the years on the cricket field and now continuing with the golf course has been down to one person, Tom Wilson. His love of cricket, having a good sing-song, generosity and genuine nature soon rubbed off on every club member and he must be so proud of what he started all those years ago and is still continuing.
Many people have left lasting memories over the years, such as the concert party of Geoff Goater, Dave Berstock, Ken Mould, John Davies, Codge and of course Alan Taylor (above, left). Their performances were often the highlight of some of Kent’s cricket clubs year. Also, Bill Henderson and his performing dog Chum, Dave Malone, Maurice Garner, Stuart and Paul Marks (below), Aubrey Waddey, Don Howe, Andy Heyes and Dave Greetham have all left their mark. Just as important were the non-playing members such as David Frisk, Bob Page, Chris Mills and the singing umpire Brian Hall.
It has not been all roses for the Stragglers. A few years ago numbers dwindled and Alan & Tom struggled to get eleven players to go on tour. For a number of years Andy was able to keep the legend alive, but it was in 2008 that it was decided to call it a day, and this has now brought about the formation of the Hampshire Stragglers Golf Society.
As many of the legs are a little bit heavier and eyes a bit older for cricket the natural progression to enjoy the good company of everyone is on the golf course! Continuing with the same principles and traditions of the cricket team ("good natured debauchery"), the inaugural members of the Management Committee have taken on the duties of supplying the fun! It promises to be a bright future on the golf course! Don't miss out - get involved and enjoy the banter!
We all look forward to seeing you in the near future!!
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse