Collection AR180 - Norbury Cricket Club

Norbury Cricket Club was founded in 1918 by local young men including many ex servicemen who had returned from the 1914 - 1918 war. The club was first named Norbury Athletic. No club records exist for the first two years. Early minute books record that the club amalgamated with Sirens Sports Club on 25 Nov 1921 when it was unanimously agreed to name the combine club Norbury Sirens Cricket Club. An agreement already existed between Sirens Club and Elco Athletic Club for the use of a ground in Greyhound Lane, Streatham Park, at a fee of 16315 per year. This ground was used by Norbury Sirens. Membership was limited to 35 playing members and the annual subscription was one guinea.

The first officers elected were as follows:-

Chairman: Mr Lewis Milner

Secretary: Mr G. Toll

Treasurer: Mr R.W. Tillier

Captain: Mr E.J. Robbins

A committee meeting was called on 31st Mar 1940 to decide the policy of the club owing to the outbreak of war especially with regard to the coming season and the difficulties presented by the loss of membership due to various forms of National Service. It was decided that the club should cease its playing activities during the war.

On Wednesday 12 Feb 1947 a meeting was held, preceeded by a supper to commemorate the re-union of members after the war. Members stood in silent memory for three of their number who had been killed in action - C. Gardner, E. Jones and K. Hookway. It was regretfully agreed by all present that owing to reduced playing strength through various reasons, the club should be wound up and that the balance of the Club funds should be used to pay for the cost of the evening. The main problem was the difficulty in attracting new young players due to not having a home ground or headquarters.