History

Update to 1975

In 1952 Mr J Olley made a century in a match at Checkendon, a presentation was made to him in recognition of his achievement. In 1966 Mr Main was presented with a gift to commemorate his 40 years as a playing member of the club. He retired from the secretaryship in 1970.

Until 1963 a coach was used for away fixtures, the players and spectators each paid 2s/6d towards its cost, but after this year more players had their own cars for transport.

In 1971 Colin Perryman, one of our footballers was selected to play for the Reading and District Football League. They had picked a team of best players from around the area.

In 1972 it was decided to raise the yearly subscription from 5/- to 50p, it had been 5/- since 1945. The cost of tea for the cricket players was also raised from 1/6 to 10p because of rising costs.

The big change in the Playing Fields to passers-by is the disappearance of the hedge, which once partially hid the cricket pitch from the road. Now we can enjoy a view across the whole Playing Fields from the road, much appreciated by motorists who pause to watch cricket on Sundays.

The cricket square, the pride and joy of John Olley, has been much improved and would be a credit to large grounds, let alone a small village. In fact, the general improvement of the whole Playing Fields area is due to the untiring work of John.

The only sad part is the deterioration of the tennis courts. Although the grass has been regularly mown, little use is made of the courts, and the tennis club ceased to function after1965. The surrounds are now collapsing.

Children's swings have been erected near the tennis courts and several park seats placed around the cricket ground.

Many of the improvements have been made possible by help from funds raised by the September Revels.

This piece taken from the Checkendon W I Scrapbooks added in 1975.