From right: Third Duke of Chandos, president of the Hambledon club. Also a member of parliament for Winchester, Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire and a Privy Councillor; Henry Bonham, six times steward of the Hambledon club 1774-1795, sometime secretary, and High Sheriff of Hampshire 1794; Sir William Benett, steward of the Hambledon club 1778, president 1788.
Meeting date: 10 April 1999
The first luncheon of the revived Hambledon Club
During the “Glory Days” of Hambledon cricket, more than two hundred years ago, the cricket was funded by an aristocratic dining club.
Following an exploratory meeting in October 1998, the Hambledon Club has been revived and its first modern luncheon was held at the Bat and Ball Inn on Saturday 10 April 1999.
At the luncheon, the minutes of the previous meeting, held on 21 September 1796 – famously that “No Gentlemen were present” – were proposed by Christopher Bazalgette (The Cricketer) and seconded by Mr Alistair MacLennan who is the curator of the Bradman Museum in Bowral, Australia. These were approved.
The meeting unanimously agreed to hold the level of subscription at the 1796 rate of three guineas – a remarkable bargain, perhaps unique in the annals of inflation.
Committee
The meeting approved the committee for 1999:
- President Ashley Mote
- Treasurer Neil Jenkinson
- Steward Dick Orders
- Secretary Dave Allen
In addition, it was agreed that the Chairman of Hambledon Cricket Club should be an ex officio appointment. The position is currently held by Chris de Mellow. Mr de Mellow addressed the meeting and suggested that were the club to expand its ambitions, it might look to support the development of youth cricket at Hambledon.
The club approved the election of Richard Nyren as Honorary Eternal President. Bob Beagley of Hambledon Cricket Club, and a direct descendent of an original member, was elected Honorary Life Vice-President.
The Rt. Reverend Lord Sheppard had sent his best wishes, but declined the invitation to become Honorary Chaplain of the club. However David Brown who was in attendance offered his services which were gratefully accepted. Mr Brown agreed to prepare an appropriate Grace for the club.
Posthumous members
The following were elected as posthumous members:
Harry Altham; John Arlott; FS Ashley-Cooper; Colin Barrett; JM Barrie; ‘Silver Billy’ Beldham; Lord Frederick Beauclerk; Tom Brett; Desmond Eagar; CB Fry; Gilbert Jessop; Brian Johnston; EV Lucas, David Harris; Arthur Haygarth; John Nyren; Rev J Pycroft; John Small snr; John Small jnr; EM Sprot; ‘Lumpy’ Stevens; Tom Sueter; Wilf Wadham; Edward Whalley-Tooker; WR Wright.
The President invited further suggestions. Mr Bazalgette proposed Cecil Paris. The list remains open.
Messages received and apologies
In addition to Lord Sheppard, messages were received from:
John Bromley (Chairman, Lord’s Taverners); Lord Cowdrey; Rachel Heyhoe Flint; Rt Hon J Major MP; Mrs Christine Pardoe.
The following members sent their apologies:
Clive Barnett; Peter Baxter; Chris Box-Grainger; Roy Clarke; Mike Gauntlett; Keith Hayhurst; Victor Malik; Alistair MacLennan; Chris Turner; John R Williams.
Toasts
Following the luncheon the members toasted, in the traditional manner:
- ‘The Queen’s Mother’
- ‘Her Majesty the Queen’
- ‘The Hambledon Club’
- ‘Cricket’
- ‘the immortal memory of Madge’ and
- ‘the President’.
Newsletter 02