Division 2 Review - Deando 1st XI

The improving fortunes of the “posties” continues to gather pace as a fourth place finish following promotion from Division 3.

The mainstays of the club continue to provide the backbone of the batting with Captain S Parker leading from the front with 426 runs at 47.33 which included an innings of 127 against Old Isleworth and Heston “A”. Support came from 4 other batsmen who all exceeded 200 runs for the season being Krempel (317), McKay whose 290 at 41.43 included 104 made against Sunbury Village and I Doyle (264).

Karim was the star turn with the ball assisted by 3 five wicket returns he claimed 41 wickets at just 11.88. This was the most taken in the league. His best and that of the season was 6-30 against JFSOBA. I Doyle added 16 wickets to his runs in a fine all round display.

Division 3 Review - Deando 2nd XI

Deando were the third of the four teams promoted and managed a respectable ninth. Five batsmen I Qadir, M Bester, M Suleman, Abid Qureshi and F Hamid all scored over 200 runs with Qadir being the pick with 458 runs at 41.64. Bester top scored with 97 not out against Battersea.

Bester and Qadir both took 26 wickets in the season with Bester returning figures of 6-20 against Hook & Southborough. Suleman gave good support with 16 wickets. Both Bester and Qadir completed the league double.

A mid table finish for sportsmanship but some improvement is needed in regards to the pitch after a second from bottom finish.

The following was written by Neville Rainford:

1990

As Deando enters the 1990s, thoughts turn to the 40th Anniversary Celebration: inter-club game, 6-a-side; remember to contact the Mayor, Vice Presidents and former members; hire a ground with facilities, afternoon game followed by buffet and disco. It was most important to agree a venue and date: the Club booked Hawkers, North Kingston on 8th July.

Nets were now very well attended and, due to demand, were split into first hour league, second hour others. Also, the same arrangement would apply to Old Emanuel nets for 1990. In indoor cricket, Deando were beaten by Richmond Town in a very close game in the Final at Walton. Pre-season, the General Secretary wrote to the Council that despite last year’s meeting there was currently little evidence of ground preparation and also placed an ad in the Surrey Comet looking for a ground or groundshare, but it brought no response. Deando agreed to re-enter the Surrey Cup but The Galbird Trophy only had 6 teams entered with the possibility of just one League group.

The Council responded re the Fairfield by stating that a dry winter had inhibited grass growth on the squares but the letting of a new grounds maintenance contract for Parks and Open Spaces includes detailed specifications for all park work including cricket. Cricket squares now receive more attention from pre-determined tasks, pre-season work was underway including scarification, fungicide, herbicide, fertiliser, cutting, irrigation and rolling through to the autumn programme. However, by the end of May, Deando are again writing with a list of complaints: pitch not cut on arrival but was hastily cut by the groundsman, lack of access to storage room (for sightscreens & scoreboard, home teams to have changing room keys to deter recent thefts, showers working poorly and lack of watering and rolling. Kingston CC (formerly Workmen) responded agreeing with Deando’s approach. The Council responded promptly, in general conceding the points and promising to attend to them.

The Committee also discussed what to prepare to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of a more permanent nature and set up a sub Committee to organise the day at BA Sports and Social Club ‘Hawkers’ Sportsground in North Kingston investigating a buffet lunch, formal tea and post-match entertainment.

The cricket season started well with winning records for the League X1 and Sunday 1st X1, Sunday 2nds fared a little worse but were encouraged by good performances by newer, younger members. In The Galbird Trophy the team qualified for the semi final v. Thames Ditton, who Deando again lost to, and, exceptionally, in the Surrey Cup the Cub drew Old Rutlishians in the new knock out format - new opposition but familiar result.

Sadly, around this time John and Cathy Hodgson left The Cricketers but soon after it was taken over by an Australian Pub Company, run by Nick Savage and his brother, who took over several other pubs in South West London. Nick promptly joined Deando and was an excellent batsman and slip fielder.

The 40th Anniversary Day went ahead on Sunday 8th July on a lovely warm, sunny day. It started with a short limited overs cricket game before lunch with teams of former players rolling back the years bolstered by current players. Lunch followed, a very good buffet, then a normal afternoon Club game, loosely based on 1sts v. 2nds. The facilities were busy all day, with Kingston’s Mayor, Vice Presidents and former players, current members plus families and friends enjoying a lovely afternoon in a very pleasant setting.

Deando had a very good League Cup run, beating Claygate, then a comprehensive victory v. West Drayton, both of whom were in a higher League Division before losing to Economicals of the First Division by 40 runs. But Deando also received a letter from the Slazenger League about the standard of its Fairfield pitches. At this stage the General Secretary responded with the correspondence with the Council in the season so far.

The July Devon Tour occupies a key place in Deando folklore. In the first afternoon tour game just down the road from the Hotel in Timberscombe, there were llamas in a field at one end of the ground. The tourists were warned by the home players that although the llamas appeared friendly, if a fine leg or long off fielder were to get too close, the llamas spat. After discussion, and a series of terrible puns, about the presence of llamas at the game, the llama was adopted as the Club Mascot and appeared on all Club personalised clothing from then on - ‘Come On You Llamas!’ Pete Francis and Pete Munday bought a greyhound which was named Deando Llama and ran successfully at Wimbledon Stadium dog track.

The 1990 season was a memorable one for Deando. All the sides had good playing records and the Captains reported on progress in their players. The League side, in winning 17 games out of 17, set a League record points score. And that’s after a very narrow last wicket victory in the first game v. Hampton. The core Saturday team still existed but were augmented by Rob Henderson 729 runs incl 114* Hurlingham Oddfellows and 30 wickets, Justin Matthews and Nick Savage. Pete Stevenson led the batting averages, Pete McKay (incl 107* v. Old Tenisonians) and Pat Devaney both scored over 400 runs. Steve Ellyatt led the bowling, but couldn’t play every game, and Neville Rainford, Gerry Fowler and Pete Stevenson all took at least 30 wickets, Pat 26.

In his Division 4 Review for the 1990 League Handbook, League Chairman Alan Baker stated

‘Their very settled and consistent side played excellent cricket all season: on this performance it was difficult to understand how they came to be relegated in 1989.’

It is interesting to review what factors may have contributed to Deando CC’s change in fortunes. In 1989/90 the League was in the process of restructuring, not only cutting the First Division from 16 teams to 10 Teams playing each other home and away. At the same time, the League Fourth and Fifth Division had been reserve divisions purely for second and third X1s but the League now permitted promotion and relegation to/from those Divisions. So it is possible that as Deando suffered relegation, the best 3 teams left the old Reserve Division 1 to join Division 3, and Deando joined a weaker structure until promotion and relegation worked itself out in the League Divisions in due course.

The League Team squad remained principally the same but Rob Henderson, Justin Matthews and Nick Savage added strength in important areas in the team. Then the confidence grew, along with the understanding of how to be successful in League Cricket, and the side went out week after week expecting to win by patiently batting, bowling and fielding, setting large targets and bowling sides out.

Deando celebrated its 100% League season with a kit bag of brand new Slazenger cricket gear and a cover photo on the 1991 Slazenger League Handbook.

At the end of the outdoor cricket season, the Indoor Team had fixtures against Kingston Strollers, Leatherhead, Egham, Chessington, Olinda Vandals, Wallinton and Surrey Fire Brigade. After poor pitch markings by League oppositions, the General Secretary again entered into correspondence with the Council: in addition to the state of the pitches (although the Club was justifiably able to refute some of this due to the scores achieved during a very successful season) Deando had concerns with people cutting diagonally across the eastern cricket pitch through broken railings and impromptu games of football encroaching onto the outfield.

To conclude the 40th Anniversary Year the Presentation Dinner & Dance at Sandown Park was a great success with over 150 attendees. Bill Byford surprised everyone with a large frames montage of testimonial letters he had solicited from celebrities and political leaders, including the then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, congratulating Deando CC on its 40 years and wishing future success.

1991

Winter nets continue on Tuesday evenings at Micky Stewart’s, Imber Court. The Cub did receive a response from Bill Jennison, the Parks and Horticultural Services Manager at Kingston Council, to its recent complaint. He admitted to lack of repairs causing quick deterioration of the wickets, it was the Contractor’s first year and dry conditions inhibited good growth of grass. It continues

‘I agree conditions were not up to standard . . . Little radical work has been achieved on our squares in recent years . . . I am aiming to undertake a complete renovation over the next three years of our cricket squares to bring them to standard. I apologise for the time scale, but this reflects the extent of the work required. . . From this work I would hope to see some improvement for the coming season and Officers will ensure that work is completed to specification. To reach the standard that we both would desire may take a little longer and I would ask that you be patient with us. I will happily keep you informed of progress of our proposals for the future of cricket in the Borough of Kingston and will if I may seek your comments from time to time.’

The situation is serious for Deando. After years of striving to get into a League, in 1988 the Club finally did so. But there were now rumblings from League oppositions about the standard of the Fairfield pitches which could lead to Deando’s expulsion from the Slazenger League. Interestingly, as requested, in April the Council forwarded a copy of the Cricket Section of the Grounds Maintenance Specification.

The Indoor Cricket campaign went well with one loss and one tie in the Group games before narrowly beating Sunbury in the semi-final but losing to Old Thorntonians in the Final. And Deando was planning a ‘Sixties’ night, with a live band again at BA Sports and Social Club. After the withdrawal of Galbird Heating and Ventilation Engineers the local midweek cricket competition was looking for a new sponsor.

However, already on 15th May, Deando were writing to the Council about dangerous pitches (due to variations in bounce) with no evidence of rolling or watering. Deando already knew it had received the worst possible pitch marking from Morden after its first League game on 11th May. At the same time the General Secretary spoke then wrote to Mike Booth, groundsman at Old Emanuel, with a copy of the contract specification for his assessment and comments. Finally, at this point the Club also wrote to Mike Cooper, League Secretary, copying him in to current correspondence to confirm the action Deando was taking with the Council. The Council responded on 1th June: the Council was satisfied with the Contractor’s ongoing work and was gearing up for enhanced remedial work at the end of the summer to bring the squares up to standard over the three-year period.

The Galbird trophy morphed into the Fairfield Trophy sponsored by Nick Savage and Jack Hesketh and Deando reached the final, losing there to Thames Ditton, with the game going to the final ball. Deando beat Hawkers in the First Round of the League Cup but lost to Hurlingham Oddfellows in a tight game in the Second Round.

The 1991 Season was another extraordinary season with the League X1 only losing once in their 15 completed games, to Copthorne, who went through the season unbeaten. The batting did not quite reach the heady heights of 1990 but 6 players exceeded 200 runs, Justin Matthews top scoring with 100* v Battersea Ironside ‘A’. Bowling was more successful with Gerry Fowler and Pete Stevenson topping the Division 3 bowling including runs conceded per over, ably supported by Andrew Stewart, Rob Henderson and Neville Rainford. Rob Henderson also completed the Division 3 League Double with 276 runs and 30 wickets and Nick Savage and Pete Munday led the Division with 18 catches, Pete Munday was 3rd in the Division stumpings with 4. And, to cap it all, Deando won the Division Sportsmanship in its inaugural season. However, on the down side, the Fairfield was ranked bottom of the pitch marks averaging 2 out of a possible 5. At year end, Kingston Methodists wrote to the Council with their views on the substandard pitches.

Pat Devaney celebrated an early season 125 v RAFA Thurlow and Phil Bowers managed 8-26 v Bramley for the Seconds under this season’s Captain Jon Poole.

The usual post season activities now took place: the Presentation Dinner & Dance, Indoor Cricket at Elmbridge Leisure Centre and nets were booked at Micky Stewart’s for Tuesday evenings from January.

1992

As the League was ramping up its procedures and sanctions re unsatisfactory pitch markings, Neville Rainford wrote to the Council enclosing the League Policy Document on Pitch and Sportsmanship Marks and emphasising how vulnerable Deando were becoming to action from the League including fines and eventual expulsion.

On 13th February Bill Jennison, the Parks and Horticultural Services Manager, replied. The Council has commissioned Professional Sportsturf Design (NW) Ltd to write an ‘Assessment of Cricket Squares at Fairfield and Latchmere Recreation Grounds’ dated October 1991 and a copy of the 9 page Report was enclosed with their response. The Report noted, in respect of the Fairfield Cricket Squares, grass growth was uneven with a wide variety of grass species, said to be ‘lacking in vigour’, plus weeds and moss. Additionally, the grass was shallow-rooted and accumulated at the surface resulting in thatch formation. There was a distinct layering of topdressing materials, not integrated with the underlying soil.

The Report went on to state that the Contract maintenance schedule did contain all the operations required but suggested additional operations to improve the cricket squares over the coming years. The additional works’ objectives were to (a) alleviate compaction, (b) integrate the loam topdressing, (c) control thatch development and (d) promote sward thickening and development.

Finally, Kingston Council were again re-letting their Grounds Maintenance Contract to commence January 1993 and were considering building up a partnership with the clubs who may then have a direct involvement in some aspects of their wicket preparation - eg. rolling and marking of the wickets and use of the pavilion on matchday.

But the whole issue of the standard of Council cricket pitches and the Fairfield grounds maintenance in particular was quickly set aside. Despite the  Deando CC General Committee Minutes of 20th February agreeing that Deando was interested in helping with the proposed grounds’ works and suggesting a meeting with the Council, no such letter could be traced.

Around this time, Dave Kaill was approached about the possibility of Deando hiring Old Haileyburian Rugby Football Club sportsground at 27 Ruxley Lane, Ewell for the summer. Of course, if Deando wanted to commit to this, it would have to move quickly. Deando had always maintained a healthy account balance, at this time around £2,500, for just such an eventuality. The ground and facilities were inspected, there was an assurance from the groundsman - Chris Booth, the brother of Mike, Old Emanuel’s groundsman - that cricket pitches would be ready for the start of the 1992 season and the Treasurer, Dave Kaill, prepared preparatory accounts which demonstrated the Club may have to pay more, c.£20 per match, that it could afford this but may have to review future Income & Expenditure projections at season end. In return, Deando would now play on a private ground with two cricket squares, a Clubhouse with Bar including tea room, changing rooms and showers. Dave Kaill also checked and there would be no contractual consequences from Kingston Council. The Club committed to go ahead and move to Ruxley Lane. Pete Munday arranged for Martin & Steph to do the teas and Lin Hargreaves often attended the ground on match days and helped with the clearing up.

In the meantime, Deando participated in another Indoor Cricket season, but failed to qualify for Finals Night, and Tuesday Night nets at Micky Stewart’s were ongoing but poorly attended.

In any event, the Club chose to hold a Special General Meeting, at Ruxley Lane Clubhouse on Sunday 10th May which agreed to increase Match Fees to £5 (at the last AGM they had gone up to £4), £3 for students; £3.50 and £1.50 respectively if teas not provided.

In The Fairfield Trophy, after winning its group, Deando lost to Sutton Common in the semi final.

The 1992 season at the new ground progressed and the highlight of the season was a Cup run to the Slazenger League Cup Final. Along the way Deando beat First Division opposition in Old Isleworthians then South Wimbledon in the semi final as well as Heston CC and BBC CC from Division 2. In the Final Deando came up against Lambeth Enterprise CC probably then at the height of their powers (they won the League ‘Double’, the Cup being their third successive victory).

Deando now vacated their Ruxley Lane ground on late August Bank Holiday Monday, as became traditional. In September, General Secretary Neville Rainford wrote to Ian Goudie, Old Haileyburians Rugby Club contact, complaining about the standard of the pitch - it was clear that League oppositions were marking the pitch badly, eventually a well below average 2.10, second bottom in Division 2 - and the showers which had variable temperature and power issues (and were likely to have more serious consequences in the upcoming winter Rugby season). On a positive, though, Deando had thoroughly enjoyed their new ground and facilities, been very well received and looked after and clearly spent well over the bar. In response, the main square was to be dug up and relaid ready for the 1993 season.

In another interesting development Ruxley Lane had also been let to Albion CC and St Helier CC, Sunday only teams, and, during discussions at the bar, following Deando’s League season and successful Cup run several of their players had expressed the wish to play Saturday League Cricket and the Deando League 2nd X1 was born. The League accepted the new X1 into their 4th Division.

Deando teams had mixed fortunes in 1992. The League X1 Came down to earth with a playing record of W8 L4, finishing 5th in Division 2 and yet again won promotion, to Division 1, assisted by the League re-aligning to 4 Divisions, the new top Division extending to 17 teams and reverting to playing each other only once per season. The Batting was led by Rob Henderson’s 349 runs with Pat Devaney, Pete Stevenson and Simon Parker all scoring over 200. Dick Beeching in his first full League season led the bowling with 38 wickets (including 6 in the Cup Final) with full support from Rob Henderson (who both achieved the League ‘Double). By this time, Deando had lost Steve Ellyatt and Justin Matthews who had moved away and Gerry Fowler retired from cricket. The League Team were runners up in the Division 2 Sportsmanship awards.

The Sunday 1st X1, under Ian Doyle’s Captaincy, had a stunning season with 15 wins out of 21 completed games. Pete Stevenson led the batting with 759 runs (thus scoring 1,020 runs for the season) with major contributions from Ian Doyle, Pat Devaney and Simon Parker. In bowling, Neville Rainford led with 49 wickets, closely followed by Pete Stevenson (46) then Dick Beeching, Ian Doyle and Fluff Stewart. The Sunday 2nds, under John Hall, had to use a lot of players which clearly undermined the side’s consistency. Dominic Gunning had a great all round season, 382 runs with a top score of 86* plus 32 wickets @ 12, Ben Krempel scored 254 runs, Phil Letts top scored with 93 but only played twice and Fluff Stewart managed 30 wickets.

At the AGM, Pete Francis stood down as Club Chairman and was replaced by Dave Kaill. The Dinner & Dance sold 84 tickets at Sandown Park. Winter Nets will continue at Micky Stewart’s and the Indoor Cricket at Elmbridge Leisure Centre, Walton.

After seeking and receiving permission from Old Haileyburians, Deando were also looking ahead and committing to improvements to the ground at their expense, commissioning Pete Stevenson to build a new wooden sightscreen on wheels plus scorebox and to refurbish the existing sightscreen. Deando’s tea arrangements remained the same for Saturdays for the forthcoming season and Lin Hargreaves was approached about doing Deando’s Cricket Teas on Sundays for the upcoming season.

The Club was also notified that John Sladden, the long-standing Licensee at The Cambridge Arms was moving on at quite short notice. He had let the Committee Room at the back and organised catering for 100 Club Grand Draws at very little cost to Deando and the Club arranged a presentation of a cut glass crystal fruit bowl for him. However, the new Landlord at The Cambridge Arms, Paul Smith who had a connection with Albion CC was happy to carry on and let Deando use the back room for its Committee Meetings.

1993

Nick Savage approached the Club about possible sponsorship, his suggestion being kegs/barrels of beer towards events. This may have conflicted with the terms of the lease but, in any event, in a business decision, Nick returned to Australia before the season started. The Committee appointed Neville Rainford as Captain of the new League 2nd X1. Neville also volunteered to be Assistant General Secretary to The Slazenger Surrey Cricket League. The Fairfield Trophy is still going with group fixtures arranged v Surrey Ovalites, Wimbledon Village and East Cheam Occasionals. Deando lost to Murray in the semi finals. In another innovation, Deando played an all day game v Albion, a good game and the catering (including roast lunch) was excellent.

1993 proved to be a very difficult season for putting normal strength sides out to match the fixture list. The new Saturday League 2nd X1 could have been an additional pressure but with additional players many of whom quickly rose to the 1st X1 availability on Saturdays was OK but the strength wasn’t - some very good players had moved away, others could only commit to a handful of games and, clearly, some good Club members were gradually retiring. The League 1st X1, having risen from Division 4 to Division 1 in successive seasons, now escaped relegation by one place W5 L10. Only Rob Henderson exceeded 200 runs with 230 incl 92 v South Wimbledon but only played 5 times as his Rugby, with London Irish, began to take over. Pat Devaney, Ian Doyle & Simon Parker all fell just short of 200 runs. Dick Beeching had an outstanding season with the ball, 38 wickets @ 11.74 and second in the Division 1 averages, with haus of 6-14 v Spelthorne and 6-41 v Old Isleworthians, supported by Gary Cook (20) & John Bainbridge (18). Pete Munday got 14 catches behind, 2nd in the Division, Deando again achieved 2nd in Sportsmanship and the wicket showed a marked improvement to 3.38, 9th out of 17.

The Saturday League 2nd X1 finished their inaugural season comfortably mid table. Picking from a large squad of players, only John Harris achieved (exactly) 200 runs, supported by John Bainbridge, Chris Booth & Eamonn O’Malley. Pete McKay top scored with 110 v Old Suttonians in one of only 3 appearances for the 2nds. Neville Rainford led the attack with 29 wickets, supported by Richard Stevenson (17, incl 5-7 v Morden Spartans A) and Chris Booth (15). The Sunday 1st X1 batting was led by Pete Stevenson with 436 runs incl an unbeaten ton, ably supported by Ian Doyle, Simon Parker and Pat Devaney. John Harris managed 91* v Hook & Southborough in a very rare Sunday appearance. Dick Beeching and Fluff Stewart led the bowling with 26 wickets with support from Pete Stevenson. Again, the Sunday 2nds used a lot of players, there were notable individual performances - Phil Letts 88 in his only appearance, Simon Parker’s 76*. Neville Rainford led the bowling with 28 wickets incl 6-24 v Old Wimbledonians.

Off the field, with full use of the Clubhouse, Deando arranged two discos and a Race Night. These were successful but money was only raised from ticket sales - the bar take remained with the Rugby Club. The customary season-end letter to Ian Goudie, the Rugby Club contact, was sent noting improvements in the main square after the previous winter’s remedial works, the showers still needed some attention plus an issue with the outside safety light which had been vandalised leading to further incidents of vandalism in close proximity to the Clubhouse.

1994

1994 opened with a Newsletter also comprising an Order Form for Club (branded) Kit and a Social Calendar with eight events listed over the course of the year.

However, Deando’s future plans were quickly focused after a phone call from Ian Goudie to Dave Kaill at the end of February offering Deando the responsibility for running the ground during the cricket season. In making this offer the Rugby Club stated that it had been unable to make sufficient profit over the last two summers. Of course an additional imperative was that the  1994 season was now under two months away. Dave met with Neville and they went through questions that the Club needed to ask to ascertain the information to make a proper judgment of the viability of this project. If the Rugby Club had not been able to make sufficient profit, what would significantly change when Deando became responsible? On 1st March Dave wrote to Ian Goudie asking for details of the full expenses, including rent, Deando would be required to meet, current bar takings and profit, the dates of the summer rental period and details of the 1994 bookings made by other clubs. Finally, a question was asked about whether complications could arise from the bar licence during the rental period.

On 7th March Dave Kaill had already drafted an Income & Expenditure account for the 1994 based on several assumptions but still disclosing Deando would need to increase the bar take to break even. With little progress, Dave again wrote to Ian Goudie on 10th May, after having started playing in the 1994 season at Ruxley Lane, calling for a meeting: the second square had not been relaid as promised, repairs and maintenance had been lacking, showers continued to be a problem. In the meantime, Pete Stevenson had submitted costings for two outdoor cricket nets at just under £1,500 but the Club was unable to come up with the necessary funding without specific fundraising  additionally, with the future looking uncertain.

By now, The Fairfield Trophy was being run by Derek Annetts of Murray CC but only 6 teams had entered. Surrey Ovalites beat Murray in the Final. On Sunday 26th June, when Deando was playing an all day game v Albion CC the Club decided to hold a Reunion Day inviting Vice Presidents, former players and all other connections to Ruxley Lane with a barbecue and 100 Club Draw in the evening.

Interestingly, the Rugby Club failed to renew their Bar Licence in time in August so bar sales had to stop for the last month of the season.

It became clear that Deando was beginning to struggle both in terms of playing strength and available numbers. Many of the players who had joined and contributed to the meteoric rise through the League had moved away due to changes in the circumstances of their lives and business. The regular core team, many of whom had played since the 1970s, were also now getting older and not playing so much. And new players were no longer prepared to commit to Deando’s additional League games on Saturdays. At the time this had had a good effect throughout the Club with all X1s going out relatively strong and balanced and new, young Members quickly found their feet in 2nd X1s before moving upwards. At this time the General Secretary wrote to local secondary schools introducing the Club and its cricket facilities but there was no response.

A novel way of raising money to supplement Club funds were Football Cards which were filled at home games during the season and raised £10 per card.

Both League Teams struggled and were relegated. For the 1st X1 Ian Doyle (310) and Simon Parker (266) led the batting, supported by Pat Devaney, John Bainbridge & Simon Smith. Captain Dick Beeching led the bowling with 24 wickets but, although a variety of bowlers were used, no other bowler achieved double figures. The side won the First Division sportsmanship award, however, and the home pitch rating showed a marked improvement. Sadly, the 2nd X1 was another tale of woe with only Ashley Beckett and John Bainbridge into three figures with runs and only Chris Booth getting into the Division 4 averages with 13 wickets. Both Sportsmanship & Pitch Rating were good. Individual performances of note during the season were Pete Stevenson 86 (ret hurt) v Albion, Simon Parker 76 v South Wimbledon, Trevor Trout 75 v Hook & Southborough, Ian Doyle 67 v Wimbledon United and Pat Devaney 6-31 v Wimbledon Park.

1995

In addition to the Club’s usual activities, Deando added a Rainford Brothers Quiz Night to raise money for the outdoor nets fund and a professionally run Umpires’ Night where nominees of the SCA ran a full 3-hour umpires’ course. Other innovations were personalised cricket kit - long- and short-sleeved jumpers, with royal blue & gold trim, and cricket shirts all personalised, with the llama logo - and Club summer and tour shirts personalised and embroidered with the llama logo.

A bat raffle - the bat was signed by the Surrey CCC players - was run during the season.

Deando had also found out about the demise of Hawkers CC, and the possible availability of their north Kingston ground, due to the redevelopment of the old British Aerospace factory. The General Secretary contacted the Council, initially, to find out further information.

On 26th April, Deando finally had sight of the headline accounts for the summers of 1993 & 1994 from the Rugby Club Treasurer plus a demand for increased pitch hire charges. Correspondence with the Rugby Club continued regarding ground conditions and maintenance v the payments for pitch hire and Deando continued to push for a meeting.

After another change in management, in October the Committee moved their Committee Meetings from The Cambridge Arms to the Surrey County Staff Club at County Hall, Penrhyn Road, Kingston.

In the cricket the Club did have a good season, winning The Fairfield Trophy in the Final against Springfield for the first time in nearly 10 years. Notable individual performances were Simon Parker’s maiden century for Deando, 123* v Barry Wanderers, Simon Smith 121 v Spelthorne and 108 v Machen, Ian Doye 117 v Wallington Old Foresters and Pete Stevenson 105* v Morden. Dave Bliss scored 299 runs for the League 2nds and topped the Division 5 catches with 15, Dominic Gunning did the League Double for the 2nds: 201 runs and 21 wickets.

This article was written by Neville Rainford. He noted that In the early years, I have used Pounds, Shillings & Pence. Shillings (/- or s) are worth 5p and there were 12 pennies to a shilling. Later in this Chapter, I have rounded Pounds up or down, whichever was nearer.

In 1954 the Treasurer, H Sutton, reported that the Club had accrued a balance of £32 10/-. Subscriptions at that time were £1 1s and Match Fees 2s (10p).

In 1956 the Club kit cost £21 and the season’s total pitch hire cost £16.

1960 also saw Deando’s first Annual Dance, each ticket sold for 4/6d (23p), the live band and MC cost £11 and the event made a profit of £15 12s (£15.60). The Club Annual Subscription was now £1 15s and Match Fees 2/6d.

In 1963, after the move to KIng George’s Field, the pitch hire then cost 18/6d (93p), made up of the Hire of the Cricket Pitch 12/6d, Hire of Dressing Room with hot water 5s (foregoing the hot water would have saved 2/6d) plus 1s Charge for insurance against accidents to the public.

By 1968 the cost of pitch hire was 31/6d (£1.58), totaling £29 18/6 for 19 bookings.

A breakdown of the income and expenditure of the 23rd Anniversary (1973) Grand Dance was as follows:

By 1973, teas at home matches cost 20p.The Club balance in hand (17/5) was now £163.58. To keep Club finances on an even keel, the Finance Sub-Committee recommended to the AGM that annual subs be increased to £4, though it would decrease by 50p if settled by 1st July. Match Fees remain at 20p.

The 1973 Club Accounts (which also include the 1972 Accounts for comparison purposes) are a very good indication of Income, Expenditure and Balances for the Club at that time.

In 1974, after a new tea lady took over in late May, the cost of Home teas was £5.50.

In 1975 the General Secretary reported his concern with the rising costs of pitches, affiliations and insurance which now totalled £66, an increase of £25. Further, the cost of the President’s Match was highlighted by Jack Hesketh: the match was a ‘freebie’, the Club picking up all costs including pitch hire, teas and a buffet in the evening. On this occasion, Jack agreed to organise a raffle. In the event, the catering cost of £27 was partly offset by £10 donations.

The cost of teas was now increased to £6.50 per match, the income would be £5 and the cost of teas was now increased from 25 to 30p.

The Club account balance was £432.79 and the Club earned £11.41 interest from its Deposit Account.

Price of cricket pitches to rise by 30% in 1976 from £3 to £4. Cricket balls cost £2 each.

Finance Sob-Committee Proposed annual subscriptions increase to £5.

The 1976 Grand Dance in January made a profit of £80 although that included £45 in donations. However, the first Dinner and Dance at The Drift Bridge Hotel in November lost £20. In 1977, despite the Dinner & Dance being a sellout, it lost nearly £96 and the then Treasurer, Pete Wallis, made it clear he was not in favour of this level of subsidy.

The 1978 Dinner & Dance, £7 per ticket - meal cost £6, had 116 attendees and made a small profit after raffle takings plus donations. Balance now £686, up to £805 at the start of 1979 mainly due to the 100 Club.

When Indoor Cricket started the cost, for 10 games, was £30.

1978-9 winter nets at Gover’s had lost £91. Pitch Hire in 1979 £6.95 + VAT £194.60 total.

1979 D&D, with 160 attendees, lost £136.

In 1980 the Pitch Hire doubled to £13 - the Club could not adjust the season’s match fees which were set by the AGM. This was also particularly galling in the light of the fact that the cricket pitches were considered to be of a very poor standard. The Club earned £113 interest on its Deposit Account.

AGM increased subs to £12, match fees and teas to 60p each. D&D tickets priced at £9 produced a profit of £9.57 after donations and a profit on the raffle.

The 1982 Dinner and Dance at Sandown Park only sold 94 tickets. Tickets were priced at £11. The event lost £169 but this could have been much worse had it not been for donations and a successful raffle. Particularly disappointing was the sign up from playing members. The Committee agreed to stay at Sandown Park but agreed to increase the ticket price to £12.50.

The publication of the Annual Accounts at the 1982 AGM led to discussions about the Club’s finances, how much it costs to run the Club and where the Club is going financially. The Treasurer, Pete Wallis, said that it costs the Club £33 per match on average and that current annual expenditure is likely to exceed £2,000. It was agreed to ‘tighten our belts’ and that all future expenditure must be authorised by the Committee. It was also agreed to hold an Extraordinary General Meeting to increase Match fees from 60p to £1.

By December 1983 the Club’s bank balance exceeded £2,000.

In winter 1983-4 Deando entered 2 sides in The Indoor Cricket competition at Elmbridge LC: entry fee £75 per team, though significant recovery was made through players’ match fees.

In 1984 Deando CC purchased 4 sightscreens @ £126.50, Total £506. After deduction of the Council grant, £300, Kingston Methodists and Kingston Workmen contributed £68.66 each.

The Treasurer, Pete Wallis, investigated how to earn interest on Club funds. One Building Society Account returns 7 ¾% after tax on a minimum investment of £1,000.

After cancelling the Dinner & Dance of 1983 and holding a Presentation Dinner in a restaurant, Deando reverted to a Presentation Dinner & Dance in November 1984, tickets priced at £10 but it still lost £257.

In 1985, Pitch Hire cost £18.70. The Dinner & Dance at The Stoneleigh for a second year, tickets priced at £12.50. At the AGM Pete Wallis reports how much the Club members owe to income from the 100 Club - it has raised over £4000, the current balance being £2,719.

At the 1986 AGM Match Fees were increased to £1.50 per match. Annual subs are £12.

By 1987 the bill for pitch hire is budgeted at £675.

In 1988 Deando CC joined the Slazenger Surrey Cricket League: Annual Subs were £38 + £5 postage for the weekly result sheets plus £9 for each Slazenger Crown ball to be supplied at each Home match. Each Club had to purchase 2 League Dinner & Dance tickets minimum, at Kempton Park at £15 each. Deando’s Dinner & Dance still took place at The Stoneleigh Inn and tickets were £14 each.

By May the Club balance was £3,496.

In 1989, the Club chose to Return to Sandown Park for its Dinner & Dance. The room was free but the License extension was £50, each meal cost £12.80 and the live band, Casablanca, was £400. Ticket price was fixed at £17.50. 124 attended, but the Club still lost £137.

Match fees raised to £3 (£2,25 for student members).

The 1990 Presentation Dinner & Dance remained at Sandown Park, tickets went up to £19 (£10 for students). After an incredibly successful season, the attendance was over 150 and the Club made a very small loss. [worth checking 1991 Accounts.] The Club organised a ‘Sixties’ Night at the BA Sports and Social Club in North Kingston. Tickets were priced at £7.50. The event was not particularly well-attended (84, of whom only 15 were members) and the event lost £300.

The cost per pitch was £28.

Around this time a developing theme was the size of the debtors which, at certain times of the year, had been known to reach £2,500. As the Cub was becoming more and more responsible for an increasing cash flow - not just subs, though they continued to be a problem, but 100 Club, Dinner & Dance and Nets and Match Fees - the Treasurer’s time was taken up with administering the debtors situation and regularly printing out individual letters to accompany the Club Newsletter.

At the 1991 AGM, Dave Kaill, Treasurer, proposed the Annual Subscription increase to £15 and Match Fees to £4 (incl teas).

By 1992 Council pitch hire had risen to £30 per ptch.

Interestingly, the Year End accounts revealed a £361 surplus mainly due to takings from two very successful discos. However, by March 1993 the balance, reflecting extra expenditure on the new Ruxley Lane ground, was £2,340.

The Dinner & Dance at Sandown Park had now risen to £22 per ticket.

With the move to the new ground, Deando chose to improve the facilities (sightscreens, scorebox) and paid out just under £1,500 leaving the 1993 season’s end balance at £2,400. However, the continual debtors problem - spread over the two 1993 100 Clubs, Race Night, League & Deando Dinner & Dance and unpaid 1993 subs - amounted to an additional £1,612.

The tickets for the 1994 Presentation Dinner & Dance, at Sandown Park, were £20 but economies had been made with the hire of a disco to replace a live band and a cheaper menu choice.

Club Members owing the Club money had been a serious problem as long as anyone could remember so Dave Kaill, as Treasurer, was approaching the Bank to see whether Standing Orders were possible and how easy they then would be to administer. Thus a Member could tot up payments they expect to make during the year - subs, Tour, Dinner & Dance, at the Member’s discretion - and make monthly payments.

Subs for 1995 were increased to £25 and the payment date was brought forward to 1st January. The Rugby Club’s pitch hire charges rose from £55 to £65, £35 to £40 for a mid week match.

This article was written by Neville Rainford.

The Tour

Although a cricket tour had often been mooted in Deando members. discussions and at Committee, it had proved to be very difficult to get moving, who to approach and, when the initial approach was for Saturday and Sunday fixtures, widespread Saturday League Cricket throughout the country.

1981 - Crowcombe, Somerset

In 1980 a relatively new member, Colin Wood, said that he had some knowledge of, and contacts in, Somerset and he would explore arrangements for a possible tour. By June 1981, the tour was becoming a reality. Lawford Farm in the village of Crowcombe near Taunton had been booked. It had Guest House type accommodation plus a large dormitory with 6 parallel beds. And Mrs Lewis proved to be an excellent landlady.

Colin organised Deando’s first Tour, to Somerset playing Saturday and Sunday fixtures v. Stoke St Gregory and Stoke St Mary though, even then, the Saturday fixture had to be changed at very short notice. There were 14 tourists. After everyone agreed what a success the Tour had been, it was proposed to re-book for next year and to try to extend it to 4 fixtures.

1982 - Crowcombe, Somerset

In 1982 it was agreed that the Tour was open to all and 14 members and 5 wives and partners returned to Lawford Farm. Innovations this year were an evening fixture v. Crowcombe (L), the local village, close games against Ashcott & Shapwick (D) and Lydeard St Lawrence (W) an all day (two innings per side) game v. Puriton (L, by 10 runs) before returning to Stoke St Gregory to again win narrowly.

1983 - Nether Storey, Somerset

With a couple of weeks to go before The 1983 Somerset Tour, Colin Wood received a phone call advising that Mrs Lewis of Lawford Farm had fallen seriously ill and that it would be impossible for the tour party to stay at the Farm. Despite the short notice Colin had been able to source alternative accommodation locally at a similar price at the Apple Tree Hotel, Nether Storey. 16 members, 2 non members and 3 wives and partners had booked: 14 players were available Tuesday to Thursday with 2 additional coming down for the weekend. The Tour fixtures were the same as 1982 except for Minehead replacing Stoke St Gregory on the Sunday.

 1984 - Crowcombe, Somerset

The 1984 Somerset Tour consisted of Ashcott & Shapwick (D), Lyddeard St Lawrence (D), Minehead Midweek X1 (W) and Harvey Grammar School (Folkstone) (Tied), played at Minehead CC. All the games were close and could have ended in any result. Numbers were tight, the tour starting with 13 players but only 9 members made it through to the last game though players were added to make the 11.

1985 - Nether Storey, Somerset

1985 saw yet another return to The Apple Tree. There were 5 fixtures: beat Ashcott & Shapwick by 12 runs, lost to Lyddeard St Lawrence by 38 runs, drew a very close game with Minehead then hung on for a draw with Robert Read’s Select X1, The Sunday game, v. Dunster, was rained off. Though not everyone stayed for the duration, there were up to 22 tourists at different times. Despite that success there was a discussion about having gone to Somerset each of five years and whether it was time for a change.

1986 - Leeds, Yorkshire

At the turn of 1986, Neville Rainford made an approach to a contact, Barrie Brayshaw of the Yorkshire Post, about a tour to Leeds, Yorkshire. Barrie responded promptly with Clubs and contact details and Dave Kaill organised the 1986 Yorkshire Tour. In his report on the Tour in the August Newsletter, Dave Kaill reported as follows

‘There was quite a lot of cricket, many rounds of golf, a lot more rounds of drink, plenty of singing, the occasional dance, a few curries, some falling over, a barbeque, shoes on heads, a darts match, a drinking match (in which Deando was disqualified), a snooker match, a crown bowls competition and that was just the first day! Possibly the highlight was when a certain member of Deando, who shall remain nameless, collapsed through the Hotel fence.’

On the cricket side,  the record was P4 W1 L3. The first game, v. Bolton Percy, was a win, the next three games were defeats v. Nostell (Pete Stevenson 117*) and Methley then a more competitive loss to Yorkshire Post. 15 tourists made the tour. Although it had been mentioned in previous years, an innovation on this tour was to hire a minibus. A hastily arranged Committee Meeting was convened, 5 of the tour party were Committee Members, and the hire was agreed though the full cost would be borne by the tour party.

1987 - No Tour

Despite this success and the early preparations made for the 1987 Tour to Yorkshire due to lack of availability the tour had to be cancelled.

1988 - York, Yorkshire

The Tour went ahead to Yorkshire in 1988. Deando returned to Bolton Percy and won, lost to Dringhouses, won an evening game in the Abbey at St George’s in persistent drizzle, lost to North Leeds 343-5 off their allotted overs, Deando 234-8, and then again lost to Yorkshire Post. The accommodation was The Spotted Cow in York with a move to the Boundary Hotel, Headingley, for the last night.

1989 - Ilfracombe, Devon

Despite the success of the two Yorkshire Tours, itchy feet again set in and the Club set up the Devon Tour, based in The Moonta Hotel in Ilfracombe. Due to Deando by now having entered Saturday League Cricket the tour now had to be curtailed starting with a Monday evening game at Culcombe, the afternoon (2.30 start) games v, Newton Tracey (though this game was not played), RAF Chivenor and Witheridge. The games were all won but numbers were felt to be tight with only 12 tourists.

1990 - Wootton Courtenay, Somerset

Wanting to return to Devon, Deando’s first issue was that the hotel was charging its room rate plus commission and the Club, and particularly the Club members, did not see why they should pay commission. Witheridge CC provided the contact details of 5 local clubs who might be able to provide weekend opposition. At this point it was decided to abort arrangements for the Tour so far and Pete Munday and Pete McKay would follow up the contacts they had been given and could find (from magazines, etc.). They came up with The Dunkery Beacon Hotel, in Wootton Courtenay near Minehead and also arranged a Monday evening game v. Wootton Courtenay followed by 4 afternoon games. The Club decided to hire a Tour minibus.

1991 - Acle, Norfolk

The Club again got itchy feet in 1991 and headed to Norfolk based at the East Norwich Inn, Acle, just outside Norwich. The Tour started on Monday 22 July evening v Coltishall, followed by Sprowston, Happisburgh, RAF Swanton Morely, a free day on Friday followed by Debenham on Saturday. The Tour playing record was W1 D2 L3.

1992 - Lowestoft, Norfolk

In 1992, the Tour returned to Norfolk based at The Pier Hotel in Lowestoft. The tour record was W3 D1 L2. On this occasion the touring party was 17 strong.

1993 - Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

In another break, the 1993 Tour was based in Cheltenham, playing Ullenwood, Tetbury, Dowty Arle Court and Coombe Hill and the playing record was P4 D2 L2. At this point, while the Tour had generally been enjoyed by the attendees, despite all the varied approaches and venues, Deando still struggled to get a reasonably-sized touring party together, The General Secretary was asked to write to all members  explaining proposals, including costs, for the 1994 Tour, and that tourists will need to commit via a £50 deposit to be paid by 31st January 1994, though this was eased to £25 on 1st March and £25 on 1st April,

1994 - Mudford, Somerset

The 1994 Tour was to Mudford (near Yeovil), Somerset and Fixtures were played from Thursday 28th July v Milborn Port, Saturday 30th v Gillingham and Sunday 31st v Stalbridge.

1995 - Newport, Gwent

The 1995 Tour progressed to Newport, South Wales. Through a family contact, Clive Harris was able to go through the South Wales Fixture Bureau who supplied appropriate cricket club contacts plus accommodation. Fixtures were arranged from Tuesday 25th July v Hills Plymouth (Merthyr Tydfil) (L), Wednesday v Malpas (L), Thursday v Machen (L), then a rest day, Saturday v Barry Wanderers (D) and Sunday 30th v Pencoed (L) then returning on Monday 31st July. There were only 10 tourists, supplemented by Clive’s relations Andrew & Hamish McBean.

The following was written by Neville Rainford:

1980

The new decade opened with familiar problems. Although the Council had doubled their pitch hire charges and Deando were still allocated to King George’s Field, the season’s first two home games were transferred to Alexandra Rec and Beverley Park due to the Council advising the Club that King George’s was ‘unfit’. The General Secretary was instructed to write a letter of complaint to the Council, settlement would only be made for bookings till the end of June and Committee Members will actively strive to find an alternative Home ground for the rest of the season. Epsom Council confirmed that they had vacant pitches from July onwards if necessary. The only further action on this was to approach Epsom Council to see if they could provide Deando with one ground for 1981 and, at the same time, to canvas other cricket clubs currently letting at King George’s to support a petition about the poor state of King George’s wickets. The Committee also asked the General Secretary to write to Epsom Council requesting sole use of Ewell Court for 1981. Relations continued to deteriorate with the Council with incidents relating to an evening game overrunning and poor communication with the groundsman relating to weekend fixtures being called off (when Deando CC had 2 Home fixtures at King George’s). Graham Lees sent a detailed response but the Council threat was that if there were any further complaints against Deando all further games will be cancelled.

At this time the Surrey Cricket Association (SCA) was formulating a new regional structure for monitoring cricket at all levels throughout Surrey, were holding a local regional meeting on 7th July and the Club was sending representatives along. The county of Surrey was divided into 10 Regions and Tony Hodgson was the area Regional Manager.  It turned out that Deando was not alone in complaining about Kingston Council’s cricket facilities and Tony Hodgson promised to take the matter up with Kingston Council and wrote copying the General Secretary in. Harry Brind, the groundsman at The Oval, was also commissioned to visit and report back on the state of the local pitches. The Council did respond, were too seeking an improvement to the wickets plus the help of Harry Brind to make two visits to advise Council groundstaff on the maintenance required. However, due to staff leave, this could not happen until late in the season.

The SCA was also hoping to organise winter nets in Tolworth Recreation Centre for local cricket clubs and organise ‘A Question of Sport’ type quiz competition: Deando noted their interest in both.

The Sunday 2nd X1 was struggling to survive and one fixture had already been cancelled early season due to poor availability. There weren’t enough members to support the two Sunday X1s but the shortfall was being made up by members' friends. The Club now needs to increase its membership then go to the Cub Cricket Conference for emergency fixtures. These initial worries were not borne out by this side’s playing record:

F21  P18  W6   D8   L4

Indeed, the season’s cricket was largely successful, winning far more games than were lost with one notable exception. Pete Stevenson amassed 1,272 runs (a Club record incl 141* in a team score of 265-5 v. Southern Rail Croydon) and took 75 wickets ably assisted by Graham Lees 772 runs & 89 wickets. The exception was the Decca Cup, a midweek evening 15 8-ball over competition. Due to the local nature of this draw, each season Deando was drawn in a 4 team League with Surrey Championship teams Malden Wanderers and Old Emanuel and generally lost to them, sometimes heavily. Deando usually performed well against the fourth side: Kingston Methodists one season, Surbiton Town another, but by then the damage had usually been done.

The Dinner & Dance was successful with 127 attendees and made a small profit. Club members and friends also enjoyed a day trip to France. In Indoor Cricket, Deando’s League comprised Chessington, Esher, Hersham, Merrow, NPL, Olinda Vandals & Stoke D’Abernon. Deando’s application to join the Slazenger League was also rejected and further applications wouldn’t be considered until 1982 (for the 1983 season).

On 28th November Tony Hodgson in his role as SCA Regional Manager updated Kingston Region member clubs on the full range of SCA liaison and activities but also updated on the latest action to Kingston Council cricket grounds. Both Harry Brind & Tony Hodgson visited Council grounds on 18th September. Following the inspection Mr Brind sent a full report to Kingston Council which was very critical of many of the grounds. He also made recommendations to remedy the situation. The letter continues

‘I am pleased to be able to inform you, since the Council received this report, they have commenced remedial work at all grounds, and are currently ploughing up the worst ground in the area, Latchmere Recreation Ground. This table will be relaid during the next week or two under the supervision of Mr. Brind. The expertise imparted during this work will enable the Council to later on tackle other grounds also requiring such drastic treatment. At this point I would like to thank Kingston Council for their assistance and co-operation, and for recognising the problem and their willingness to put matters right. I should also add that the Council are sending their staff on a training course, and we shall be preparing a trip for them in the spring to the Oval, to study the pre-season preparations carried out by Mr. Brind and his team.’

1981

In early 1981,there were quite a lot of things happening. Kingston Sports Council were aware of the condition of wickets in Kingston and were monitoring the progress of repairs recommended by Harry Brind in his Report. Deando managed to enter 2 teams into the Sports Quiz and Epsom Council had come back with suggested pitch allocations although it wasn’t quite what the Club wanted. Additionally, Epsom Council’s charges were considerably higher than Kingston Council’s, double on Sunday, with add-ons for hot water for showers and the use of a kitchen with hot water. For once, the disco organised in mid February at Merton NALGO in Wimbledon failed to sell and was cancelled.

During the previous season the Club had received initial notification from Maurice Webb of Coombe Manor CC of their proposal to start a local midweek evening competition, along similar lines to the Decca Cup, but for local non-league Clubs. In early February the inaugural meeting was held: the competition would be sponsored by a local engineering firm and called The Galbird Trophy, and Dave Kaill was appointed as Chair of the organising Committee, Colin Wood as Press Secretary.

In indoor cricket Deando qualified for the semi finals of the main competition but lost to Epsom CC.

In the February 1981 General Committee Meeting, the issue of holding Team Selection meetings was raised and led to a heated discussion. The Selection Meeting consisted of the General Secretary as Chair, the three Captains and the Team Secretary. The Saturday Captain only played on Saturdays and requested a Saturday selection meeting and could not attend Sundays. The compromise was Monday but that would mean everyone travelling, some members a considerable distance. The chosen compromise was a meeting on Saturday to pick the Saturday Team and a meeting on Sunday to pick the Sunday Teams. At this, the Team Secretary resigned as Team Secretary. Pete Munday volunteered to act as Team Secretary and was appointed by the Committee.

Following on from ascertaining Epsom Council’s pitch hire arrangements and charges, Deando’s Committee decided to rewind and find out if King George’s was still available. At the March Committee Meeting (bearing in mind the imminence of the 1981 cricket season) the Home ground went to the vote, between Epsom and Kingstom, the vote was tied and the Chairman cast his casting vote for Kingston. At this time Bill Byford said he thought the changing rooms behind The Cricketers on Fairfield South, Kingston, currently used in the winter by Cambridge FC, would be available if we were able to book the Fairfield and play there. At this time there were two main cricket teams who played at the Fairfield - Kingston Methodists and Kingston Workmen - and, as there were two squares, Deando CC could be fitted in alternating with the existing clubs. And that was that, Deando CC had a new home ground, with changing rooms + showers behind The Cricketers and, for the first time, a very local Bar to drink in. Cambridge FC were thanked for permitting the use of the changing rooms which made the whole move possible.

In other respects, life went on. An ad in the Surrey Comet for a ‘tea lady’ had brought a good response. Summer outdoor nets in the Borough were at Norbiton Rec, Kingston Road, and Victoria Rec, Surbiton. However, it was hard to attend the nets when the midweek cricket matches started but, in any event, the net facilities were to prove unacceptable. Decca Cup games were arranged and the inaugural Galbird Trophy fixtures were arranged. The Team Secretary was disheartened that games had had to be called off due to lack of availability but membership was increasing.

The President’s Game was a great success although there was more of a ‘do’ utilising the upstairs room in The Cricketers in the evening and the day’s expenses included hiring bar staff. The Galbird Trophy too had a very successful inaugural season. 8 teams entered, Deando  were drawn in Group B with CEGB, Hogsmill & Kingston Methodists and won all three of their group matches relatively comfortably to top Group B and meet Bradbank, the runners up in Group A, in the semi final. In that semi final at Bradbank, Bradbank were 61ao and Deando made 64-7, winning by 3 wickets off the last ball. This then led to the Final on Wednesday 15th July again at Bradbank v. local rivals Coombe Manor CC. Deando rallied all its Vice Presidents, members and family and friends but in the event Coombe Manor posted a winning score of 101-6 off its 15 (8 ball) overs and Deado were all out for 76 off 13.2 overs to lose by 25 runs.

At season end the Council agreed to store sightscreens. The confusion and delay had arisen due to the nature of different sightscreens but when Deando confirmed these would be canvas so could be rolled up and stored, that was all right. At the AGM, Colin Wood took over as General Secretary. The total Club membership now is 53 of which 31 are playing members. The Dinner & Dance attendance was 126 but Bill Atkinson as organiser wrote to Sandown Park detailing failures in their service. In any event, the Club is likely to lose up to £100 and Sandown Park is getting more expensive. Sandown Park did respond and offered 6 free bottles of wine. Committee Members are reminded and encouraged to scope alternative Dinner & Dance venues. Winter nets are Tuesday evenings 8-10pm at Gover’s. An application to join the Morrant Wey Valley League was rejected as the Club is outside their catchment area. In The Cricketers Brian & Joan the landlord and landlady are moving on.

But as 1981 bowed out there are several important issues bubbling under which are likely to affect Deando CC: potential new ground in North Kingston, new licensee(s) at The Cricketers and Brewery plans for development of the courtyard to the rear of The Cricketers affecting the changing area and, finally, extending the Somerset Tour.

Bill Byford had made a point of going in to The Cricketers to meet the new Landlord. At this stage it was a temporary relief couple who did not see any problem with the Club’s continued use of the changing rooms and showers - there was a separate, secure access in any event - though gaining access to the pub’s upstairs room, particularly on Sunday afternoons at a time when the pub is closed may cause problems. To try to develop a relationship with the new Tenants it was agreed to suggest to Club members to meet in The Cricketers on the last Saturday of the month starting in January.

In late 1981, Deando had got wind of land at the top end of Park Road, Kingston, near the Borough Boundary with Richmond, which had potential to be developed as a new sportsground with a cricket pitch. After notification from The Club Chairman, Doug McKenzie, in January 1982 the General Secretary, Colin Wood, wrote to Richard Shepherd of the Park & Tudor Residents Association to confirm our interest in the project and explaining cricket ground requirements including layout. The Chairman and General Secretary then visited the site to meet with Richard Shepherd. Mr Shepherd had already received a letter from Mr P Woods, the Council’s Borough Valuer: it may be possible for an umbrella organisation of stakeholders to lease the land from the Council for 10 years at a nominal rent. At this point, Colin also wrote to The Oval to commission an expert Report into the state of the proposed ground and its suitability as a cricket ground. Jack Hesketh had already written to Mr Shepherd confirming an interest on behalf of his football club Park Rangers FC.

1982

In the meantime, at the start of 1982, life at the cricket club still went on. The  Indoor Cricket at Elmbridge Leisure Centre, Walton-on-Thames was causing problems - double bookings, hall not ready, fixture changes at very short notice and not getting the Centre winners for the Surrey Finals decided in time - so the Surrey Cricket Association were notified and Graham Lees was offered up to take over the organisation of Elmbridge Leisure Centre for winter 1983-4. A 10-pin Bowling event at Charrington Bowl, Tolworth, took place on 6th March. A joint Disco at Kingstonian FC with Coombe Manor was a sell-out and a complete success. The Club was also seeking a grant towards sightscreens at the Fairfield, storage had been arranged and, by agreement with the other Fairfield Clubs, any excess cost would be shared. In due course, a grant of £300 was received. The Galbird Trophy Organising Committee added two teams for this year and 2 groups of 5. Deando were drawn with CEGB, Raynes Park OB, Strenue & Wimbledon United. Deando also entered the Warwick Wright Motors (formerly Decca) Cup. Finally, through the auspices of the SCA, outdoor nets were arranged at The Oval, 5 Deando members attended a 2-hour spot. England Test players Pat Pocock & Graham Roope were also watching with some light touch cricket coaching.

The 1982 Fixture Card is reproduced here. On the reverse are the Club details, Vice Presidents and Officers plus Tour, Bank Holiday and Midweek Fixtures.

There were concerns, early in the cricket season, about the standard of the cricket pitches and the general condition of the outfield at the Fairfield and the General Secretary was instructed to write a letter to the Council. However, in August the General Secretary was asked to write to the Council to congratulate the Groundsman on the excellent standard of the Fairfield wickets.

The President’s Game, on Saturday 12th July, was a 12-a-side 40 over game with each bowler limited to 8 overs. The President, Frank Gaisford, played and Captained his X1 v. a Club X1. The local MP, Sir Nigel Fisher, and the Mayor were due to attend and the festivities went on into the evening in the upstairs room at The Cricketers with refreshments and a buffet and culminating in the 100 Club Grand Draw.

In the meantime, in an unusual turn of events, West End Esher went to the wrong ground and failed to turn up for a Deando 2nd X1 Fixture at the Fairfield. The players decided to use the pitch and also approached 4 youngsters who had set up their own impromptu game on the outfield. They not only acquitted themselves very well, they also received Application Forms and became members in due course. Deando CC did well in their Group Games in the Galbird Trophy but lost to Hook & Southborough in the Semi Final. They also exited the Warwick Wright Motors Cup with defeats to Malden Wanderers and Old Emanuel.

Deando were also invited by Wandsworth Council to trial a newly laid artificial wicket at their Putney Bridge Road Sports Ground. This did not progress through the Club though grants may have been available.

1982 was another successful season on the cricket side. The highlights were Pete Stevenson’s ‘double’ of 1263 runs and 151 wickets, Graham Lees also contributed 1137 runs. Deando would continue with winter Indoor Cricket - 10 matches minimum in total, 7 matches in the main competition towards the Surrey Finals then 3 in a local competition February to April running to the outdoor season. Graham Lees was now Committee Chair at the SCA for Cricket Competitions, Neville Rainford running Elmbridge Leisure Centre.

The Club also underwrote a day trip to Boulogne which was, in general, very successful but the Tea Lady and her daughter somehow were left behind. The meet was at the Toby Jug at 6.30 am, there were just under 8 hours of eating and drinking time in Boulogne and the coach arrived back at the Toby Jug at 1.15 am early the next morning.  However, the prognosis for the Dinner & Dance was gloomy with only 94 tickets sold and the Club likely to stand a large loss.

While a sub-Committee will explore all available and suitable options, it was agreed to stay at Sandown Park and increase the ticket price. Before Deando booked their winter nets at Gover’s, the SCA advised of a new Indoor Cricket facility opening at Imber Court and Deando booked 1 2-hour net session at Micky Stewart’s Cricket School from January.

A new couple had taken over as licensees at The Cricketers. Colin Wood arranged to meet the Landlord, though Cub members were also encouraged to continue to meet there on the last Saturday of the month. The Club was advised that there were plans afoot to redecorate the upstairs room at The Cricketers with a view to holding regular functions and lettings which might jeopardise cricket tea arrangements.

1983

Deando had continued to pursue their interest in the potential new ground in north Kingston, looking at initial scoping and viability issues. Through The Oval a Report by Barrie Legg on the ‘Proposed Site of Sports Ground’ was commissioned. [Can publish copy of Report, if required.] The ground was feasible: level with good grass cover, but a fair amount of weeds, a cricket square may already have been prepared but was at a lower level which could affect drainage. The cricket square could be put into play the year after summer and early autumn works took place to establish the square. Initial estimated costs (at 1982 prices) were:

Equipment & tools  £12,700

Materials                 £535

Plus labour, some of which would have to be bought in, prices, particularly materials, would increase as works take place over a 3-year period (only 1 game could be played per weekend until the square increased in size) and up to £15,000 for a proper ground drainage scheme, though cheaper options would be available by cutting back the specification. And, finally, this does not allow for hard standing, portacabins and water hydrant adjacent to square.

Meanwhile, at Kingston Council, the Finance and Lands Sub-Committee had approved the site for use as a sports field, final confirmation to be granted by Full Council. At a meeting with Park & Tudor Residents Association, Richard Shepherd advised that he is waiting for a draft of the Lease from the Council’s Borough Valuer (by the end of January) and a meeting was set up to form the Association of residents and interested sports clubs. In the meantime, Deando donated £50 to the Association towards administration costs. The steering group continued to meet. It was felt that a larger winter sports - football/rugby/hockey - club would be needed to share facilities and an ad was drafted for the Surrey Comet. A copy of Sports Association Rules, which would form the Constitution of the Association when formed, was circulated to all General Committee Members. The Club President, Councillor Frank Gaisford, whose electoral Ward was Tudor in north Kingston, attended the February 1983 General Committee Meeting to advise further on the approach which needed to be taken. The next stage would be to form a Management Committee to negotiate with the Council and Colin Wood, Dave Kaill and Bill Byford were appointed as Deando’s representatives. The President concluded with this is ‘a once in a lifetime opportunity for Deando to acquire its own ground!’.

By March there was still no progress on the new ground: the Council hadn’t forwarded a draft Lease. On a positive note, two well-established football cubs had responded to the newspaper ad. The steering group held a meeting with John Woodland (Head of Outdoor Facilities at Kingston Council) and Andy Such (National Sports Council) who both pledged to help as much as possible with this project. After not hearing anything for 2 months, Colin Wood spoke to Richard Shepherd who stated that Kingston Council had written to him 6 weeks ago recommending the rent at £1,900pa and that he would be calling a meeting shortly to meet John Woodland and representatives of Ham FC and discuss finances.

In the meantime, other developments could have an effect on the ground. The present Youth Leader at the adjacent Barnfield Youth Club had resigned and the Council had no plans to replace her. Richard Shepherd had then approached the Borough Valuer to ascertain if the Youth Club could be leased in addition to the sports ground.

Sadly, however, this seemed to signal the end of the potential of the new ground. Stakeholders stopped contacting each other and the housing development went ahead. Looking back with hindsight post development  it is clear that there would not have been sufficient land for a full size cricket ground and, beyond that, errant cricket balls would have led to serious objections from residents.

Meanwhile, Deando made the Final of the Indoor Cricket at Elmbridge, but lost to Epsom. In the ‘local’ competition, Deando entered a 2nd Team who lost their 3 games but enjoyed the competitive cricket and, of course, extended Club members’ experience. The Firsts lost to Sunbury in the semi final. Another successful Disco was held in partnership with Coombe Manor and raised £111.50. The ‘Surrey Cup’ group consists of Malden Wanderers, Old Emanuel & Tolworth. In another innovation for the President’s Match, an attempt was made to raise an opposition team from members of clubs who had a close association with Deando, but this failed and the Home game v. Kingston Methodists in early July would serve as the President’s Match. And after Deando played a fixture at King George’s and the wicket was described as ‘virtually unplayable’, the Committee agreed not to use it as an alternative for Home games. Deando beat Coombe Manor in the Galbird Trophy Semi Final only to lose a close and hard fought Final at Racal Decca Sportsground, Tolworth, to 54th OCA/COCC by 2 runs.

Interestingly, in this season an opportunity arose to arrange a fixture with Norbiton CC which included Tony Hodgson and Derek Guppy, who were responsible for founding the Slazenger League, but the wicket did not play very consistently and Deando did not bat that well so it didn’t do much to support the Club’s repeated applications. The Fairfield wickets were deteriorating and the General Secretary was asked to write to the Council. There were problems getting midweek Surrey Cup teams out and also the Saturday X1. At this time, Deando also arranged the refurbishment of three of the showers and the unblocking of the toilet area as a goodwill gesture to Cambridge FC and The Cricketers.

Socially, a Barbecue & Disco was arranged at The Police Social Centre, Imber Court, followed by an end of season meal at The Hogsmill. The Presentation Dinner & Dance was booked for The Wolsey Suite, Sandown Park in November but was cancelled. The Club opted for a Presentation Dinner: at Heather’s Restaurant in Stoneleigh in March, while alternative Dinner & Dance venues were sought.

At the AGM, Neville Rainford took over as General Secretary and Saturday Captain and Pete Munday was confirmed as Team Secretary. Pete Stevenson as Sunday Captain and Mike Goldfinch as Sunday 2nd X1 Captain.

With a vacancy arising, the Club now entered 2 sides in the Indoor Cricket, both sides acquitting themselves well and extending the number of players with experience. 

1984

Winter nets started at the new facility at Micky Stewart’s Cricket School. The booking was on Tuesday evenings from 7-9pm, the facilities were rated as excellent but attendance was poor. Interestingly, there was a price hike for each two hour period from booking to Invoice from £14 to £19. In Indoor Cricket, Deando qualified for the Surrey Finals at Woking by winning the Elmbridge Leisure Centre competition. They lost there to Blackheath (of Guildford).

In the meantime, rumours of the new build pavilion on the Fairfield were becoming real. At this point the General Secretary wrote to the Council to ask if it would be possible to influence the internal layout of the new pavilion particularly for provision of teas and changing facilities but Mr J Woodland of the Council replied to say no, it would not be possible, the Council is limited in its budget and finalised plans 4-5 months previously (though it was date stamped 3 Dec 1979).

Jack Hesketh donated a trophy to the Club - The Jack Hesketh Cup - and agreed that it be awarded for the season’s ‘outstanding individual performance’. Neville Rainford took over from Dave Kaill as Fixture Secretary while Dave was away on holiday for 2 months, not an onerous task during the season. However, in June Pete Munday resigned as Team Secretary and Neville took over until the end of July when Will Warner would become acting Team Secretary. Pete Munday continued as Committee Member. In the Galbird Trophy, Deando were drawn in a League with Kingston Methodists, London Fire Brigade, Strenue and Tolworth. Again Deando got to the Galbird Trophy Final but lost badly to Coombe Manor at Hook & Southborough CC. During this season’s competition the Selection Committee was criticised for picking a member who still owed his subs.

During the season, Deando decided to experiment with 2pm starts (4.45 pm teas and 20 overs from 6.30), which was deemed a success. This did lead to a Committee discussion about games starting late, members cutting it fine and sometimes turning up late plus the need to look after Club kit, throw or otherwise abuse it by sitting on it on the wet outfield. And the General Secretary was asked to write to the Council congratulating them on the standard of the Fairfield wickets during the season. In August, Deando were challenged to a softball game by a ladies’ team - the Sloane Rangers - sponsored by Slick Willy’s a new American Sports shop in Fife Road, Kingston. Deando won 35-9.

Deando again applied to join the Slazenger Surrey League and, in due course, was rejected and the Morrant Wey Valley League who, on a positive note, asked their Executive Committee to make an inspection of Deando’s ground and facilities, asked for a Fixture Card when one became available and will make a recommendation to their clubs meeting in June 1985..

On the cricket field, Pete Stevenson led the way with 965 runs and 88 wickets, Graham Lees 869 runs, Pete McKay 906 runs including his maiden century and Pat Devaney 852 runs and 82 wickets.

The Presentation Dinner & Dance is booked for The Stoneleigh Inn on Saturday 17th November.

1985

Indoor winter nets proved to be a problem. Due to the success of Micky Stewart’s Indoor Cricket School, Deando was unable to get the right evenings at the right times so they were cancelled.

Letter from Micky Stewart introducing ‘Australian Style Indoor Cricket’ for 8-a-side teams to be played in the Surrey Cricket Centre, East Molesey from May. However, in June the Club was invited to attend and watch a game of ‘Kracker’, Neville Rainford and Pete Munday went along and reported back to the Committee who agreed not to pursue the Kracker League further. After successive interim managers at The Cricketers it was due to have a full licensee couple. The new Fairfield pavilion was nearing completion. Neville Rainford had tried but been unable to access it: Kingston Methodists spoke to Dave Kaill, said it consisted of one big changing room with 10 lockers and had written to the Council to complain and advise that they would not be using it nor would Kingston Workmen. When the season started, and Deando realised the new Pavilion’s shortcomings, it was agreed that the General Secretary write to the Council and that the Club continue to use the pavilion for a trial month. In indoor cricket, Deando 1sts beat Chessington in the Final at Elmbridge LC, qualified for the Surrey Finals at Woking but played badly and were beaten by Farncombe, the eventual Surrey qualifiers.

When a Sunday opposition cried off at very short notice, too late to go to the Emergency Bureau at the Club Cricket Conference, Deando approached Capital Radio who broadcast the request on the Saturday and acquired a fixture v. Kew: a high scoring game (their 226-4 beat Deando by 56 runs) in an idyllic setting at Kew Green. Deando wrote to thank Capital Radio and offered a contribution to their Help A London Child charity.

Around early June time, the Morrant Wey Valley League inspected ground and facilities but were informing their clubs that they were unable to recommend Deando be elected - the pitch was not up to the standard that their member clubs were seeking.

In the Surrey Cup, Deando was knocked out after the group games, and in The Galbird Trophy did not progress beyond the League games. The Somerset Tour again went ahead successfully.

Reviewing the season, in his AGM notes Dave Kaill made the interesting point that this season he had had to arrange 80 fixtures. In cricket, Pat Devaney top scored with 1133 runs including his maiden century v. Oakwood Hill, Graham Lees made 1062 including a century v. Grange Park but the wickets were much more evenly spread around. On Pete Wallis’ retirement after 21 years, Morris Palmer became the new Treasurer.

The Morrant Wey Valley League clubs rejected Deando’s application. Due to Micky Stewart’s being unable to accommodate Deando’s winter nets requirement, the Club returned to Gover’s. The Annual Presentation Dinner & Dance was again booked at The Stoneleigh Inn on Saturday 30th November.

1986

The Club now stated liaising with the Council. On the one hand, there was again concern that Fairfield cricket pitches were declining in standards but, on the other hand, in the light of Deando’s possible expansion, did the Council have pitches (preferably one ground) for hire?

The Club Trophies were valued at £345 (a lot of this was due to the cost of engraving) and the Insurance cover was increased to take account. A pre-season disco was organised at the Berrylands Hotel. A concerted marketing campaign, in the Surrey Comet plus the local free papers the Guardian and Informer, led to 15 new applications for membership. This led, for a time, to a Deando Sunday 3rd X1 who played their first fixture on 29th June. 3rd X1 kit was hastily assembled and Bill Atkinson appointed as Captain. This was followed by other fixtures, all away games due to the lack of availability of Kingston Council pitches. The first game was lost at Reigate Rugby Club 63 ao - 48 ao, the second was a 6 wicket win v. Running Horse and the third a very good 2 wicket win v. Midland Bank chasing 116.

On 16th July, Deando finally won The Galbird Trophy. Having gone through the League Games with three notable but comfortable wins v. The Oaks, Hook & Southborough and Tolworth (Tolworth 28 ao, Ellyatt 8-13), Deando beat Murray 64 ao in the Semi Final by 6 wickets and qualified to face Thames Ditton in the Final.

Despite a good start, Thames Ditton were restricted to 85 with tight bowling, catches taken and run outs to add to the pressure. Deando raced to an 8 wicket win off 13.7 overs (out of the maximum 15 8-ball overs) with all the batsmen reaching double figures. The umpires at the Final were John Guinnard and Glyn Pilsbury who both, in later years, went on to play for Deando. This was a great prelude to the first Yorkshire Tour.

The players’ performances this season were again led in the batting by Pete Stevenson, 787 runs at 37.48, Pat Devaney led the runs scored with 953, ahead of Ian Doyle 907 and Simon Smith scored his maiden century 116* v. Surrey Grove. In bowling, Steve Ellyatt led the way with 26 wickets at 8.42, Kamlesh Shrimanker 15 @ 11.67. The season’s top wicket tears were Neville Rainford 72 and Pat 69.

By AGM time, the Club had 62 members of whom 46 were playing members. Pete Francis took over as Chairman after Doug McKenzie’s retirement. Nets were again booked at Gover’s on Tuesday evenings from January to April. The Presentation Dinner & Dance was again held at The Stoneleigh Inn with 120 tickets sold. Doug McKenzie received a Presentation Clock, presented by Arthur Jones, Doug’s old Robert McHew CC team mate.

In a strange twist, as the year came to an end, Deando received notification of the possibility of two grounds becoming available. The first ground was at Ham Riverside and was the old Tudor School ground. Tudor School was closing but being replaced by Tiffin Girls. At this stage Deando noted its interest. The other possible ground was at Wimbledon Rugby Football Club, Beverley Mead, end of Barham Road, Copse Hill, Raynes Park. At this stage the ground had its own recently modernised Clubhouse with full facilities but was utilised exclusively for Rugby. After an initial discussion, the General Secretary wrote to Harry Brind at The Oval for a feasibility report on this ground for cricket.

1987

In Indoor Cricket, Deando won all their League Games, won through to the Final but lost there to Egham CC. In the ensuing Local competition, again Deando won all their League games but lost to Egham this time in the Semi Final.

In March 1987, the Council (John Woodland) speaks with Deando updating on the Ham Riverside ground.  Norbiton CC have been relocated there after the loss of their ground at Norbiton Sportsground, Kingston Road, New Malden, hints that there may be a lease available from Summer 1987: on a positive note Deando welcomes the test there for the playing of cricket and asks to maintain its interest in the project. In an interesting aside to this, Kingstonian FC’s ground in Richmond Road, Kingston, had been sold for development. Norbiton Sportsground was then developed as a replacement football ground plus an athletics track and facilities, a sports centre and hard standing for extensive parking. The adjacent Kingston Road Recreation Ground plus Searchlight Youth Club were separate and unaffected. But another consequence of this was that local rivals, Coombe Manor CC, also lost their home ground and players, through connections, joined East Molesey CC. Thus the Club Deando not only shared discos with but also had a great sporting rivalry in the 80s no longer appeared on the Deando Fixture Card.

Deando again apply for membership of the Slazenger Surrey Cricket League and the Morrant Wey Valley Cricket League. The latter promptly respond, will send two of their Executive Committee members to inspect the ground and facilities on receipt of the Fixture Card and will then make a recommendation to their clubs’ June meeting. The Slazenger League swiftly followed with a rejection (from the clubs’ Spring Meeting) and the return of the deposit. A conversation with the League confirmed the rejection was based mainly on the condition of the square(s).

In the Surrey Cup Deando draw Malden Wanderers, Merton, Putney and Old Emanuel and failed to progress through the League stage, losing 3 games but winning a memorable game v. Merton. In the Galbird, the group stage matches were against Electro Sport, Murray, Hook & Southborough and Oaks, Deando won them all but were eliminated in the semi final by Thames Ditton.

Deando made no progress with the Beverley Mead ground inspection through The Oval so approached Mike Booth of Old Emanuel to see if he might be able to help. Mike promptly inspected and reported back: there was no evidence of a cricket square, Mike provided a site plan with his suggested location for the cricket square (avoiding the rugby pitches), ground preparation and costings - just under £6,000 with no provision for on costs. Mike did conclude with ‘it may be more beneficial for the club to acquire a field that has a square already available.’ The next step was a meeting with Wimbledon RFC.

On a very sad note, Dave Tomassi, a regular with the Sunday 2nds and a very good batsman and fielder, suffered horrific injuries when a car mounted the pavement and hit him. He was visited by his fellow players during a prolonged stay in hospital and when he was able to return home. The Club and individual members sent cards and the Club sent a copy of Wisden for Dave’s recuperation.

After a Saturday game v. Thames Ditton, one of their players suggested Deando approach the Morrant Thameside Cricket League. The League Secretary wrote back ‘your club would be ineligible to join the League under our present rules in that all member clubs must provide two teams.’ Ominously he continued ‘There are also a number of other requirements which might also exclude your club.’

On the Beverley Mead ground  a meeting was held at the Clubhouse on 28 July. While there was a lot to commend the Rugby Club facilities, Deando was concerned to protect itself from just being subsumed and the Club would need security of tenure for its capital investment. Club Treasurer, Morris Palmer, presented loan repayment projections to the August Committee Meeting. The General Committee instructed the General Secretary to write to Wimbledon RFC stating our position clearly for review by their Committee.

Bearing in mind Deando’s continuing lack of success with its League Membership Applications, following a conversation between Dave Kaill & Neville Rainford, the General Committee agreed that in addition to the formal Application, a personalised letter be written to each of the Slazenger League Clubs’ representatives making the case for Deando Cricket Club. On 11th November, Deando received notification from Alan Smith, the General Secretary of the Slazenger Surrey Cricket League, of Deando’s admission to the League along with BBC CC to commence playing in the League in 1988 and Neville Rainford replied by return accepting League membership and offering Home fixture dates to assist them in allocating Deando’s Saturday League fixtures.

On the cricket side, Deando had another very successful season. Individually, Pete Stevenson amassed 1238 runs including centuries on successive Saturdays, 160* v. Hamm Moor, a Club record score, followed 125 v. Trinity Battersea. Ian Doyle, too, enjoyed an excellent season with the bat: a maiden century v. Long Ditton, 98 v. Hamsey Green, 992 runs for the season and a share with Pete Stevenson in the Club record stand of 232* v. Hamm Moor.

The landlord at The Cricketers, John Hodgson, was appointed as a Vice President. The Presentation Dinner & Dance went ahead at The Stoneleigh Inn with 84 attendees, nets were booked at Govers, Tuesday evenings from January.

Aware that the League cricket will put the spotlight on the Fairfield and particularly its pitches, Deando continued to pursue other avenues. Rumours persisted that Wibbandune CC may be folding so could be open to amalgamation or takeover and they had their own pitch and Clubhouse at Wimbledon Common Extension. And there were rumours too that there may be plans afoot to restore the land in front of Woodies Public House, off Thetford Road, New Malden, to sports use including cricket.

1988

The January Newsletter had full details of Deando’s fixtures for their new  Slazenger Surrey Cricket League Season.This was swiftly followed by an Invoice for the League subscription and postage charges and an order form for the balls which must be used in League matches. It was also agreed to appoint Pete Munday as League Captain, Gerry Fowler as Vice Captain, and Neville Rainford replaced Pete Munday as Sunday Captain. Awards were also agreed for League Batting, Bowling and Fielding and The Jack Hesketh Cup for the Best Individual Performance. John Hodgson, Vice President, offered to sponsor the League cricket balls. The Indoor Cricket campaign, while still competitive and enjoyable, did not lead to the final stages.  

Deando had still heard no further about the Beverley Mead ground so, to also keep the Club in mind,  Wimbledon RFC were approached for hiring their Clubhouse for a pre-season Disco - it would be free but there would need to be 120-150 attendees. However, this disco did not go ahead and at this point communications with the Rugby Club ended so, again, this ground was not an option for Deando CC.

The General Secretary was also canvassing re this year’s Tour: 9 definite, 1-2 probable so far, by February. The Committee decided to go ahead and organise the Tour. The sightscreens, being canvas, were now showing signs of aging and, although the Club approached the Council for possible grants, it was decided to go ahead and replace them. There was also, now, a lot less enthusiasm for The Galbird Trophy - four teams including Coombe Manor and Hook & Southborough had withdrawn. Deando just failed to qualify for the semi finals and could not get a team out for the Surrey Cup so scratched.

By May, it was becoming difficult to get three Sunday sides out of sufficient strength and the May Committee Meeting agreed to stop running the 3rd X1 and cancel their fixtures. Deando also try to make a big ‘do’ of their first League game home at the Fairfield on May 7th v. Battersea Ironside ‘A’, inviting Vice Presidents and members. In the League Cup, after beating Morden Spartans CC in the first round, by a strange quirk of fate, Deando CC was drawn away to Norbiton CC at Ham Riverside and won by 5 wickets. From the point of view of what could have happened, and could still happen, the wicket, though wet, was safe and slow and Norbiton had rigged up a marquee with a makeshift bar which was quite acceptable. However, there was no update from the Council or other interested parties and, in the fullness of time, it became known that the land of the Ham Riverside ground had been sold to the nearby Ham Polo to extend their equestrian facilities. Shortly after this Norbiton CC also folded. By July, Deando are again writing to the Council re the state of the Fairfield wickets, which are not always roped off during the week, the sightscreens are not being safely stored and the main showers were not fully working.

At the end of June, Frank Gaisford resigned after 12 years as Club President. This led the way to Doug McKenzie becoming President at the AGM, Frank Gaisford returning as Vice President. Frank also donated The A & F Gaisford Trophy which the Committee decided would be for the best young (under 30) player voted by the Captains, and Frank if he so chose.

The Tour again returned to Yorkshire playing 4 fixtures plus an evening game.

Deando had a very creditable first League campaign finishing 7th (out of 15) in Slazenger League Division 3 winning and losing 6 matches. In late May, Mark Bryan scored Deando’s first League 50 with a 60* in a win v. Bank of Credit & Commerce. Mark and his wife Sue had also just had twin boys. Doug Kuit followed this up mid August with the first League Century, 108* v. Old Westminster Citizens.

For the overall season, Pete McKay led the way setting a new record of 1507 runs, including 125* v. Milford where Doug Kuit also scored 104* and the pair put on 237 unbroken for the opening partnership, another Club record for any wicket. Pete Stevenson also made 1146 runs. Wickets were again spread access the bowlers, Pete Stevenson reading the way with 77 including a hat trick at Milford.

Morris Palmer stood down as Treasurer at the AGM. Dave Kaill took over.

The Presentation Dinner & Dance is going ahead (84 attendees) in November in The Stoneleigh Inn, the Indoor Cricket games are scheduled as per usual and nets are booked at Gover’s from January.

As a sign off to 1988, Deando writes to the Council about the unsatisfactory state of the pitches and also enlists the support of Kingston Methodists and suggests a meeting with representatives of the Council.

1989

Deando did not apply to the Surrey Cup. The Presentation Dinner & Dance was now booked to return to Sandown Park.

In his Report to the AGM, outgoing Treasurer Morris Palmer highlighted how much money was owed to the Club by its members plus 100 Club members. By the start of 1989, Dave Kaill now illustrated that the debt had grown to £1.600. The main headings were 100 Club - the last 3, including the one just finished - Club Jumpers and Shirts, etc., Match Fees (for last season), Dinner & Dance tickets and Pitch Refunds. This led to investigation of the possibility of Direct Debits to assist members to spread subs, 100 Club and other outgoings over the year. Dave had prepared individual statements to go out with the January Newsletter and Committee Members will be issued with receipt books. By April, debts from members were down to £427.

The Club did not progress out of the group stages in Indoor Cricket. New Newsletter Editor Pat Devaney spiced up the Newsletter with a Quiz spread over 4 months. The meeting with the Council re the state of the Fairfield had been booked in for 29 March and the other two cricket teams advised. At the meeting the Council noted the clubs’ complaints, advised they were aware but had had staffing problems and would do what it could before the cricket season started. However, an inspection in mid-April showed little had been done.

In The Galbird Trophy, Deando is drawn in the group with Electrosport (the holders), Surbiton Sports and Thames Ditton. The other League comprises Murray, The Oaks, Tolworth and Wimbledon Village. Despite losing to Thames Ditton, Deando qualified for the semi finals, beat Murray there off the last ball. Deando lost to Thames Ditton in the Final.

In April, to give the Club’s major fundraising activity a shot in the arm, it was decided to extend the 100 Club to 2x25 week periods per annum and increase the value of the main prize in each draw to £1.000.

During the season, Deando approached Old Emanuel, known to have outdoor nets, to ask if Deando members could use them. They were very obliging, Monday evening became nets night and Deando would make a donation to Old Emanuel at season’s end. That season, the Club went on a curtailed tour to Devon. The Yorkshire Post CC came to Kingston for a weekend in September and played Deando on the Sunday.

There were problems with the Fairfield but this time with staff attendance: turning up late and on Bank Holiday Monday with both teams present and ready to play not turning up at all. The Council were slow in responding to complaints.

The 1989 season was a reminder of how fickle sport can be. Not only did the Deando sides have poorer playing records than we had come to expect, the League X1 were relegated in their second season. Batting was led by Ian Doyle’s 1295 runs well supported by Pete Stevenson and Pete McKay. Pete McKay managed two centuries, both 100* including one on the first Sunday game of the season, and Ian Doyle top scored with 102* v. Bentalls. Pete Stevenson had a very good season with the ball (81 wickets) but his support then fell away. Gerry Fowler managed season’s best bowing of 8-39 v. Hawkers. In the League, the batting was no longer so solid - only Pete McKay averaging over 30 and top scoring with 71* v. Copthorne, Pete Stevenson was way ahead with 39 inexpensive wickets but lacked consistent support from the other bowlers.

At the AGM, Neville Rainford agreed to add Team Secretary to his ongoing General Secretary duties. The Club’s return to Sandown Park for the Presentation Dinner & Dance was deemed a success. There was a very late change to the band as the booked band had folded. After the Dinner & Dance there was a Committee discussion about the quality of the Club Award Trophies. The Club was also notified of the closure of The Gover Cricket School. Alf Gover had been ill and had been recommended to retire on Doctor’s advice aged 82. The Cricket School had opened in 1928 and Alf had been teaching cricket and running the shop for 44 years. The land was sold off and developed. Meanwhile, Deando returned to Micky Stewart’s Cricket School, which had undergone changes, for Tuesday night nets from January. And the Club re-entered the winter Indoor Cricket competition at Elmbridge Leisure Centre.

So as Deando CC entered the 1990s, they needed to organise the Club’s 40th (Ruby) Anniversary Celebration and plan their campaign to get promoted in the Slazenger League.

This article was written by Neville Rainford:

For years, Deando CC was used to the catering for cricket teas being laid on at the King George’s Field pavilion. The Council appointed a ‘tea lady’ who provided sandwiches, cakes/biscuits and tea and set it all out and cleared up afterwards. The Club paid an agreed set fee direct to the tea lady for this arrangement.

By the start of the 1967 season, Deando are advised that the Council will be providing no catering facilities at King George’s Field and that the provision of catering runs out on 21st May.. Deando’s General Secretary wrote to the Council on 21st May

‘You mention in your letter that we may have full use of the Council catering equipment, on inspection what equipment? all there seems to be is one stove. Does that mean that every Club must now go out and buy Urns, Cups, Saucers, Plates and Cutlery to provide teas? If this is so it will involve us in much expenditure which we cannot afford.

‘As King George’s Field provides 3 Cricket Pitches and 2 Bowling Greens, I assume in the present circumstances it would be quite in order to employ our own Caterer on a non-profit basis?

‘If the Council are not able to provide Catering facilities I would appreciate your comments on a reduced ground fee.

‘I am hoping to convene a meeting of regular Clubs using King George’s Field for next Thursday (25th), consequently I would very much appreciate a full reply now and for future seasons.’

The Council’s Borough Engineer and Surveyor did respond to this in quite a comprehensive response, however the gist was that, similar to other grounds which used to provide catering but no longer do so, Clubs now fend for themselves and that the Council has received no complaints from Clubs affected like this. The Council also clarified that the tea making facilities they are prepared to provide amount to the power supply only.

At the Meeting, which took place on Friday 26th May, 7 Clubs attended and they agreed to jointly purchase a Baby Burco (water heater), agreed to a tea rota - the Bowls Clubs and Cricket Clubs to access the tea room from 4.30 to 5.30 incl at 15 minute intervals and all Clubs to make their own tea arrangements. At the same time Jack Hesketh sent out an urgent Newsletter requesting each Deando member pay a 6/- supplement towards the purchase of cups, saucers and other tea making equipment and asking if members knew of anyone who might help in the preparation of teas,

As a postscript to this matter, on 11th August, having had a tender from a firm in Brighton, the Council sent a circular to 14 organisations who use King George’s, only 6 replied and of those replies only 3, not including Deando, expressed interest in the Council making arrangements for catering at this ground.

In June 1973, the Committee expressed concern about the standard of ‘Home’ teas - General Secretary to discuss with the current tea lady. This led to quite a dispute as teas were reduced in price by the Captain due to embarrassment at the quality but this conflicted with Committee powers, and Club Rules.

The existing tea lady retired in May 1974 and she was quickly replaced. However, within two years there was growing disquiet about the teas and their quality and value for money with the result that some members did not partake of the teas provided. This led towards a move for players’ wives and partners to organise and provide teas, possibly on a rota basis. By 1977, led by Graham (now General Secretary, of course) and Frances Lees it was agreed there was a need to purchase various items, ie. cutlery and crockery, though most of these items were sourced via members’ donations. A rota system was drawn up for tea preparation, the maximum number of duties during the season was 3 and this seemed to work well and was very well supported by wives and partners. Teas in 1978 were 35p per person.

By 1980 the issue around teas was not having anyone to set them out or clear up afterwards. While one suggestion was for members and opposition to bring their own teas it was felt that the Club was under an obligation to provide teas. Due to increased cost of food and wages for the ‘tea lady. The price of teas was upped to 50p each.

With the move to the Fairfield in 1981, new tea arrangements were required. A recruitment ad was hastily placed in the Surrey Comet and brought a good response. However, by June of the new season a second tea lady had resigned and the wives and partners were re-enlisted and  the tea rota restarted from 20th June onward.

A new ad for a tea lady was placed in the Surrey Comet in early 1983 with success and a new tea lady appointed at £2 per hour plus costs. The relationship with the new landlord at The Cricketers was still not smooth with the landlord twice upsetting the tea lady. It was thought that an offer from the Club of £20pm for hire of facilities would be likely to alleviate the problem. Due to continuing problems with the tea arrangements, Colin Wood suggested doing away with teas altogether and putting food on the bar after the game.

In March 1983, Colin Wood and Bill Byford went to see the new landlord at The Cricketers and he offered the room above the changing rooms for tea. It was currently being redecorated. However, the existing tea lady could not commit to now doing teas on a regular basis, another ad was placed in the Surrey Comet and a new tea lady recruited. This though led to some dissent as to why wives and partners hadn’t been approached. Additionally, the decoration work had not started on the upstairs room, our tea equipment, crockery & cutlery had gone missing but was found in due course and we were then only able to access the upstairs room on a Saturday!

In August a meeting was arranged with Cambridge FC and the Landlord and Landlady at The Cricketers, Colin & Chrissie. The Brewery will pay for all materials required to decorate the room above the changing rooms - cricketers and footballers to carry out the work. In the meantime the tea lady went into full time employment and retired from tea making. Chrissie now offered to make the teas and would continue into the 1984 season. Once, during the season, a Team turned up with their own teas, the Fixture Secretary was asked to notify all clubs that we do supply teas and that a charge will be made unless we receive prior notice of their cancellation of teas.

In 1986, teas were £1 per Deando member (concessions for students) and the Opposition Team was levied a flat rate £11. Total cost of teas is now £22.

In 1989, teas were raised at Committee: their quality and that they were held in the Bar on Saturday. Neville Rainford agreed to discuss with John Hodgson if the Club can pay more for better quality and if they can be in the upstairs room on Saturday. An issue was also around orange juice mid-innings particularly on a very hot day but an arrangement was made with The Cricketers where someone from either side who was not out on the field could go and pick up the drinks at a set time.

The following was written by Neville Rainford:

The new decade commenced with Deando CC merging with Robert McHew CC, gaining 4 new members.

By the winter of 1972/3, Deando were already attending winter nets at Surbiton Lagoon from Friday 26th January to Friday 13th April inclusive, although the Club was complaining about the Friday booking instead of the usual Monday slot.

Club General Committee Meetings were now being held in The Three Tuns Hotel, London Road, Kingston.

In 1973 the Club was holding its annual President’s Match, normally an internal Club match featuring the President’s X1 v. the Club side, with invitations sent out to  MPs, the Mayor, local Councillors, former Club Members and friends of the Club. This match comprised a normal Saturday afternoon fixture followed by a social event in the evening, on this occasion at The North Star, Hook.

Around this time the Club arranged a fixture in Hastings and hired a coach. Sadly, this had to be cancelled due to lack of members’ availability (and interest).

In 1974, due to a change of management at The Three Tuns Hotel, Deando were to be levied £1 for each General Committee Meeting. The Club also paid its £1 subscription to the Surrey Cricket Association, who supplied two free tickets to Surrey CCC Home matches, and also chose to go with the National Cricket Association Insurance scheme with comprehensive cricket insurance cover at a fraction of the cost from the existing Brokers.

The Club also subscribed to, and used, the local Club Cricket Conference (CCC). They ran an Emergency Fixtures Bureau and where the Fixture Secretary had been unable to find a fixture or had been let down by an opposition crying off the CCC would match Home and Away teams, based on strength, for a nominal cost.

The May General Committee Meeting reported that on application to the Council, and on a request from King George’s groundsman, the hot water was turned back on in the showers. The hot water had been turned off during the winter in response to a Government decree forbidding hot water in showers in Council changing facilities.

On the cricket side, Pete Stevenson took 10-16 v. Confederation, not surprisingly a Club Record that was never beaten. That season he also achieved a top score of 113*. Interestingly, Dave Kaill that season managed a 99*.

The 1975 Grand Dance took place in January and 129 attended. This led to preliminary discussions in Committee about an annual Dinner & Dance. Venues, including The Worcester Rooms, were explored but this one was rejected as it needed 200+ attendees to fill the hall. Sir Nigel Fisher indicated his wish to donate the Nigel Fisher Cup. The Committee decided that this trophy would be awarded, by the Club Members, for the player who has done most to make the season enjoyable by his attitude and example on the field of play.

Poor weather at the start of the season made King George’s waterlogged and unfit for play so Home games were rescheduled to Beverley Park (2) and Manor Park (1). Outdoor nets were booked through the Council, on Wednesday evenings, at Norbiton Sports Ground.

The General Secretary reported on a personal battle that he had been having with Kingston Borough News who ran a weekly competition for a ‘Top Bowling Award’ which Peter Stevenson had won in the previous season with his 10-16 v. Confederation. Kingston Borough News finally produced an engraved cup.

Again, on the cricket field, Pete Stevenson took 9-13 v. Sutton Common. Graham Lees held 32 catches, again a Club Record for catches in a season by an outfielder.  Pete Stevenson and Graham Lees were also selected for the Kingston Mayor’s X1 in the annual match v. NALGO, the Local Government Trade Union.

Arrangements were put in place to hold a Club Disco on Friday 10th October in Surbiton Sports and Social Club.

Deando CC applied to The Slazenger League. At the same time, the playing membership was circulated with the details of the League playing conditions and asked to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’. The result of the ballot was 11 in favour of applying to join The Slazenger League, 9 against. With this in mind, it was further agreed to make every effort to field two X1s on Saturdays.

When the application form for 1976 season pitch bookings came out in early October 1975, the General Secretary took the opportunity to compose a letter complaining about how the wickets at King George’s have deteriorated mainly due to the lack of materials and attention during the winter months and suggesting that the front square needs re-turfing. This led to a detailed response from the Council’s Borough Engineer that equipment and maintenance supplies have been adequate, the front cricket table does need some levelling and re-turfing works, which have already commenced, and that the heavy rainfall of the previous winter caused water-logging which hampered the groundsman’s renovation work.

Allied to the conditions of the cricket facilities at King George’s Field, from 1968 Deando CC had maintained an interest in the possibility of a move to King Edward’s, Hook Road, should it become available. While the present incumbents, Hook & Southborough CC, were also in a project with Kingston Rugby Club to develop sports facilities to the rear of King Edward’s, the Council were clear, in extensive correspondence, that Deando would not be high in the current ranking order for residency as a cricket club at KIng Edward’s. This was further compounded in 1976 when Jack Hesketh found that Hook & Southborough CC, in addition to their Home fixtures,  were sub-letting King Edward’s to LESSA CC.

By 1976, due to a hire charge, Deando chose to move their General Committee Meetings to The Rose and Crown Hotel in Hampton Wick.

Another cricket innovation was the playing of a Ladies of Deando v. Gentlemen of Deando match on the evening of Wednesday 7th July at Beverley Park. While few details or records remain, it was deemed a success. 5 fixtures had been arranged for the Saturday 2nd X1 but this was clearly a fine balance and the General Secretary, who also acted as Fixture Secretary was very concerned not to arrange fixtures only to subsequently cancel them (and the Club membership had been closed for a period).

However, in showing how vagaries of weather could adversely affect King George’s Field, later that season the hot, dry summer of 1976 took its toll, water was forbidden from Council sports pitches and Home matches and summer net practice (which had been held this year at King George’s) were cancelled.

By August, The Rose and Crown were no longer able to host Deando’s monthly General Committee Meetings so the Club returned to The Three Tuns, presumably then picking up the £3 hire charge. At this time Jack Hesketh also read a statement at Committee why he would not be seeking re-election as General Secretary after 18 years in that post (plus 12 as Match/Fixture Secretary). Jack would remain as the Club’s only Life Member which he had been awarded in 1973. Other discussions at the time related to players playing who had not paid their subs, some players had repeatedly let the Team Secretary down by crying off very late in the week while other players on more than one occasion helped out sometimes at very short notice.

In 1977, at the AGM, Councillor Frank Gaisford took over from Commander John Reed as President, Graham Lees was elected as General Secretary and Dave Kaill as Fixture Secretary.

The Club’s first Dinner & Dance at The Drift Bridge Hotel on Saturday 13th November was very successful with 96 attendees.

Following on from Jack Hesketh’s statement to the General Committee, there arose a most curious, and some would say controversial, episode in Deando’s history. An article appeared in the 13th November Surrey Comet announcing the formation of Staunton CC. It named various Officers, including Jack as General Secretary, all of whom were connected with Deando CC. Following its November Committee Meeting, Deando put out a Newsletter with general Club news - Player Awards from the Dinner & Dance, upcoming events - but also making clear to Club members that Deando is not breaking up and that Staunton CC is in no way connected with Deando CC.

Jack followed this up with his own letter to Deando Club members dated January 1977 in which he reports this minute from the inaugural meeting of Staunton CC, after dealing with ‘malicious rumours and unkind remarks . . . directed at me’,

‘To consider the formation of a Saturday Cricket Club, Mr.Hesketh fully explained his reasons for convening the meeting to form a Saturday Cricket Club, he strongly emphasised that this was a meeting, not to cause a break within the Deando Cricket Club, to which all members present were in fact members, but to help the Deando Cricket Club in times to come with the possibility of forming a second team, he also strongly emphasised that it was not his intention whatsoever to poach players from the Deando Cricket Club. He felt that the two Clubs during the 1977 season could help each other by providing, when short, extra players, he emphasised that in his personal opinion the Deando Cricket Club had little chance of forming a 2nd X1, without help from outside the Club.’

Staunton CC’s first game, v. Southern Rail Croydon was reported in the Surrey Comet alongside a recruitment ad. The game was rain-affected with Staunton CC falling 2 runs short with wickets in hand. At least 4 Deando members were in the team. From their 1977 Fixture List, there were 19 Saturday games with 2 Home games at Beverley Park.

While Deando CC was still allocated its pitches in King George’s Field, spare pitches at King Edward’s were allocated to Hook Venturers CC as they had correspondence with the Council noting their interest as far back as 1965. By September the Club was writing to the Council after a proposal tabled at a General Committee Meeting that

‘DEANDO Cricket Club should investigate the possibility of erecting a club-house with bar facilities on their home ground at King George’s Field, Tolworth.’

The Council Director of Education Services responded promptly offering a meeting. The correspondence was also forwarded to GP Squires, Chairman of Kingston’s Sports Council introducing the Club to the National Playing Fields Association and the Greater London Playing Fields Association which Deando promptly joined. Enclosing a paper that he had written 2 years previously, Mr Squire said Council grants or loans were unlikely and suggested that it would have more chance of success if it were a joint venture with other users of King George’s Field.

Deando also applied to join the South West London Cricket League and the Slazenger Surrey League. The latter replied, had discussed the application at their Committee meeting but because their decision was not unanimous they are referring it to all the member clubs at the 14th November League AGM. There are ten applications for five vacancies though there is no obligation to fill all the positions. In a New Year’s Day letter, Deando is notified that its application to join the Slazenger League has been rejected. The vacancies were for the League’s 3rd Division but Deando should consider reapplying because the League may set up a 4th Division for 1979. Deando now also supply details - General & Fixture Secretaries’ contact details plus ground location - for the Club Cricket Conference Handbook.

Also for the 1977/8 winter, Deando joined the Elmbridge Leisure Centre (Walton on Thames) Indoor Cricket League for the first time. Run by the Surrey Cricket Association the competition is called the Wrigley Trophyand comprises 2 Leagues of 7 Teams, including Chertsey, Malden Wanderers, Olinda Vandals, Staines & Laleham and Weybridge. Deando’s League consisted of Farncombe Wanderers, Hersham, NPL, Ockham, Shepperton and Worplesdon. The format is 6-a-side on an area of 4 basketball courts with local rules for scoring runs, and getting out. It is clear that Deando will be meeting very highly rated cricket opposition. The competition was played on Sunday evenings.

The Annual Dance still took place, this time at Malden Wanderers CC and winter nets again take place at Surbiton Lagoon. And to generate revenues to help defray the running costs and even increase the bank balance, the Club decided to start a 100 Club, open to subscription by members and friends, for 2 periods of 20 weeks pa with weekly prizes plus good prizes (from £400+ down, in value) at each 100 Club Grand Draw.

Moving on into 1978, the Club also decided that, in a further attempt to extend cricket activities, if the Fixture Secretary was unable to obtain a Home fixture for any of our normal dates, the date would be kept for a Club Single Wicket Competition. In the Indoor Cricket, Deando finished comfortably mid-table. The group winners & runners-up headed to semi-finals and final then on to represent Elmbridge Leisure Centre in the Surrey Finals. Two new teams were added and a local competition - 4 Leagues of 4 - ran from the end of February to mid April. Deando won its group but lost to Weybridge in the semi-final.

At this point the Surrey Cricket Association (SCA) were engaging much more closely with Surrey cricket clubs at all levels. They held a seminar on Pitch Preparation and Maintenance at The Oval with Head Groundsman Harry Brind the main lecturer. Deando asked the Council if it could also arrange the attendance of the King George’s Field groundsman at the seminar. The SCA were also offering a free subscription for 3 years, underwritten by Surrey CCC, to try to get full membership of all the Surrey cricket clubs. And the SCA were introducing a Grand Draw of raffle tickets - top prizes included a car, a colour TV and holidays - and clubs retained 60% of their sales. The Club received its 2 free tickets to the Taverners Stand.

At this same time (April 1978) discussions were opened with Staunton CC about a possible merger. A meeting between representatives of the 2 clubs did take place on 12th April reaching broad agreement on conditions and a transition period subject to ratification by the Clubs’ memberships. This finally foundered as the Staunton CC membership wanted to run for another year before considering such a move and the wording in Deando’s April Newsletter referred to a takeover by Deando instead of a merger.

At that time, one of the Vice Presidents, Bert Linturn, who had managed The Three Tuns, now moved on and the proposal from The Three Tuns was to levy the Club £2 per Committee Meeting. As a result, from May that year, the General Committee Meetings moved to The Cambridge Arms Hotel, 42 Cambridge Road, Kingston.

After 3 Deando players represented Kingston Mayor’s X1 v. Kingston Methodists CC at their home ground, the Fairfield, as part of their celebrations, the General Secretary wrote to the Council contrasting the good condition of the Fairfield with the very poor condition, wickets and outfield, on the King George’s Field pitches. At this time Deando were actively seeking alternative grounds approaching Seeboard in Thames Ditton, Northcliffe and Westcott (Dorking) but, for various reasons, discussions came to nought. In the Decca Cup matches v. Malden Wanderers and Surbiton Hill Methodists, the team received ‘sound thrashings’ but beat Surbiton Town when they couldn’t raise a team. With a tweak on the ‘Ladies Match’, it was agreed to play the fixture between two mixed teams but from comments received post match this was not considered such a success

While the AGM agreed to re-apply for The Slazenger League plus the South West London League, the Club also sought opportunities to further expand its cricket activities by applying to enter the Decca Cup, a local midweek evening competition leading eventually to County Finals and the Wrigley Cup, a national Indoor 6-a-side Cricket Competition starting locally at Elmbridge Leisure Centre, Walton-on-Thames on Sunday evenings throughout the winter. Additionally, the Club approached Kingston Council’s Director of Education and Leisure to explore the possibility of its own Clubhouse at King George’s though this would quickly prove to be beyond Deando’s means and was not pursued. It was further suggested Club members should offer to help with cricket square preparation to try to get use of the ‘front’ square out of the 3 squares. Winter nets continued at Surbiton Lagoon on Wednesday evenings.

The second Annual Dinner & Dance again took place at The Drift Bridge but the Club was then informed that they could not hold the event so Committee Members started looking for alternatives. Deando also moved its winter nets from Surbiton Lagoon to Gover’s, West Hill, Wandsworth (1978/9)

By the turn of the year, The Slazenger League had already turned down the Membership Application and Deando agreed to reapply for 1979. The Indoor Cricket League was moving on apace with Deando in 4th place in the table, Pete Francis had sourced Sandown Park Racecourse as a suitable Dinner & Dance venue and had booked for 25th November and the Surrey Cricket Association (SCA) were running a Ground Care Course and Deando applied for two tickets hoping that the King George’s Groundsman could be approached to attend. Another entitlement of SCA Membership was two free tickets to the Taverners’ Stand at The Oval for Surrey CCC games.

In early 1978, the Committee were concerned about apathy within the Club along with falling membership. In an interesting twist, one of the options to explore was possible amalgamation with another Club and Staunton CC were approached but their members did not support amalgamation with Deando and an article for new members was placed in the Surrey Comet.

For the next few years Deando subscribed to the Surrey Cricket Association Grand Draw: a County-wide lottery with substantial prizes, valuable holidays and the like, where tickets were sold throughout Surrey cricket clubs and the clubs retained 60% of the proceeds.  The Fixture Secretary, Dave Kaill, was asked to look into arranging two fixtures on the south coast for a weekend cricket tour in 1979. This did prove problematic due to most areas playing local League Cricket on Saturday. From the Committee, the General Secretary wrote to the Borough Surveyor to express concern about the condition and safety of the front cricket square and requested use of ‘windy ridge’, the most easterly of King George’s three cricket pitches.

On Sunday 16th July, Deando CC 2nd X1 played its first fixture against Gold Leaf Sports. Some additional kit was purchased to support the 2nd X1 and the General Secretary was asked, as Chair of the Selection Committee, to give consideration to the composition and balance of the two teams when it was putting out two X1s on the same day. This did, however, lead to discussions, sometimes quite heated, about selection ‘policies’, ie strongest 6, strongest 8, etc., in future years plus allegations that some members would only play for the team they wanted to play for. The first 2nd X1 game was clearly a success as Gold Leaf asked for another fixture in August. The Single-Wicket Competition did take place and was won by Pete Stevenson.

On other matters, the AGM agreed to increase the size of the General Committee to 12 to include 4 Committee Members (non-Office Holders). Pete Munday was appointed Indoor Cricket Captain and the Dinner & Dance, with 116 attendees, made a small profit. Gover’s Cricket School was booked for winter nets. Finally, our application to join The Slazenger League had again been rejected.

In trying to improve their playing facilities, Deando now put an ad in the Surrey Comet seeking the lease of a private ground or an amalgamation with another club with good facilities. Neither of these approaches came to anything. At this time, Deando first found out that the proceeds of the Kingston Lottery will be used to provide a pavilion on the Fairfield. At this point Deando’s angle was whether any spare lottery money could be diverted towards King George’s facilities in general and sightscreens there in particular. In his response, John Woodland, Head of Recreation Services at Kingston Council, stated that he had been asked to submit a number of projects which could be considered for an allocation from the profits of the Borough Lottery and he would make sure King George’s sightscreens were on that list. Deando also placed their pre-season recruitment advertisement in the Surrey Comet pushing their Second X1.

It has been hard to trace Deando CC Fixture Cards from the early years but the Club did publish a list of away grounds. In 1979, amongst other cricket clubs, Deando had fixtures at Bradbank, Brockham Green, Brook, Chertsey Recreation, Ewell Ruxley, GLC, Hawkers, Hindhead, Hogsmill, Kingston Methodist, Kingswood, Meadowbank, Midland Bank (Beckenham), Morden, Murray, North Croydon Conservatives, Oakwood Hill, Reigate Manor, Sirius, South Godstone, Southern Rail Croydon, St Lawrence Hospital, Sutton Common, Tolworth and West End Esher.

An interesting idea developed under the auspices of the Cambridge Arms around this time was a loose association of very local sports clubs including Albion, Cambridge, Clarion & Norbiton, the main idea being to enable each clubs’ social activities to be better supported by all. This group could further lead to knowledge of the best local halls plus information around bands or discos and even best deals on sports equipment. It had been noted that up to four local clubs had held events on the same date and this might avoid such clashes and might even enable local club members to support each others’ events.

On the cricket side, Deando CC had a very successful season, Pete Stevenson doing the double again - 1,085 runs (incl 116* & 8 other 50s) and 105 wickets (incl 8 5+ wicket hauls) - and Graham Lees also achieving 105 wickets (incl 8 5+ wicket hauls). The Sunday 2nd X1 played 17 fixtures with 1 abandoned.

The 1979 Dinner & Dance had 160 attendees. The 1970s rounded off with a poorly attended (74) Christmas Disco but it still ran at a profit.

The following was compiled and written by Neville Rainford:

Deando Cricket Club was founded in 1950 by Post Office employees who took the Club’s name from the initial letters of their two Departments, DEvelopment ANd Drawing Office. The Club’s original ground was Green Lane (Recreation Ground), New Malden.

No playing records exist for their first two seasons but it is reported that they were all out for 11 in one game. The original Committee consisted of F H Edwards - Chairman, P E Turner - General Secretary and T Lovelace - Treasurer.

In 1952, E L (Ted) Marsh was appointed as Captain, the Club played 25 matches, the next season D Courtice took over as Captain, the Club played 22 matches, winning and losing 8, no draws with 6 matches abandoned or cancelled.

The 1952 Fixture List discloses a preponderance of games against public sector works’ opposition: Ministries of Agriculture and Supply, National Assistance Board, Metropolitan Water Board, Hampton Court Gas and Inland Revenue, representatives of local offices who played on local cricket grounds. The Team played once a week, mainly Saturdays with an occasional Sunday and Thursday.

In 1955 the Club moved its home ground to Manor Park, New Malden. F H Edwards was elevated from Chairman to the new office of President.

From its inception, Deando CC saw the advantage in engaging with local dignitaries including local Members of Parliament, Kingston Mayors (past and present), local business people who helped the Club with free or inexpensive Room Hire for General Committee Meetings, etc., and founder members and recently retired players all of whom were approached to become Vice Presidents.

In 1958, Jack Hesketh took over as General Secretary, a position he was to hold for 18 years. The Club also commenced with the post of Match Secretary to coordinate getting the teams out. The next year Deando made their, then, highest score of 274-4.

From 1960 it would appear that Deando started arranging both Saturday and Sunday fixtures. 1960 also saw Deando’s first Annual Dance with a live band and MC. These events developed into ‘Grand Dances’, held on a Saturday evening in January, for some time at Surbiton Assembly Rooms in their Small Hall. In 1973 163 tickets were sold.

While still on the subject of Grand Dances, they made £419 profits in the years from their inauguration in 1960 to 1973. The Club canvassed for and received donations and raffle prizes, volunteers from members’ wives prepared prizes and sold raffle tickets, Committee Members controlled admissions as ‘Doorkeepers’ and sold tickets and Club Photographer Doug McKenzie took an extensive array of event photos which he was happy to sell for a small contribution to Club funds.

In 1963 the Club moved grounds again, this time to King George’s Recreation Ground, Tolworth, where the Club remained for the next 18 years. The pitch hire then cost 18/6d (93p). Interestingly, the Council (the Borough of Surbiton at the time) employed (or hired) a caterer, invariably a ‘tea lady’, at King George’s Field pavilion. At that time a letter from the Town Clerk asked the Club to cooperate with the caterer, whose contact details were supplied, by letting her know the Club’s requirements as early as possible. By the next year, King George’s was the only ground in the Borough where the Council was responsible for a Caterer. The Club also booked winter nets at Surbiton Lagoon from January through to April 1964.

This move to the new ground must have suited Bill Qinn’s batting as he amassed 1056 runs in 1964 at an average of 55.5. That season the Club completed 35 games

By May 1965 the General Secretary was already requesting the 1966 pitch allocation. This was necessary to make the contacts and arrangements for fixtures for the 1966 cricket season. However, due to Local Government reorganisation, the response, now from the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, advised of delay due to the extra work being generated by this restructure, priority bookings were winter 1965-6 before they could start work on Summer 1966. The Council documentation arrived on 13th October and was completed and resubmitted by Jack Hesketh on the 15th.

There had been requests from several Clubs who hired Council pitches to bring the start of the season forward to the last weekend in April. On 30th December 1968 the Council wrote to all hiring Clubs to say they couldn’t do that as it left inadequate preparation time after the end of the football season but, for 1969, the Council would extend the cricket season to the second weekend in September.