Rebirth of Putney C.C. in 1946 on a £200 credit
By Gordon Pilgrim
As is well known, Putney Cricket Club was disbanded during World War 2, and the ground was handed over to the local authorities for Civil Defence and Fire Service recreational purposes.
After the war the small number of members who decided to get the club going once again faced a tremendous task. First, the ground was absolutely ruined and, second, most of the pre-war members had either left Putney or were no longer interested. Headed by Reg Pilgrim as chairman, his son (myself) as secretary, and "Olly" Moore, Jack Haddock and Dick Shirley as committee members, battle commenced. It was decided that the club should be put on an official footing by joining the Club Cricket Conference. As a wandering side this would enable the club to obtain more members, giving them a stronger case when applying to return to Putney Lower Common.
For some years from 1946, the club enjoyed a very successful period and played many well known clubs such as Cobham, Dorking, Metropolitan Police, and, the "piece de resistance", a local derby against Roehampton. This match attracted a very large attendance and finished up in a fine win for Putney. After this we felt that the club had "arrived".
On the question of a return to the old ground, Sir Hugh Linstead was brought into the battle, after a very lively meeting over tea at the House of Commons attended by Reg and Gordon Pilgrim. Sir Hugh was extremely enthusiastic in the end and promised his full support. A meeting of all members and friends was arranged at the local Conservative Club and Sir Hugh gave such a rousing speech that it was never in doubt that Putney would once again enjoy cricket on the Common.
A firm of nursery gardeners was asked to submit an estimate for relaying the table and attending to the outfield. The cost was in the region of £200, and without a penny in the Putney "kitty" they were given the go-ahead. Had they asked for a deposit we would have been sunk, but all was well. They trusted us, and consequently a military - style operation raised the money. The whole of Putney was split up into small squares, and night after night members combed the area knocking at doors and appealing for money. Hostile receptions were certainly in the minority. During this period the whole of the ground had been fenced off. This created problems as many people took exception to it. Consequently night shifts were organised whereby the ground was continually patrolled keeping away vandals who attempted to wreck the paling. The "Spencer Arms" offered their premises as headquarters, and the opening match on the Common was against the Middlesex Colts. A great crowd turned out, the pitch played beautifully, and Putney Cricket Club was reborn.