Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 11 January 1941
Sport and Pastime
A Wombwell Main Record
Members Serving With the Forces
Wombwell Main Welfare Athletic Club are justly proud of the part they are playing in the national emergency, because fifty percent of the playing strength of the club are serving in one branch’ or another of the armed forces. This should constitute a record as far as mining districts go, as colliery workers, with very few exceptions, are still in reserved occupations. The members are wondering whether any other club in South Yorkshire can claim such a contribution.
The figures do not take account of the fact that the majority of the members who have not enlisted in the regular forces are engaged on various forms of civil defence work—Home Guard. A.R.P., etc.
Among those who have joined the colours are the club secretary, Lance- Bombardier Harry Utley and the former Barnsley goalkeeper, Aircraftsman H. Bakewell. who is one of four sons and daughters all in uniform. In making this fine contribution to national service the club is maintaining a tradition established in the last war.
The roll of honour is as follows:
Lance-Bomb. Horace Utley (32). 59. Wright Crescent, Wombwell (South Lines. Regiment), secretary and member of the cricket team since 1927. secretary and playing member of the football club since 1929.
Aircraftsman Wilfred Ward (27). Summer Lane, Wombwell (R.A.F.), son of Mr. H. Ward. sanitary inspector to the Wombwell U.D.C.: captain of the cricket team since 1936.
L./Cpl. Roy Caunt (22), Main Street. Wombwell (Y. and L.). played both cricket and football since 1936.
L./Cpl. R. Swift. Hoyland Street, Wombwell. (E.Y. Regiment), played football since 1936.
Aircraftsman J. Utley (19). 59. Wright’ Crescent, Wombwell (R.A.F.). brother to the club secretary; played football since’ 1937.
Gunner C. Everett (23). Robert Street (South Lincs. Regiment). played cricket during seasons 1939 and 1910.
Pte. Len Mattocks (20). King’s Road. Wombwell (Duke of Wellingtons). played; cricket with Wombwell Main from 1935 to 1938 inclusive, and for Barnsley 1939 and 1940. Played football with Wombwell Main since 1936.
Pte. J. Carr (23). Jump (W.F.A.), played football since 1937.
L./Cpl. Frank Jeavons (22) Blythe Street. Wombwell (K.R.R.), captain of the football team since 1936.
Gunner H. Blackburn (27). Wombwell Main (R.A.). played cricket since 1934.
Cpl. G. Houghton (22). Wood Walk. Wombwell (8.A.T.). a teacher at Nottingham, played cricket since 1934.
Pte. N. Dixon (21). Hough Lane (Y. and L.). football player and linesman.
Pte. Clifford Waring (21). Wombwell Main (K.0.Y.L.I.). played football for Wombwell Main for three seasons.
Aircraftsman H. Bakewell (19), Winder’s Place, Wombwell. played both cricket and football since 1936. Was goalkeeper for Barnsley for one season.
Most of the above have joined up as volunteers, hitherto being in reserved occupations. The Acting Secretary. Mr. Herbert ‘Utley, of 9, Wright Crescent, Wombwell, brother of two of the above mentioned, is a member of the Home Guard.
The club have turned practically the whole of their resources in the direction of war effort. They have decided that any funds over and above what is needed for ground maintenance and equipment shall be utilised for the benefit of the lads who are away serving, comforts’ ‘being provided for them. The circle of friendship and good comradeship is maintained by the financial secretary, whose letter box is a ” clearing house ” for, exchanges of correspondence between the’ players.
All members of the team write, regularly and invariably ask to be remembered one to another. In this way, ties are being maintained so that when war is over the club can resume its normal functions. In addition the club has , gratuitously placed all its football equipment and the use of the ground at the, disposal of the Home Guard who much appreciate the facilities and use them regularly.
The club has decided that in the circumstances it will not be possible to run a team in league football during the season 1940-41. but in the administrative sense the club is carrying on as usual. All being well. Wombwell Main will compete In the South Yorkshire Cricket League during next season.