Lives in Cricket No 21 - Walter Read

23 A well-contested football match was played in the field (kindly lent by Mr Hare) adjoining between several youngsters, whose play bids fair to keep up the future of the football club. On the twowell prepared tennis courts several setswereplayed inwhich some of the fair sex took part. The newly-made bowling green received a fair share of patronage, while many a well-known representative of Reigate cricket strutted about the level longing no doubt to again handle the willow and trundle the leather; but though a warm bright sun was shining, a chilly north-easter could not fail to remind him that his time was not yet come. We noticed that the turf which has been relaid is rapidly growing together and no doubt some excellent wickets will be obtained for the matches in the ensuing season. We also observed that the pavilion is being thoroughly painted and re-decorated. As we stated in our last, this popular club deserves the support it receives, and the committee evidently shows an anxiety to meet the necessities and requirements of this increasing neighbourhood. 28 A letter to the Editor in the same edition of the newspaper complains about rail services (plus ça change?) and mentions the population of the town as 18,000, so by this time it is well established and expanding, mainly as a result of the advent of the railway. The Club continued to expand in proportion: a membership of 200 in 1881 had become 230 the following year and it continued to increase. A 2nd XI was established in 1883 and new Joint Secretary, Walter Read, commented on what he saw as an ideal and complementary social mix, the gentlemen providing the funds and the working classes the cricketers. 29 His younger brother transcended that boundary. He was and remained a gentleman, but he could play a bit. Notwithstanding his rapid rise through county and international cricket, WW never forgot his roots, firmly embedded in the turf of Reigate Priory Cricket Club. Not only did he continue as a playing member, but also played an active part in the administration and politics of the club first, as joint secretary, then captain, dealing with the detail of fund-raising, petty rivalries with the other club in the town – Reigate Hill, objections to the fixture list… small time stuff, but all too familiar to anyone who has been involved in the administration of a cricket club. 28 Reigate, Redhill, Dorking and Epsom Journal 6 March 1883 29 Reigate, Redhill, Dorking and Epsom Journal 22 August 1882 – but 2 nd XI established in 1883 Reigate Priory