Lives in Cricket No 44 - LCH Palairet

but lost his foursome match. He also played for Devon Amateurs versus Devon Professionals. The match ended in a draw 11-11; he halved his singles match but with Kenneth Fradgley easily won the foursomes. With Fradgley, he became Devon foursome’s champions as they won the Gold Medal at Warren. The outbreak of war put a halt to his sporting activities. In October he attended the Somerset county cricket AGM. Since Lionel had retired the club had been bottom of the Championship three times. Massey Poyntz had taken over the captaincy from Daniell in 1913. Gerald Fowler the long-suffering treasurer reported a loss of £600 (2016 equivalent, £58,000). With Henry (Lionel’s father) in the chair it was then discussed that the club’s future was in serious doubt. From the meeting there was a strong indication that the debenture holders might close the club. Lionel asked how the club could avoid this, as if it occurred, the club would close forever. Fowler stated that the club needed £100 to carry on until Christmas. Three committees were set up, based in Weston super Mare, Taunton and Bath. Each committee of four members was solely to raise funds to try and keep the club going until the war was over. In January 1915 the club met again, still £600 in debt, but due to guarantors it had managed to keep going. It was also acknowledged that the club would not play any matches during 1915, as there was obviously little chance of an end soon to the war. The club then agreed to try and collect subscriptions from existing members, and due to the fact that there would be a much reduced expenditure bill, it was hoped that this would reduce the overdrawn £600 and ensure the club could keep going. The club guarantors stated they would guarantee any debt if debentures holders or the bank did foreclose on the club. The club stated that it did not want the guarantors to yet again subsidise the club’s losses. Surprisingly, the club nominated AE Newton, the old wicket-keeper who was now 52, to be the captain for 1915. Lionel was too old to enlist, aged 45 in 1915, though you could enlist up to 50 if you had a special skill. Lionel was given command at Remount Depot at Powderham; he would help supply the Army and raise funds within the area. Devon, golf and the War 107