End of an era at Spout House

posted by john Winn

In a posting made in June2012 Brian described a visit he had  made to Spout House in Bilsdale, North Yorkshire with Ron Deaton. The ground of the local cricket club who play in The Feversham League is situated behind The Sun Inn which closed a few years ago, just short of three figures. Ex-landlord William Ainsley had been secretary of Spout House CC for 66 years continuing a family tradition going back into the nineteenth century for he  had taken over the post from his grandfather who had put in a 72 year stint in the job. A remarkable dynasty.

Sad to report then that for the third time in 138 years Spout House find themselves looking for a new secretary for William passed away two days after Christmas, aged 83, news reported  in the excellent Mike Amos' 'Backtrack' column in last Thursday's Northern Echo. Mike and his column have visited the ground in the past suggesting 'there may be no cricket ground closer to heaven,' Apparently to qualify as a pcw a visit to the Feversham League ground is essential. This blogger does not have that on his CV, something that must be rectified as early as possible in 2013. In the meantime William's funeral will be held in  Bilsdale tomorrow.

Friday of this week sees the January 'Jim The Cat' lunch at Pudsey St Lawrence. The speaker is Andrew Pearson whose subject will be The History of Thurstonland CC,Holmfirth. Doors open at noon and lunch, three courses for £10, will be served at one o'clock. Almost forty cricket buffs attended last month's meeting and this Friday provides an opportunity to get 2013 off to an entertaining star. See you there?