Westmorland League Cricket Grounds Part 4 of 4

By Mike Latham

This completes the series of potted histories of the Westmorland Cricket League’s grounds, together with photographs. I hope you’ve enjoyed it. Many thanks to John Glaister, the league’s historian, for the invaluable background and insight. I hope this series has inspired you to visit the league during the summer months. You won’t be disappointed.

Silverdale CC- founded 1893

Though the date of formation of the current club is 1893 records survive of a cricket match in Silverdale in 1884 and throughout the 1880s there is some evidence of the struggle to sustain a club. There are several, well-remembered Silverdale CC fields, the latest being the Cove Road ground where they moved to as recently as 1999. The current ground has stone walls which separate the boundary between Lancashire and Cumbria and glorious, extensive views across Morecambe Bay. Time your fixtures and you can watch the first innings here, then the second innings at Carnforth or Arnside, without missing a ball bowled over tea. There are few better days out.

Trimpell CC: Founded 1941

In anticipation of war the government commissioned the building of an oil refinery at Middleton, near Heysham. Work began in 1938 and the name Trimpell is derived from the three companies involved: Trimpell Asphalt (TR), Imperial Chemical Industries (IMP) and Shell Oil (ELL). Aviation spirit began to flow in 1941. Between 1942 and 1945 Trimpell played in a curtailed Lancaster and District League in a field off Money Close Lane, Heysham. On joining the WCL in 1946 they had a ground on-site at Middleton before moving to their current home, Out Moss Lane, Morecambe in 1949. In terms of facilities no village club could compare with the spanking new Sports and Social Club that opened in 1956 or the new pavilion opened in 1962.

Warton CC- founded 1907

The club moved to their present Hyning Ground in 1949 courtesy of Earl Peel, a descendent of the former Prime Minister, Robert Peel, who then lived at Hyning Hall. Warton cricket field is the only piece of real estate that the current Earl owns locally. He lives in North Yorkshire. The main railway line passes by to the east and play is suspended when an oncoming train is overheard in the distance. By contrast sheep graze contentedly behind the opposite end. The pavilion is long and spacious, car-parking plentiful. It is to be hoped that Warton CC survive the sad loss of club stalwart Colin Bolton last year, aged 88. A former player, captain, groundsman and official, he was, quite rightly, named ‘Mr Warton’ and oversaw the ground’s developments from rustic roots to one that hosted local cup finals and county youth matches. Gentleman like him come along once in a lifetime- if you’re lucky.

Westgate CC- founded 1936

Originally named 'Brook & Kershaws' and playing in the Lancaster and District League, the ground was then adjacent to Westcliffe Drive in the Westgate district of Morecambe. The club was re-named Westgate in 1939, moved to the present ground, Crosshill Park, in 1969-70 and transferred to Westmorland cricket in 1971. Westgate CC is the middle of three grounds located in close proximity, Torrisholme CC to the north, Bare CC to the south, opposite the Vale of Lune RU club on the other side of Powder House Lane.

Windermere CC- founded 1857

The Windermere club moved to Queen's Park Recreation Ground after the land had been purchased by the local council. The cricket ground was inaugurated by a Married v Single game in May 1899. Sharing their facilities with the town’s football club, the ground has superb views of distant Lakeland peaks. The directions to the ground, on one of the league’s excellent web sites, give a flavour to watching cricket in these parts: ‘To get to Queen’s Park, turn left off the A591 on to Thwaites Lane, the first opportunity as you come into the village approx 100yds before Windermere Hotel. Follow this road down past Lakeland outlet on right, under railway bridge and through housing estate until you reach a T junction (Droomer Drive). The Park is in front of you, but to get there turn left on Droomer and proceed about 100yds and find a small lane leading to a bridge over the beck and car park.’