Dec. 20, 2024, 8:24 p.m.
Eric Ladbrooke has kindly written a summary of his memories at the Club from the beginning of the re-formation of Hempnall FC after the War.
Interview and picture by T Shurmer, October 2014
Many thanks to Eric Ladbrooke for taking the time to have a chat and compile the information.
Several match reports from the league winning seasons
Final 'Depwade' league table for 1954/1955 season
Eric Ladbrooke: Memories of Hempnall FC from 1945 to 1955
The Club re-started in September 1945, just after the end of the second World War.
The original invitation card sent to Eric in 1945
The original pitch was a few hundred metres along the Bungay Road toward Alburgh Road
A team was selected to play in the first match, away to Long Stratton in the City Junior League on 29th September 1945.
From 1947, I was mainly involved with the Reserve Team.
Medal received as Champions 1953/1954 of D2 Depwade and District League
Champions medal 1954/1955 presented to Eric
During the next years, the team completed successfully, finally winning the 2nd Division of the Depwade and District League in both the 1953/1954, and 1954/1955 seasons.
The Reserve winning team was:
P Emms
F Matthews B Harris
M Jacobs E Ladbrooke (Capt) M Emms
N Day H Tweeddale M Warnes G Whiting R Moore
Leading goalscorers: R Moore - 18; H Tweeddale - 16; M Warnes - 15
Other players used occasionally were R Dye; M Dye; W Matthews; R Youngman; W Leathersich (Goalkeeper)
I remember that the entire team cycled for one of the first away friendly matches at Bedingham, though for matches after that, Cunningham's bus was used.
To help with team expenses, the Club arranged dances in the Nelson Public House on Saturday nights, and they were usually well attended.