March 19, 2024, 10:34 a.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.

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.

To set things in motion, WJ Edwards (Hon Sec) sent invitations to myself and other interested players to attend a practice match on the Bungay Road pitch (a different location to the current Bungay Road ground, as shown on the diagram).

 

 

 

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.

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.