After the Second World War for a short time the Club joined forces with near neighbour’s Erdington H.C. but in 1947 with many new members joining both Clubs the two Clubs again went their separate ways. The first Sutton President elected after the war was E. B. Crockford and in 1949 he was succeeded by Norman Sharp a member of the Club for the past 30 years who in his playing days had played for Warwickshire on a number of occasions and scored well over 300 goals in first class hockey.

In 1950 Sutton provided four players for the County X1, the Warwickshire Captain R.E. Wheatcroft, J. Wheatcroft, C. J. Forrester and J.F. Lester. R.E. Wheatcroft played sixteen times for Warwickshire and J.F. Wheatcroft who had a final England trial and played twice for the Midlands and represented Warwickshire on no less than 52 occasions which has only been exceeded by one other player.

SUTTON COLDFLIELD HOCKEY CLUB, CLUB RULES

1. That the Club be called "The Sutton Coldfield Hockey Club”.
2. That the playing colours of the club be red shirts, blue shorts, and red & white stockings. For all "away" matches all members shall wear white shirts.
3. That the Annual General Meeting be held within one month of the last match played in each season for the following purposes:

To receive a statement of the financial position of the club at the end of the season. Audited accounts must be laid before the members either at this meeting or at a subsequent meeting to be called before the beginning of the following season.
To receive the reports of the, various Officers of the club.
To elect from amongst its members a President and honorary officers for the ensuing season. All Officers shall retire annually but may be eligible for re-election.
To transact any other general business.

4. That an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Club shall be summoned by the Hon. Secretary at any time:

At the instance of the committee.
Upon the written request of not less than ten members of the Club.

5. That notices convening and quorums at meetings be as follows:

For General & Extraordinary General Meetings, seven clear days written notice to the members. Quorum 25% of the members.
For General Committee Meetings a clear 24 hours’ notice. Quorum 5 members of the committee. At all meetings and on all matters arising the decision of the majority present shall be binding, except that if no more than a quorum be present unanimity shall be essential. Notices of a meeting shall be deemed to be sufficiently served upon a member if sent to his last known address.

6. That the management of the club be entrusted to a committee elected annually by the members in General 'Meeting. The numbers and composition of such committee to be determined annually at the time of its election.
7. That the committee shall have full powers to act in any matters on behalf of the club, other than under rule 10.
8. That a selection committee be formed to select teams and shall consist of the team captains and vice-captains, or their nominees, and the Team Secretary.
9. That all committees of the club shall have power to co-opt other members at any time or to fill casual vacancies and that the General Committee may appoint sub-committees for specific purposes.
10. That the Annual Subscription be fixed at the Annual General Meeting for the ensuing year. Such subscription shall continue in force until altered by the club in general meeting.
11. That all subscriptions shall be paid prior to 31st December in each season, after which date; all unpaid subscriptions shall be reported to the selection committee and the defaulting member shall be liable, at the discretion of the selection committee, to be omitted from the selected teams until such subscriptions are paid.
12. That minutes be kept of all meetings other than those of the selection committee and that such minutes shall be open to inspection by the members at all reasonable times.
13. That New Members shall be proposed, seconded and duly elected at any meeting of the club or the General Committee and that resignations shall be similarly accepted.
14. Alteration of the rules shall be in the power only of a General Meeting of the members specially called, or of a resolution separately tabled at the Annual General Meeting, and of which seven days’ notice to members must have been given for and on behalf of the Sutton Coldfield Hockey Club.

R.E. Wheatcroft, Hon. Secretary
Dated 21st September 1949

Article on Hockey, Dated Wednesday 10th October 1951
Believed to been published in the Birmingham Post. - HOCKEY NOTES
Notable Club Jubilee by Our Correspondent

It is not often that the start of a season is so favorably blessed by the weather as has been the case this year. Club programmers began on pitches that were ideal; - neither too hard nor too wet; and this has been reflected in an encouraging, if somewhat flattering, general standard of play.
In the Midlands, the counties are already examining their potential strength in trial matches and there will be further trials during the next three weeks. Consideration of prospects at a representative level, must, however, yield in these first notes to the claims of a club.
Sutton Coldfield; one of the senior Warwickshire sides, this year celebrate their jubilee. Formal junketings to mark the anniversary have been eschewed in favour of a jubilee match at Rectory Park on Sunday in which the opponents will be the famous Bacchanalian. Sutton plan to make this a formidable occasion — there will be a brass hand before the bully-off at 3 p.m. — and the Bacchanalians, for whom the fixture represents the start of the season, are expected to field one of their strongest sides. It is to be regretted that early detailed records of the Sutton club have been lost and the only history now available dates from the minute-book of 1919. The club's first ground was on Meadow Platt, in Sutton Park, but the move to the present headquarters at Rectory Park was made as long ago as 1910.
Distinguished Members
Sutton can boast many distinguished names among its past membership none more illustrious than that of E. B. Crockford, who in captaining the club in the years immediately following the Great War started a remarkable series of successful seasons that lasted to 1939. Crockford played 15 matches for England, and older players still talk with an admiration approaching reverence of his remarkable stick-work and uncanny anticipation. Other international players who have been members of the club are Peter C. Petrie; Charles Anderson Fiddian Fiddian-Green; and Abel Sylvanus Jones.
Between the wars Sutton enjoyed a record that remains an inspiration to this day. In no season were more than six defeats suffered — and this at a period when standards were generally higher than they are to-day. From 1934 to 1936 only one match was lost and that by 1-0. The encounter Sutton remember with most pride, however, is the start-of-the-season match against Rugby in 1935-36. At half-time Rugby led 5-1 but a spectacular recovery earned Sutton a dramatic and unexpected victory. No further defeat was received in that, the most memorable season in the Club's history.

Three Elevens Weekly
The last war caused a great setback to Sutton as it did to most clubs throughout the country and rehabilitation has not been altogether easy. Fortunately, the club can count on a large and loyal membership and is now able to field three elevens regularly. Its prestige remains high. One of the leading members, R.E. Wheatcroft, was last season’s Warwickshire captain; his brother J.E. Wheatcroft played consistently at left-half and C. Forrester gained his place in the county side at full-back. This year the Club has a promising number of new members but can do with even more. Anyone interested should get in touch with the secretary, D. Smith at 27 Beacon Road, Sutton Coldfield.

1951 Club Photograph - Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

Back row L to R: - C. Wade; J. Wooton; J. Lester; J. Sanders; J. Whitehead; A. Griffin; T. Hickman; F. Wane, Umpire. Middle row L to R: - P. Ashcroft; N. Armstrong; G. Blyth; A. Soutar; W. Bartlam; H. Fawcus; K. Hallam; S. McMillan. Front row seated L to R: - L. Grove; P. Eades; C. Forrester; A. Skinner; J. Wheatcroft.

Sutton Coldfield Jubilee Match v the Bacchanalians
Sutton Coldfield 0. Bacchanalians 1.

Sutton proved worthy of the occasion in this match at Rectory Park yesterday to celebrate the Jubilee of the Club in October 1951 against the Bacchanalians, who fielded a side strong enough to represent the Midlands, and when their forwards broke away to score through Soutar in the first minute there seemed every prospect of a one-sided match. However, the visitors were unable to increase their lead and found difficulty in holding it in the second half was due largely to two factors. The Sutton defence, by swift and resolute tackling, effectively upset the rhythm of the opposing attack; on occasions when the defence proved fallible, the visitors showed inexplicable weaknesses in finishing.

Sutton's efforts to equalize grew more determined as the game lengthened, but their forwards could rarely get past Wootton, the England center half-back, whose cool efficiency and masterly anticipation proved of inestimable worth. In a final Sutton effort McMillan blocked a fierce shot from Lester and the umpire's whistle put an end to an interesting situation in which it appeared that the sides were about to form a set scrum in the Bacchanalians' goalmouth. The short corner hit was cleared and then came the final whistle.

In the impressive home defence Ashcroft, in the first half, and J. F. Wheatcroft, in the second, were outstanding.

Sutton Coldfield HC 1st Team v Bacchanalians 1951

Back Row L to R: - J. Whithead; J. Lester*; C. Blyth*; P. Ashcroft. Middle Row L to R: - T. Hickman*; J. Wheatcroft; C. Forrester, Captain; R. Wheatcroft*; L. Grove. Front Row L to R; - R. Bartlam; K. Hallam. *Warwickshire County Hockey Players

Bacchanailans Team was S. McMillan; T. N. Lamb; A. F. Skinner; W. Armstrong; J. C. Wootton; H. J. Fawcus; G. A. Griffin; P. F. Eades; J. Sanders; A. N. Soutar; C. T. Wade.

Diamond Jubilee Dinner. 1952

In March 1952 the Club celebrated its Diamond Jubilee with a dinner at the Boldmere Hotel with
Mr. R. (Bob) Wilkinson, later to become the Club’s President in 1957, proposing the toast to the Royal Town. Bob said that the standing of The Royal Town had been achieved not only by the work of people in the past, but also by the people who were running the town now. He thought that the town was as large as it should be and should not be allowed to expand any further. He also believed that industries should not be allowed to develop in the district. "The town would not benefit by it and would lose some of its charm. Sutton should be a place to live in and not work in." he declared.

Replying to the toast, the Mayor of Sutton Coldfield, Councillor A.G.B. Owen said Mr. Wilkinson disagreed with the Abercrombie report, which called for an increase in population up to 65.000 in the next 20 years. The Mayor went on further to say that he did not think the town would be static. The Minister of Housing & Local Government said that they had to build houses to accommodate its population. The Abercrombie report also stated that industrial development must also be allowed in Minworth, Mere Green and areas of Sutton Coldfield. Another difficulty facing the Council, the Mayor said, was the lack of playing grounds in the borough. He believed Sutton had more sporting organizations in ratio to its size than any other town in the country, and he assured the members that the Council had this problem "at heart." Mr. R. Copley (president of the Worcester Hockey Association), proposing the toast to the club, recalled many of the famous players who had played for Sutton Coldfield.

One strange fact about the club was that it had always produced a wealth of half-backs. He knew Sutton was a happy and sporting club because he had never experienced any difficulty in getting an umpire to come and take charge of one of their matches—which was a sure sign of the popularity of the club and the sportsmanship shown by players. Mr. C. J. Forester, club captain, replying, gave a brief outline of the club with. Norman Sharp, President proposed "The Guests," and Mr. Jack Cooper, captain of Erdington Hockey Club replying. Other players to play for Warwickshire during the last decade were D. Jones, R. S. Wilson, C. W. S. Chambers and J. H. Bell.

Hockey Teams Results 1947 to 1956

Results			1st Xl						2nd Xl						“A” Xl"
	P	W	D	L	F	A	P	W	D	L	F	A	P	W	D	L	F	A
1947–48	24	8	5	11	46	60	22	6	3	13	42	72
1948–49	27	13	5	9	62	62	23	5	5	13	34	73
1949–50	23	15	5	3	55	30	22	10	1	11	51	65
1950–51	22	7	7	8	48	42	20	12	1	7	53	44	14	5	0	9	49	59
1951-52	23	11	6	6	82	60	21	7	5	9	63	55	21	8	2	11	63	81
1952-53	21	9	3	9	48	36	22	11	3	8	53	50	21	7	3	11	49	64
1953-54	20	6	3	11	27	41	17	6	2	9	36	51	20	6	2	12	39	75
1954-55	12	2	3	7	16	29	16	6	4	6	47	43	15	5	0	10	25	47
1955-56	21	8	1	12	42	58	19	12	3	4	46	24	19	6	3	10	43	73

1956 Sutton Men’s & Ladies Hockey inter Gender Games
Two Sutton Coldfield News photographs taken in 1956

The Men’s team having won an intersection game 6 – 1

The players in the annual social hockey game between the Sutton Coldfield Men’s and the Ladies teams, which was described as vigorous but friendly and played in Rectory Park.

The Saturday Sports Argus Report 1955-56 Season

Terry Podesta wrote this article in the Saturday Sports Argus, at the end of the 1955-56 season.

What more pleasant than a success story to end my season's notes?
Over at Sutton a spirit of exceptional keenness pervades the club. At first almost imperceptible, it gathered strength as the season advanced. I suspect the record-breaking run of the second team did much to stimulate this growth.

Under Lawton Copley, with 16 wins and only one loss in 20 games, they have bettered all their post-war predecessors. Inevitably competition for first team places sharpened dramatic, ally. At the same time, junior team men went all out to show they were worth being in the seconds. Indeed, the club handicap tournament was won by the thirds!

To prove my point that every player is keen, look at this: recently one weekend, Sutton fielded six teams. Of the 66 men selected, only one cried off —and he was ill.
Incidentally, the Sunday side have set an all-time club record for that team, returning figures: - P.12, W.7, D.3, L.2, goals for 33, against 20.

Another strong suit of the club is in providing umpires. two of whom are vice-president Ted Beatson and former long service goalkeeper Gordon Blyth.

Sutton Coldfield 2nd Team was un-defeated this season, have now set up a record for their club with their 2-1 win over Stourport means they have gained 15 victories; no Sutton 2nd team have ever won that many games.
Their record reads: - P19. W15. D4. Goals for 50 against 12.

Sutton Coldfield Hockey Club held its first club tournament at Rectory Park on Saturday and, as is usual in this type of meeting, it produced its surprise results. The tournament consisted of games between all four teams with a handicap to the higher teams of one goal to each successive lower team.

The result was a win for the club third eleven, who not only won the handicap but beat the first eleven without the handicap. The 2nd eleven were runners up. The tournament must be regarded as a success and will become a regular fixture in years to come.

4th Team Formed in 1958-59 Season

In the 1958/59 season the Club formed a 4th team with a full published fixture list

Our 2nd Olympian Dr. John Bell

In addition to his appearances for Warwickshire, John Bell also played for England `B" and 5 times for the Midlands.

However, his outstanding ability as a player meant that he was selected go to the 1960 Rome Olympics although still in the Army Medical Core as a Doctor with the rank of Lieutenant on National Service.

John played in two of the games 1st round qualifying matches, against Belgium which resulted in a drawn game 0 – 0 and in his second game in the Olympic Velodrome Great Britain beat Switzerland 3 – 0. As Great Britain’s opening game had been a 0 – 0 draw against Spain they were runner up in Group D to Spain and advanced to the quarter-final beating Kenya 2 – 0, a game John was rested.

However, John played his 3rd game for Great Britain against India in the semi-final, losing 1 – 0. Great Britain had an opportunity to finish 3rd in a play-off game against Spain, which they lost 2 – 0 although John was not included in the team.

John shared an honor in in playing in an Olympic Games with that of the late E. B. Crockford who represented Great Britain and Ireland in the Olympic Games of 1920 in Antwerp.

Lawton Copley for the Men’s sharing a bully off against an unidentified lady in the annual game.

Michael Hurd

I had an interview with Mick Hurd, who like me, went to the Sacred Heart College in Droitwich and was in the same school years as my older cousin, John O’Brien Bell. Mick said that he joined the Sutton Coldfield Hockey club in 1957 and probably stopped playing about 10 years later.

In an interview with Mick he said that his brother in law, Hughie Middleton had been playing at the Sutton Coldfield Hockey Club for some time and that Hughie introduced him to the club. I think said Mick, at that time if you were a bit old in age and on the way down you played in the 4th team.; although I did however get to play in the 2nd team for a few years.

Mick went on to say that he was fortunate one season to play with John Bell who had played in the Rome Olympics. He was in the Doctor in the Army and could only get home alternative weekend and elected not to play on and off hockey in the 1st team

John played at center half behind me at center forward, with the result that I scored more goals that year than ever. Remember we played on rough grass but he could bring the ball down under control from anywhere within arm’s reach. Great talent!

One memorable game was at Wolverhampton old airport. It snowed heavily in the second half and our fronts were all plastered with snow and our backs were clear. We were quite hardy and played through all weathers in those days.

Long time ago so my memory is a little blank now. Thanks Mick, for your memory of a decade playing with the SCHC.

Extracts from the reports presented by the Officers of the Club at the
Annual General Meeting held 11th April 1960

Honorary Treasurer's Report.
The Treasurer presented a statement giving an estimate of the present financial position of the Club and pointed out the difficulty in giving an accurate estimate only ten days after the end of the season. The audited accounts would of course be presented at the Extraordinary General Meeting in September.

At the date of the report the cash in hand and at the bank amounted to £175. 9. 4. but out of this a number of accounts had to be paid before the beginning of next season.

The Treasurer estimated that the accounts for the year would show a balance in hand of approximately £99.

The Treasurer stated that he considered that the time had come when the Club's finances should be put on a sounder footing as expenditure exceeds income every year by about £40-£50 and the wolf is kept from the door only by such activities as dances and jumble sales. For these activities to be a financial success they need the support of all members but unfortunately this was not the case and the burden usually fell on 20-30 loyal members and vice presidents.

The Treasurer said that another £40-£50 a season could be raised by three methods: -

(a) Increase in the number of Vice Presidents

(b) Increase subscriptions by 50%

(c) Increase Match Levy.

He asked the meeting to seriously consider these points.

N.B. The meeting decided to leave the question of increased subscription and match levy to the General Committee for them to consider during the summer and if they thought fit to bring forward at the Extraordinary General Meeting in September.

Honorary Secretary's Report
The Secretary reported that the Pavilion had been used for teas throughout the season and he thought that Saturday afternoons had been all the more enjoyable because of it.

Relations with the Cricket Club had been very good and their committee had done everything possible to assist the Hockey Club during the past season.

The Midland Counties Umpires Association was very short of umpires and the Secretary asked members who knew of former players who would be willing to take up umpiring seriously to get in touch with the Secretary.

The present playing membership stood at 69 of which 6 were service members and a further 5 were not regularly available for selection. The Vice Presidents numbered 36.

1st. XI Captains Report
From a results point of view the season had not been particularly successful but it had however been an enjoyable one and he did not think the Club had any real cause for alarm.

The results were Played 23 Won 5 Drawn 9 Lost 9 Scored 45 goals and conceded 55 goals. This compared quite favorably with last year’s results.

The 1st XI Captain thought that the outstanding factor in these results was the exceptionally high number of drawn games. Whilst the team was lucky on some occasions to draw it is fair to say that in the majority of cases if half the chances presented in the opponent’s circle which could easily have been converted had been accepted the drawn games would have resulted in a win.

He considered that the Club should very seriously consider pre-& post-match discussions on games as he was of the opinion that this was the only way to improve our game and correct our failings.

2nd XI Captains Report
The resu1ts were Played 23; Won 12; Lost 7; Drawn 4; Goals For 60 - Against 29.

The Second XI had a very enjoyable season. Starting slowly, they became quite successful but finished the season by losing the last four games out of the last six games.

A number of new members joined the 2nd Xl during the season and proved themselves very capable on the field and good club members also.

The Second XI Captain expressed his appreciation to the Groundsman for his work on the ground and to "Sam" for his voluntary help in running the bar.

3rd XI Captains Report
It was decided last season to make the 3rd XI a training ground for up-and-coming younger members and at the end of the season the question must be asked whether the experiment was successful and worth repeating. He thought the answers were "partly" and "yes" respectively.

Why was the experiment not more successful? He thought there were a number of reasons:
(a) An initial lack of enthusiasm in possible “prospects.”
(b) A lack of sufficient young players of reasonable potential so that it became necessary to include a higher proportion of "old lags" than was originally visualized.

(c) The continued feeling that dropping from 2nd XI to 4th XI was more significant than dropping to the 3rd XI.

He thought it was true to say that the enthusiasm and willingness to learn had steadily increased and some quite good hockey was played towards the end of the season. Younger players have got to realize however that it will take them many years to learn the game if they do no more than play it for 70 minutes a week. Reading books will help but practice on the lawn at home and in the park is particularly necessary in order that ball control can be improved.

The experiment is definitely worth while continuing. We have made a little progress in the right direction this year and another year or two of the same policy would he was convinced bear fruit.

Results do not particularly matter in the light of what is being attempted but for the record book Played 20; Won 8; Lost 11; Drawn 1; Goals For 46 & Against 54

4th XI Captains Report
During the season which has just drawn to a close the team played a total of 20 matches a further 7 being cancelled, either owing to the ground being unfit or to the inability of the opposition to raise a side. At no time was the 4th XI in that unfortunate state. Indeed, competition to secure a place in the 4th XI was so fierce that during the season no fewer than 30 players were selected to represent the side.

The 4th XI has accordingly well and truly taken the place of the old 3rd XI as was intended at least in part at the beginning of the season. In only its second full season the 4th XI has clearly justified its existence and is now an integral part of the club. To his mind that was far more important than bare statistics.

However, for the record books. Played 20; Won 4; Lost 12; Goals For 49 and Against 74.
When considering these results, it must be remembered that the same eleven players were never played in successive matches. This was particularly true of goalkeepers as no fewer than 11 played in this position hardly any of whom laid thereon real claims to fame.

What of the future? Both on and off the field the team has acquitted themselves and performed pretty well. He felt sure that this could be maintained next season but thought there was a definite need for more members in the club. The 4th XI Captain offered his thanks to the people who had umpired matches throughout the season and in particular to the Club's President Bob Wilkinson.

Other personalities in the late 1950’s and 60’s with the Club were G. G. Needham who has been a playing member for over 35 years and deals so efficiently with the Clubs equipment and Terry Hickman many years a first team player then Captain of both the Second and Third Elevens and for the past eight years Fixture Secretary. To him must be given most of the credit for the very strong fixture list of the Club.

A Circular between the BCHUA Secretary and Midland Hockey Clubs Regarding the need for Umpires

Friday, February 10th 1961 at 7.30 p.m.
Hope & Anchor Hotel, Edmund Street, Birmingham.

Dear Sir,

On this date there will be the second meeting of the clubs with the committee of this Association.

You will recall the resolution passed unanimously by the clubs present on that occasion, namely:

"Each Club to produce two players who would be prepared to take three or four matches per season. If it would help them at first to gain confidence, these players could umpire their games together. This Association would give advice and instructions in umpiring."

Some clubs have acted on that resolution, others have passed their observations, for which we thank you.

If your club has not already done so, please do it AT ONCE.

Your club is invited to send two members, one to be an officer of the club, to this meeting. To be a success we must have YOUR FULL SUPPORT.

Refreshments will be available at the usual prices.

Please complete the tear-off slip below and return to the Hon. Secretary by February 3rd 1961, to enable final arrangements to be made.

Yours faithfully,
J.J.V. ROBINSON.

Sutton Coldfield Hockey Club’s Lengthy Reply

8th December 1960

Dear Mr. Robinson

I am writing to you on the instructions of my Club's committee to give you our views on the proposals which were put forward at the Meeting held on the 11th November at the Hope & Anchor Hotel, Edmund Street, with regard to the provision by the Clubs of umpires to officiate at matches allocated to them by the Umpires Association.

At the outset I would like to make it quite clear that my Club is only too willing to assist in every way possible towards the success of any scheme which the Umpires Association and the majority of the Clubs in this area consider would further the enjoyment of hockey, but my committee feel very strongly that the provision of umpires by a club to officiate at matches other than matches played by that club is not a satisfactory solution to the very difficult problem of shortage of umpires.

Very many clubs in the Midlands are now running four sides each Saturday and at least one side on Sundays and I think that you would agree that it is just as important for the 3rd and 4th Xl games to be well controlled as it is for the 1st, and 2nd Xl games.

At most the Umpires Association could only hope to provide two umpires for 1st and 2nd Xl games and the clubs themselves would have to provide, as they do at present, umpires for the other games. If as now suggested the clubs provide a pool of umpires upon which the Umpires Association can draw, when necessary, at best it would mean that two umpires could be guaranteed for each 1st and 2nd Xl fixture. My club feels that it would be far more satisfactory for the clubs to provide the umpires for their own games when official umpires of the association are not available rather than for umpires to be provided by other clubs.

On the present number of umpires the association cannot guarantee even 1 umpire for all 2nd Xl matches and, in the circumstances, we would suggest that the Umpires Association only makes itself responsible for 1st Xl games and that the clubs provide the umpires for their own 2nd 3rd and 4th Xl games. The home team would provide one umpire and the visiting team would provide the other umpire for each game. We are told by other teams we play outside the Birmingham area that this system works very well in their areas and also in lady’s hockey both in this and other areas and we can see no reason why it should not be satisfactory in connection with men’s hockey in this area.

In every club there are a number of players who would willingly give up a Saturday afternoon playing hockey in order to umpire either home or away provided they were able to join in the after match social activities with members of their own club. We feel, however, that the majority of playing members of a club who have paid a playing member’s subscription would not take kindly to being asked to umpire games between other clubs.

So far as this club is concerned a list of some 16 players capable and willing to umpire matches has been compiled and these players take it in turn to umpire the 3rd and 4th Xl games and the 2nd Xl games when no Association umpire is available. This has turned out to be very satisfactory and simplified a number of administrative difficulties such as an umpire having to withdraw at the last moment and in the event of the match being cancelled at the Club's Team Secretary always knows where to contact the person concerned or vice versa.
For a scheme such as we suggest to be a success it would, of course, have to have the approval of all the other clubs but we do feel that if it could be agreed that each club should provide Xl players and 1 umpire for each of its 2nd and 4th team matches the present problems which have arisen owing to the shortage of official umpires could be overcome.

We would not like it thought for one moment that in putting forward this suggestion my club is in any way criticizing the Umpires Association or its members who for very many years have so very capably carried out what is very often a thankless task and without whom our hockey would have been far less enjoyable. The ideal situation would be if two independent experienced umpires appointed by the Association could be guaranteed for every game but this is obviously not possible and, in the circumstances, we are of the opinion that the only practical solution is for the 1st Xl to have the benefit of two experienced umpires appointed by your Association and for the umpires for the other teams to be provided by the clubs concerned.

As I said at the beginning of this letter if your Association and the majority of the Clubs do not consider that the suggestions contained in this letter are practicable or offer the best solution to the problem and decide to implement the proposals put forward at the Meeting on the 11th November or indeed decide to adopt any other scheme my club will co-operate to the fullest extent.

Yours sincerely,
J. J. V. Robinson Esq.
187 Quinton Road,
Harborne,
Birmingham 17.

Copy to: The Hon. Secretary, Warwickshire County Hockey Association.

1961-62 Season

In 1961/62 season the Club, now in its septennial year had well over 70 playing members and regularly runs four sides ever Saturday and sometimes five, with regular Sunday fixtures for 17 games under the captaincy of Roger Coombs. The strength of any Club is determined by its spirit and the strength of its reserves and in these two factors the Club has always been most fortunate.

To mark the first part of the Club’s Septennial Season the Sutton Coldfield 1st Xl played a match against the Warwickshire President Invitation Xl at Rectory Park on Sunday 19th November 1961 with a 2.30 pm Bully Off. Both teams included a number of prominent International, Midland and Warwickshire hockey players. The program for the game showed that the SCHC was formed in 1891 and since 1910 had provided two Great Britain Olympic Games players and one member had also played for England. 12 members had played for the Midlands and 52 members had played for Warwickshire1st Xl. The umpires were J.J.V. Robinson and J.B. Handley (SCHUA)

Sutton team was G. Blyth; R. Coombs; W. Bartlam; J.F. Lester Captain (Warwickshire); J.H. Bell (Great Britain, Olympian 1960 Midlands & Warwickshire); J. Dixon; B. Ingham; D. Jones (Warwickshire & Worcestershire); C.W. Chambers (Warwickshire); C. Perry (Essex); N. Houghton.

Sutton Coldfield Hockey Club 1st team in the 1960-61 Season,

The above team may not have been the players who played in the Club’s Septennial game

The Presidents Xl was H. Cahill (Great Britain, N Ireland, Warwickshire and Coventry & N.W.); H. Hilton (Warwickshire & Old Silhillians); K. Foster (Warwickshire & Old Silhillians); R.L. Lloyd (Warwickshire & Edgbaston); O.C. Darby (Warwickshire & Edgbaston); J.F. Wheatcroft Captain (Midlands, Warwickshire, & Sutton Coldfield) ; M.C.L. Hallows (Warwickshire & Edgbaston); M.A.G. Spencer (Warwickshire & Fort Dunlop); J.A. Johnson (Warwickshire & Old Silhillians); P.F. Lettington (Warwickshire & Edgbaston); G.L. Benson (Warwickshire & Harborne).

Umpires: - J.J.W. Robinson and J.B. Hanley (BCHUA)

Footnote from the match program referred to: - The first Midland County Match was Warwickshire v Worcestershire in 1896 when Sutton Coldfield HC provided the captain of the Warwickshire team and four other players. The Captain of the Presidents Xl in this afternoon game was John Wheatcroft, himself a former skipper of the Sutton Coldfield Club who has played 56 times for Warwickshire and is only exceeded by one other player.

The President of the Club is R. M. (Bob) Wilkinson, an active player for many years and an able administrator for both the Club and the County Association. The First Eleven Captain is John Lester who has been with the Club since 1948.

A small 4-page booklet 8.5cm x 13cm, was produced on the history of the Club over 70 years.

Sutton Coldfield Hockey Club
70th Anniversary
1891 1961

The Club was formed in 1891 the fourth club to be born in the Midlands. The first games were played in Sutton Park but in 1895 the Club moved to Four Oaks Park where on a better surface the play improved. In 1898 the Club returned to Sutton Park where they played on the Meadow Platt a good ground when dry but deplorable when wet. Forward play deteriorated whilst defences tended to become more robust.

It is believed that official, County Associations were not formed until 1904 though County matches were played from 1896 when five Sutton players represented Warwickshire in their first County fixture. They were Rev. A. Morley (Full back and first Captain of Warwickshire), S. Foster (Goal), Rev. A. E. R. Bedford, A. V. Jerome and G. Parkes (Forwards). Warwickshire won by 5 goals to 2.

In 1910 the Club moved again this time to the quiet and pleasant surroundings of the cricket ground at Rectory Park where the Club has been ever since. The better surface of the new ground encouraged a higher standard of stick play and by 1913 the Club was recognized throughout the Midlands for its skilful hockey. Representing the First Eleven in those days were players of such calibre as E. B. Crockford (England Midlands and Warwickshire), L. C. Crockford and R. M. Evans (both Midlands and Warwickshire) and W. G. Denston and W. Pollock (both Warwickshire).

S. A. Taylor the Club President died in about the year 1914. He had held office since the Club was formed and he must be given a large measure of credit for the pioneer work in the early days.

After the first World War R. S. (Bertie) Walters was elected President and having been a member of the Club since 1893 was one of the outstanding personalities and workers for the game. He rendered fine service to Warwickshire and the Midlands as an administrator and became a Vice-President of the Hockey Association.

During the fifteen years following the war many Sutton players obtained representative honours and the Club consistently won very many more games than it lost. During the period 1921-1930 E. B. Crock-ford and P. C. Petrie played for England and the Midlands and in addition R. M. Evans, L. C. Crock-ford, N. Sharp, L. R. Martin, C. Ellis, R. F. Bennett, G. H. Shaw, C. E. Francis, V. A. Eastwood, L. Wood, R. H. Dickinson, D. G. Foster, D. H. Shaw and H. Hall all played for Warwickshire.

A formidable array of talent but without doubt the greatest exponent of the game in the Clubs history was E. B. (Tom) Crockford. He played for England fourteen times between 1911 and 1922 and would undoubtedly have received many more caps but for the intervention of the war period throughout which he served his country with distinction.

The seasons 1934-1935 and 1935-1936 were the best in the Club history from the point of view of results and during these years the Club won 41 matches, drew 7 and lost only 1. Scoring 204 goals against 68 by their opponents.

During the period 1930 to 1939 R. F. Barnes and D. H. Shaw played for the Midlands and in addition R. H. Dickinson, R. H. Sutton, G. I. Richardson, W. K. Wyatt, L. G. Robinson, P. I. Terry, C. W. Mann, W. S. Hurd and A. F. T. White played for Warwickshire.

After the second world war for a short time the Club joined forces with near neighbours, Erdington, but in 1947 with many new members joining both Clubs the two Clubs again went their separate ways. The first Sutton President elected after the war was E. B. Crockford and in 1949 he was succeeded by Norman Sharp a member of the Club for the past 30 years who in his playing days had played for Warwickshire on a number of occasions and scored well over 300 goals in first class hockey.

In 1950 Sutton provided four players for the County XI, the Warwickshire Captain R. E. Wheatcroft, J. Wheatcroft, C. J. Forrester and J. F. Lester. R. E. Wheatcroft played sixteen times for Warwickshire and J. F. Wheatcroft who had a final England trial and played twice for the Midlands and represented Warwickshire on no less than 52 occasions which has only been exceeded by one other player.

Other players to play for Warwickshire during the last decade are D. Jones, R. S. Wilson, C. W. S. Chambers and J. H. Bell. In addition to his appearances for Warwickshire John Bell has played for England "B" and 5 times for the Midlands. He also represented Great Britain in the last Olympic Games, an honour which he shares with the late E. B. Crockford who represented Great Britain in the Olympic Games of 1920. Other personalities still with the Club at the present time are G. G. Needham who has been a playing member for over 35 years and deals so efficiently with the Clubs equipment `and Terry Hickman many years a first team player then Captain of both the Second and Third Elevens and for the past eight years Fixture Secretary. To him must be given most of the credit for the very strong fixture list of the Club.

At the present time the Club has over 70 playing members and regularly runs four sides ever Saturday and sometimes five. The strength of any Club is determined by its spirit and the strength of its reserves
and in these two factors the Club has always been most fortunate. All four sides have been doing well this season the 70th anniversary of the Club's formation and up to the time of writing this article the Second Eleven are unbeaten and the Third Eleven have only lost once.

The President of the Club is R. M. (Bob) Wilkinson, an active player for many years and an able administrator for both the Club and the County Association. The First Eleven Captain is John Lester who has been with the Club since 1948.

During the 70 years of the Club's existence two member has played for England, two for Great Britain, twelve for the Midlands and no less than fifty-two for the Warwickshire First Eleven.

Of necessity this article deals mainly with the history of the Club and its members who have been awarded representative honours but the ordinary members should never be forgotten. The strength of the Sutton Coldfield Hockey Club, as of any other, depends so very much on the committee and members whose praises so often remain unsung.

In closing we would like to express our grateful thanks to the Hockey correspondent David Morgan who over a period of a number of years has compiled a record of the Club's players who have been awarded representative honours which has been incorporated in the history of the Club which has been prepared by Norman Sharp and which will be kept and added to by future generations of the club's Secretaries.

Without David Morgan's assistance a number of the statistics with regard to the earlier results and players would have been lost forever and the Club is indeed grateful to him.

Hockey Teams Results 1956 to 1962

Results			1st Xl						2nd Xl						3rd Xl
	P	W	D	L	F	A	P	W	D	L	F	A	P	W	D	L	F	A
1956–57	22	8	2	10	42	46
1957–58	23	17	0	6	64	33	23	14	2	7	66	27	22	5	3	14	38	73
1958–59	22	10	1	11	51	53	23	8	3	12	33	47	17	4	3	10	33	55
1959–60	23	5	9	9	47	55	23	12	4	7	60	29	20	8	1	11	46	54
1960-61	19	2	2	15	24	67	22	13	2	7	57	38	20	8	3	9	43	48
1961-62	24	13	4	7	60	48	23	13	4	6	57	29	23	14	2	7	72	41

Sutton Coldfield H.C. 1st Team 1964 – 65 Season

Introducing Sutton Coldfield Hockey Club’s 1st Team, who are enjoying another successful season at Rectory Park, under the captaincy of G. Hanson. Roger Coombs and Neil Houghton, two well-known Sutton cricketers, are regular members of the team and also in the above picture are T. Jones, M. Barnes, W. Bartlam, J. Dixon, L. Copley, D. Smith, L. Wilkes and B. Ingham.

Rosebuds are the Pride of Sutton Coldfield HC

Terry Podesta writing in the Argus’ addition of Saturday 15th February 1964

Outside the elite of club first elevens - where, of course, Cannock still reign supreme

As far as my records show, the palm goes to Sutton 2nd Team, led now by former club captain Lawton Copley, son of the famous Harold Copley.
Their full figures are: - P.13, W.12, D.3, L.0, goals for 43, against 9.

Obviously, these figures argue a strong defence, and here the team have been fortunate. They have, with one exception — left half Mike Bradley ' lost' to the first eleven — remained virtually unchanged throughout the season.

Equally obviously, with an average of almost three goals a match, the forwards can shoot effectively. The most regular contributors have been John Goring and David Jones, but all the forwards, despite many changes during the year, can and do score—as Erdington 2nd found last Saturday. Sutton won 7-0, the goals being distributed along their entire line. Which have been their best games to-date?

I understand that the two outstanding ones were their 0-0 draw with Kidderminster 2nd and a very hard earned 2-1 victory over Nottingham 2nd.

Latest Sutton venture, by the way, is the formation of a junior team, the Rosebuds. the name being taken from the club's Tudor rose badge.

Sutton Coldfield H.C. 2nd Team 1964 – 65 Season

In the spotlight this week, is Sutton Coldfield Hockey Club’s 2nd Team who scored a 2 – 0 triumph over the 1st Team in the club tournament at Rectory Park on Saturday. Standing from left to right are, R. Newton, J. Goring, I. Mason, G. Patterson, C. Fisk, and C. Cutler. Seated: K. Ivins, B. Jones, L. Copley (captain) W. Cardall (vice-captain) and R. Simpson.

Team Selection

The team selection in the Sutton Coldfield News for a Saturday 4th March 1967.

Sutton Coldfield 1st: Mason, Barnes, Bartlam, Dixon, Copley, Paterson, Houghton, Wade, Snellus, Hanson, Cutler.

Sutton Coldfield 2nds: Goring, Coombes, Fisk, Simpson, Cardall, Bradley, Seward, Jones, Wilkes, Day, Allen.

Sutton Coldfield 3rds: Needham, Weatherby, Wheeldon, Wearmouth, Toogood, Phipps, Ivens, Hanson, Marden, Owen, Grove.

Sutton Coldfield 4ths: Merriman, Vause, Ford, Dixon, Waters (A), Collins, Middleton,

Review of the 1960’s

During the 70 years of the Club's existence one member has played for England, two for Great Britain, twelve for the Midlands and no less than fifty-two for the Warwickshire First Eleven. Not a bad record.

Of necessity this article deals mainly with the history of the Club and its members who have been awarded representative honours but the ordinary members should never be forgotten. The strength of the Sutton Coldfield Hockey Club, as of any other, depends so very much on the committee and members whose praises so often remain unsung.

In closing The Club would like to express its grateful thanks to the Hockey correspondent, David Morgan who over a period in the Club’s early years compiled many of the early record of the Club's players who have been awarded representative honours which has been incorporated in the history of the Club which has been prepared initially by Norman Sharp and latterly by Peter Bell, which will be kept and added to by future generations of the club's Secretaries. However, without David Morgan's assistance a number of the statistics with regard to the earlier results and players would have been lost forever and the Club is indeed grateful to him.

In 1966, as part of the Club celebrating its 75th Anniversary the President’s Xl played the 1st Team Xl on the 27th November in Rectory Park.

Sutton Coldfield Hockey Club

5. SCHC Ladies 1s v Ben Rhydding L1s 07.10.23

SCHC L1s v Ben Rhydding 07.10.23

SCHC L1s v Ben Rhydding 07.10.23 (TS)