A brief pen-pictures of a number of the personalities who have been associated with the Club during the first sixty years are the subject of this chapter. Whilst the dates given are not always necessarily strictly accurate, they are considered to be a fair approximation. The prefixes indicate:

A. Period of Playing Membership.

B. Total Period of Membership, as Player and a V.P., etc.

C. Total Period of Membership, as a Vice President only.

HLM Hon Life Membership.

HVP Hon Life Vice President.

Allen F.J. (A.1937 - 49. B.1937 - 61).
Frank Allen's best years as a player were lost in the service of his country during the Second World War. Strong and well-built he was a tower of strength to the 2nd Xl whom he captained in 1938/39, and after the cessation of hostilities he took over the duties of Team Secretary.

Barnes R.N. (A.19O3 -14. B.1900 - 47).
A sound full back in the days when the club played on the Meadow Platt, Bob Barnes rendered good service to the club over a long period and honoured the Seventieth Anniversary Dinner with his presence.

Barnes R.F. (A. 1930 - 39. B. 1930 - 71).
A product of Bromsgrove School, Frank, son of the above, very quickly made a name for himself. His skillful play at the back soon earned him a place in the Warwickshire side and for the Midlands, and shortly before the outbreak of' the war he played in the final England Trial, and but for the intervention of the war must surely have eventually gained an England cap. A popular and modest character he rendered loyal service to the club as both captain and administrator. He was also a good cricketer with Sutton Coldfield Cricket Club.

Beardshaw F.H. (A. 1922 - 28. B. 1922 - 48).
He was more or less a veteran when first taking up the game, but, with his keen eye for ball games, he very quickly adapter himself to the game and skillfully skippered the 2nd and 3rd teams.

Bedford A.E.R. (A. 1891 – 98).
A founder member of the club, and son of the Rev Canon W.K. Riland Bedford, the founder of the Sutton Coldfield Cricket Club in 1847, played hockey as a forward and was a member of the first Warwickshire team in 1896

Collins S.D. (A. 1929 - 36. B. 1929 - 71).
Though not attaining high recognition as a player Dawson Collins was a useful back and acted as Team Secretary for a period.

Corbett R.J. (A. 1946 - 56. B 1946 - ).
Jim Corbett, always a loyal member, was on Hon Treasurer for eight years.

Crockford E.B. (A. 1908 – 28. B. 1908 - 53. President 1946 – 49. HLM 1938 - 58).
Undoubtedly the finest exponent of the game ever to represent the club, “Tommy” (as he was known as) Crockford excelled at all sports in which he participated.

At hockey, his neat and deft stick-work together with his instinctive and almost uncanny sense of anticipation seemed to imbue him with a sixth sense, unknown to others. He never appeared hurried and was, invariably, in the right place the right time to intercept, and his own distribution of the ball was always well timed and expertly executed. At right half for England in the days of those great exponents Edgar W. Page, S.H. Shaveller (the prince of center forwards), Sammy Saville, Arthur Leighton, etc., he was “capped” fourteen times for England, and but for the 1914 – 18 war, would undoubtedly have had more. He did however play 4 times for Great Britain and Ireland and won a Gold Medal in the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp. However, for Sutton and Warwickshire he played mostly at center half, but towards his latter days at inside left. At cricket, he was a fine batsman and bowler who also represented the county.

He was amateur champion of the Midlands at Billiards and Snooker, a fine tennis player, and, in fact, an extremely skillful, exponent of every sport in which he took part. The writer was privileged to play alongside him for several years, and the experience undoubtedly proved highly beneficial to him as it did to others. “Tommy” Crockford was elected a Hon Life Member in 1938, and became President in 1946.

Crockford L C. (A. 1908 - 21).
Though not in the same class as his younger brother, Leslie Crockford was, nevertheless, a fine player in his own right. At inside left he played for Sutton and represented both Warwickshire and the Midlands in that position and scored many goals. Incidentally, on the reconstruction of the Territorial Army after the Great War, he rejoined his old unit and resumed command of his former company, he had served before the War.

He was promoted to the substantive rank of major on Jan. 19th, 1921, and awarded the Territorial Decoration in 1924, to add to his Military Cross awarded at the Somme & and later in Italy campaign he was awarded the Italian Military Cross (Croce de Guerra). He retired after 25 years with the Territorials as commander of the 6th Battalion, The Royal Warwickshire Regiment as their Colonel.

Cutler K.P. (A. 1934-39. B. 1934 - ).
Peter Cutler served the 2nd Xl well as both player and captain, and maintained a loyal and keen interest in the club for a long period.

Denston W.J. (A. 1905 - 14. B. 1905 - 25).
Billy Denston was a sound full back both for Sutton and Warwickshire in the days preceding the First World War.

Dickinson R.H. (A. 1921 - 39. B. 1921 - 53).
After completing his studies at Birmingham University, for whom he was an outstanding member of the team,
“Dicky” joined Sutton firstly as a half back. A clever stick player he invariably acquitted himself well both as a full back and half back for almost twenty years with the 1st Xl, as well as for a long period with the county side, and he also played with the Bacchanialians as one of their leading members. Though residing in Leamington, and later Kenilworth, he maintained his loyalty to Sutton as a player and administrator and captain throughout his long connection with the game.

Eastwood V.A. (A. 1922 - 28).
A goalkeeper of considerable skill who played for the county, but regrettably met with an early death on being tragically killed in motor accident on Boot Hill.

Eldred D.P. (A.1926 - 38).
Douglas Eldred, though not a goalkeeper in the higher grade, rendered excellent service to both the 1st and 2nd elevens for quite a long period, and was a member of the 1934/35 side which suffered only the one defeat.

Ellis C. (A. 1924 - 31).
Before becoming a member of Sutton, Charlie Ellis played for as mixed team and was reported to have scored more than a hundred goals in a season from his own stick. Though this has not been confirmed such a feat would appear to be quite probable in view of his subsequent success as a center forward for Sutton, for whom, in one season, he netted more than fifty goals.

As a midfield player he was not particularly outstanding, but, given the ball in the circle, he was deadly. Though inclined to be individually selfish nobody can blame him when the side benefited so much from his skill. In travelling to away fixtures he invariably wore his bowler hat and yellow wash leather gloves, and was frequently the victim of many practical jokes by his team mates.

Evans R. Marsh. (A. 1908 - 24. B. 1908 - ).
Writing these words in 1975 Bob Evans had been a member for sixty-seven years, and is the longest serving member. A big friend of the Crockfords’ he joined at the same time. During his playing career he was a clever outside left for Sutton and Warwickshire and scored a lot of goals and was a useful left arm bowler at cricket.

Fidia-Green C A F (A. 1921 - 22).
Though only an occasional player for the club during the University vacations. Charles Fidia-Green was a fine full back for Cambridge University, the East, and England. After a period of playing cricket for Warwickshire he later went to Malvern College as sports-master, and where he still lives in retirement.

Foster D.G. (A. 1927 – 39. B. 1927 - 69).
Derek Foster, son of Lionel Foster who played hockey for Erdington and England in the early days of the twentieth century, was a great stalwart in the 1930's. His massive frame seemed to dominate the field and he served the club well, both as a player and administrator, for a number of years. He played for the county, though perhaps he was better known as a fine cricketer for Sutton and Warwickshire. Always ready to try his hand at most sports, he also went in for motor racing and parachute jumping.

Foster S. (A. 1891 - 98) .
A founder member and Sutton's first goalkeeper who also represented Warwickshire in their first county match.

Francis C.E. (A. 1919 - 34. B. 1919 - 66).
Upon the conclusion of the War in 1918 Chris Francis, together with a number of fellow Old Veseyans, joined the club upon the resumption of activities. After a season with the 2nd Xl, he was promoted to the 1st, and, after an indifferent start by the team, an experiment was tried by reversing the defence and attack (goalkeeper excepted).

The experiment was so successful that several players found new permanent positions, and Francis made such a good impression as a half back that he never reverted to his original position as an inside forward. Modeling himself upon his idol, E.B Crockford, he became a skillful exponent and represented Warwickshire at a time when there were so many good players from whom to select. It was a big loss to Sutton when he transferred his affections to Erdington Hockey Club, but, upon his retirement as a player he again transferred his loyalties to Sutton as a Vice President.


Green G.B. (A. 1923 - 28).
A useful 2nd Xl forward and a most effective Hon secretary who also became Hon secretary of Warwickshire.

Hood D.W. (A. 1923 - 28).
A skillful and unselfish outside right who fitted well into the general pattern of the 1st team, and not only scored a number of goals himself but was also the originator of many more for his inside men.

Hurd W.S. (A. 1938 - 39).
Sidney Hurd, upon coming to the locality from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, quickly established himself in the 1st team as a brilliant hard-hitting center forward, but due to the outbreak of war his activities with the club were limited to two years. He was also a fine cricketer with Harborne Cricket Club.

Jager E.G. (A. 1935 - 39. B. 1935 - 62).
Captained the 3rd Xl in the 1937/35 season and became Hon treasurer in 1938, and though there was little hockey activity during the war time period, he, together with Bob Wilkinson, looked after the Club’s affairs throughout that time.

Jerome A.V. (A. 1891 - 98).
A founder member who also played for Warwickshire in their first fixture.

Jones A. Sylvanus. (A. 1909 - 14. B. 1909 - 48).
A nippy and clever inside forward who it is believed (though not confirmed) was selected for Wales. In 1ater years he became headmaster of Bishop Vesey's G S 1929 -47. He maintained his support of the club as a Vice President until 1948.

Leal A. (A. 1919 - 21. B. 1919 - 32).
As 2nd Xl captain and center half in the immediate post war period, and, as headmaster of Four Oaks College, he was responsible for the introduction to the club of several members who were later to leave their mark in the history of the club.

Mann C.W. (A. 1929 - 39).
Charles Mann was a very reliable full back alongside Frank Barnes for the decade preceding the war. A loyal member, who captained the club and was Hon treasurer for a time, and he also represented Warwickshire.

Mor1ey Rev. A. (A. 1891 - 1900).
A founder member, who also captained Warwickshire upon their debut as a county side in 1896.

Miller C.H. (A. 1927 – 27).
A speedy and skillful winger for the 2nd Xl.

Moore W. (A. 1930 - 39 B. 1930 - ).
As a reliable inside forward for the 2nd team (and occasionally the 1st Xl) he scored a great number of goals. He captained the team and was Hon secretary for a period. Writing this in 1975 he still maintains his association as a Vice President.

Morris B. (A. 1901 - 13).
Barry Morris was a powerful full back in the days when the club played in Sutton Park. He played for Warwickshire and later took up golf which he played regularly at Moor Hall G C until nearly ninety years of age.

Needham G.G. (A. 1929 – 69? B. 1929 - ).
Geoff never aspired to any heights as a player. He was the goal-keeper for the 2nd team but mostly for the teams below this standard. His playing career extended over a very long period of time (believed to be about forty years) and is certainly a club record, and, may even be near a national one. He was the self-appointed salesman of club equipment, a popular character, and one who invariably arrived at meetings when they were nearly finished!!

Needham R. S. (A. 1927 - 39. B. 1927 - ).
Dick, the elder brother of the aforementioned, was a great stalwart of the 2nd Xl’s half back line, and not only captained that team but also acted as Fixture Secretary for many years. His earlier days were spent with the Birmingham Y.M.C.A. Hockey Club. Always a popular figure with his fellow members he still retains his membership forty-eight years later in his capacity of Vice President.

Oakley H.W. (A. 1928 - 39. B. 1928 - 58).
A keen and enthusiastic member who skippered the 3rd team but who appeared to get more enjoyment from the game after the formation of the Perennials.

Parkes G. (A. 1891 - 97).
Another Founder Member, who also played in Warwickshire first match.

Petrie P.C. (A. 1922 - 32).
After moving from the Bristol area to take up a scholastic appointment at Coleshill G.S., Peter Petrie joined Sutton. He was an extremely neat and clever exponent of stick-work, and few were those who could get the better of him in his best position at left half. He well deserved being 'capped' for England as well as playing for the West, Midlands, and Warwickshire. He later played with Olton & WW HC.

Pollock W. (A. 1909 - 23. B. 1909 - 34).
Bill Pollock belied his 'tubby' stature by being much quicker than was generally expected from such a frame. At center forward for Sutton and Warwickshire he was a prolific goal scorer both before and after the 1914-18 war. He was also captain and Hon secretary of the club.

Raybould W.E. (A. 1928 - 39).
A loyal member who enjoyed his hockey, playing mostly with the 3rd, though skippering the 2nd Xl in 1935/36.

Richardson G. I. (A. 1929 - 39).
With an elder sister who regularly assisted Warwickshire Ladies, George learned the game almost before he could walk. Upon becoming a member of Sutton he soon made the 1st Xl grade and his brilliant stick-work earned him many goals both for the club and for Warwickshire. His most memorable performance was perhaps his five second half goals at Rugby in 1935, when Sutton won 6-5 after being five down at half time, and then went through the season without defeat. After the war he played for Wombourne H C.

Roberts F. (A. 1912 - 23. B. 1912-36).
Frank Roberts was a long serving member and a reliable full back in the days preceding and after the first war.

Robinson L.G. (A. 1935 - 39).
The 1st Xl goa1keeper during the undefeated season of 1935/36 although letting five through before half time in his first match. The outbreak of war in 1939 terminated a short but successful membership with Sutton and Warwickshire.

Russell N.H. (A. 1935 - 39. B. 1935 - ).
A long serving member, who still maintains his support in 1975. Though he only played for a few years he captained the 3rd team and acted as Team Secretary.

Scott W.H. (A. 1930 - 39. B. 1930 - 48).
Warwick Scott, a hard-working right half playing for the 2nd for several years until becoming a 1st team member of the side which sustained only the one defeat in two seasons. Upon the formation of the Perennials, he became one of the keenest and ardent members of the side.

Sharp N. (A. 1919 – 39. B. 1919 – 1977. President 1949 - 57. HLM. 1957 - 1977).
Most of Norman Sharp's playing activities lay between the wars, during which time he was mostly an inside forward, though in later years he -played at half back. For the 1st Xl he scored 310 goals and 450 during his career. The Perennials were his 'brain child', a scheme he considered might well have been revived in later years. He held most of the administrative offices, including the Presidency, at different times, and was honoured with Hon Life Membership. For several years he played for Warwickshire and also resented Sutton and Warwickshire at cricket.

Shaw D.H. (A. 1926 - 33).
It was several years before Dennis Shaw found his best position at left half, a position occupied by P.C. Petrie when he first joined. When eventually making the position his own he played for Sutton, Warwickshire, and the Midlands, as well as Edgbaston whom he joined later.

Shaw G. (A. 1924 - 28).
Gerald, the elder brother of Dennis, followed in the wake of Bob Evans at outside left. He played some excellent games for both the club and the county. Somewhat of an extrovert his hobby was his tricycle upon which he spent much of his spare time and achieved several national records. It is not anticipated, however, there would have been serious opposition!

Spencer A. (A. 1946 - 60. B. 1946 - . President 1967 - ).
It was not until after the second war that Arthur Spencer made his appearance. A modest man, he would be the first to admit that his playing activities did not put him in the top bracket, but it is as a leader and administrator that the future will best remember and honour him. These words only cover his early years with the club and it is left to a future scribe to extol his virtues as a leader and President.

Taylor S.A. (President 1891 - 1914).
Regrettably, little is known of him except that he was the first President in 1891, an office he held until his death in 1914.

Terry A.E. (C. 1920 - 67).
An Alderman, a former Mayor, he was honoured with the "Freedom of Sutton Coldfield". He was a Vice President of the club for forty-seven years, and the father of four sons, two of whom played prominent parts in the history of the club. Though not a hockey player himself he was, nevertheless, a great sportsman in his own right.

Terry A.J. (A. 1919 - 34).
Joining the club directly after the First World War, Jim Terry was not long-in establishing himself as inside left for the 1st Xl, a position he largely retained until joining the Edington H. C. for whom he made a great success in goal.

Terry P.I. (A. 1926 - 39 B. 1926 - 7l).
After early handicaps which prevented his early participation in outdoor sports, Paul Terry was a speedy and unselfish right winger, who also played for the county. A great sportsman and a good captain, he was a man who undertook an enormous amount of work both for the cricket and hockey clubs until a long-protracted illness rendered him totally inactive. The Club owes him immense gratitude for the work he performed behind the scenes in their interests.

Timings J.C. (A. 1930 - 39. B. 1930 - 73).
Following several years with the 2nd Xl John Timings became the energetic center half for the 1st team during the halcyon days of 1934 to 1939. Both he and his wife lost their lives in an air disaster in 1973.

Twiss D.H. (A. 1928 - 39. B. 1928 - 73).
For most of his playing career Douglas Twiss was a member of the 2nd team, but, for a few years, he successfully occupied the difficult outside left berth in the 1st, and was a member of the 1934/35 side which suffered only the one loss.

Wa11 H.T. (A. 1924 - 28. B. 1924 - 57).
Harold Wall, in a comparatively short playing period, rendered splendid service to the club both as Hon secretary and 2nd Xl captain.

Walters R.S. (A. 1893 – 1940. President 1919 - 40, HLM 1938 - 40).
Though there are no records of his activities as a player, he first became a member in the Club's third season, and during his long association he rendered many excellent services to the club and to the game.

He was highly respected in many fields as a leading administrator and umpire in Warwickshire and the Midlands, and, as a member of the Hockey Association Council, he was elected to the high honour of a Vice President of that body. Following the death of S.A. Taylor he was the automatic choice for the honour of President of Sutton Coldfield Hockey Club. He was elected an Hon Life Member in 1938, and during his term of office he continues to devote his services to the game as an umpire.

Wheatcroft R.E. (A. 1937 - 54, B. 1937- ),
First becoming a member just prior to the outbreak of war he quickly showed early promise and obtained his place in the 1st X1 at half back. Though probably losing his best years in the interests of the country he returned afterward to captain both the Club and Warwickshire.

While G.H. (A. 1930 - 36. B. 1930 - 65).
Although he was not a player of outstanding ability, George While acted as Team Secretary and 3rd Xl captain during his playing membership, and continued his support for many years after.

White A.F.T. (A. 1937 - 39).
Alan White had only a short stay with the club largely due to the outbreak of war. He was a skillful inside forward alongside George Richardson and Sidney Hurd, and played for the county team. After the war he became captain of Worcestershire County Cricket Club.

Whiteley R.M. (A. 1925 - 28).
A tough and fearless goalkeeper, whose principal mode of defence lay in attacking opposing forwards (and often flooring them!).

Wilkinson R.M. (A. 1927 - 50. B. 1927 - ). President 1957 - 65. HLM 1965 –
Deprived of a 1st Xl place as an inside forward largely through the wealth of talent between the wars, Bob Wilkinson scored many goals for the 2nd team. He rendered many services in an administrative capacity, and was elected president in 1957 and was honoured with Hon Life Membership in 1967. He also acted as Hon secretary for the Warwickshire C.H.A. By 1975 Bob has now reached a membership of the Sutton Coldfield Hockey Club of forty-eight years.

Wyatt W.K. (A. 1933 - 39).
“Babe" 'Wyatt was a clever inside forward or the club and county during the years when they were almost invincible.