History to Grayshott CC

Grayshott Cricket Club was founded in 1896. It was Oliver Chapman who was very much the pioneer of cricket in Grayshott who first approached Alexander Ingham Whitaker about a ground.

Before the First World War the club played on the pitch opposite Grayshott Hall, now the site of Applegarth Nursery. It was on this ground that the club first entered the I’Anson Cup Competition in 1901.

The I’Anson Cup was donated by Edward Blakeway I’Anson following the first annual dinner held by the club in November 1900.

It was during the speeches at that dinner that A. E. Kent, club secretary, suggested that if someone would be good enough to offer a cup for competition among the surrounding villages, it would encourage local men to practice.

There was a shrewd idea as to whom that "someone" would be, and when, towards the end of the evening, the chairman offered to give a cup there was prolonged applause.

The decision to start the competition was made at a meeting at the Fox & Pelican on January 23rd 1901. This is why Grayshott is seen as the home of I'Anson cricket.

 

 

Grayshott played on their new recreation ground given again by Alexander Ingham Whitaker shortly after the first World War.

The Whitaker family is still associated with the club as part of the club badge is taken from the Whitaker’s family crest and Major Jeremy Whitaker the Grandson of Alexander Ingham Whitaker is currently one of our Vice Presidents.

The club colours are green and maroon. The first reference to green and maroon is made in Popes "Cup for Cricket" where it is stated that ; " The men of Grayshott acquired their familiar green red-peaked caps in 1929, presented to them by Mrs.F.Puttick and Miss Binney" The club with its’ close association with the Fox & Pelican may give a clue.

Early reports of the Fox & Pelican after it opened in 1899 stated that the signboard had a background which was red on the upper part and green on the lower portion.

A description of the interior of the Public House made reference to small-paned windows framed in dark green and red curtains. So it may well be that our club colours originated from the Fox & Pelican.