Blog Archives

62nd Year of Bluemantle’s GC at Piltdown

Posted by Tim Brocklehurst on June 21, 2024

On June 19th we played our traditional match against Piltdown Golf Club and the photo of both teams appears above. We have been playing a match against Piltdown since 1974 and before that we used to hold our Spring Meeting at Piltdown. The association between the clubs therefore extends to 60 years. Ted Rose, this year’s Captain, and Gerald Woods, our Chairman, actually predate the association with Piltdown having first played for Bluemantles Cricket Club in the mid-1950s. It was good to see them at Piltdown with the Club’s President Nigel Wheeler and hopefully they can all be spotted in the photo.(Nigel is the winner for hair retention!)

This year we lost 4-1 but as ever the match was played in an excellent spirit and Piltdown proved to be excellent hosts. As was fitting, cricket seemed to be the dominant topic at lunch! The golf course has undergone a number of changes over the last few years and the heather-lined fairways make it a severe test but still a joy to play. We are very much looking forward to our 51st encounter in 2025.

Richard Musson

Upcoming Golf – (all welcome)

Wednesday 10th July 2024 – vs XL Club at Royal Ashdown (old course) – am foursomes followed by lunch for the Herbert Hunter Cup.

Thursday 5th September – Match vs Royal Ashdown – am foursomes followed by lunch.

Tuesday 8th October – Autumn Meeting at Hever GC – singles stableford 11am start – late lunch to follow.

To join any of these days, please contact Richard Musson: 07798 526033

Welcome to our new Patron

Posted by Tim Brocklehurst on June 16, 2024

This year, the King has appointed a new Bluemantle, James Peill, following the promotion of Mark Scott to Somerset Herald of Arms.

James’ previous roles include a Director at Christie’s and Curator of the Goodwood Collection. He has also co-authored numerous highly-regarded books about stately homes and furniture.

We are delighted to welcome James as the Bluemantle’s CC new Patron in time for the Patron’s match on July 11th.

Official announcement on the College of Arms site

Drinks Reception at The College of Arms

Posted by Tim Brocklehurst on April 12, 2024

The Bluemantle Pursuivant, Mark Scott, hosted members of the Bluemantle’s CC at the College of Arms on the evening of 11th April for the last time.

He now becomes Somerset Herald and, on 16th April, James Peill takes over as Bluemantle Pursuivant.

The Patron with the President

Visit to the archives at The Amelia Scott

Posted by Tim Brocklehurst on November 16, 2023

On 30th October our Chairman arranged a visit to The Amelia Scott Centre in Tunbridge Wells where archives galore exist including some of those of the Bluemantle’s Cricket Club. The Patron and President joined Nick and the former was soon in his element examining crests and coats of arms both of the town and of the club.

In a pair of boxes we discovered the club rules dating back to the formation of the club in 1862. We examined photos of heroes of the past and looked through a number of the old scorebooks from the late C19th and early C20th. The President was delighted to find proof of Siegfried Sassoon’s regular appearances. Clearly a keen member but not a prolific run scorer. He was also delighted to find his own great uncle playing in some of the matches with the great poet.

The 1964 fixture list showed 34 senior matches and also a handful of junior games under the organisation of Herbert F.M.Hunter, our recent President. Familiar names such as R.R.Bairamian, E.M.Rose, D.J.D Farrow, R.M.K.Gracey, N.Heroys and A.L. Newbury were match managers in that crowded season.

Alas, all of our more recent records have been lost and destroyed. To find these splendid records of the past was a joy indeed. Our club has a noble history and here was proof of the Bluemantle’s being one of the oldest cricket club in the land.

Nigel Wheeler
President

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