History

Although the earliest recorded mention of a cricket match being played by a representative side from the “Hospitals”, versus Broadmoor C.C, was on 31st July 1935, it was not until the evening of 29th November 1951, held at the club room of Combe Park Hospitals Social & Sports Club, Manor Hospital (the present site of the Royal United Hospital), that two great friends and work colleagues Theo Trim and Wally Buckley finalised the formation of “Bath Hospitals Cricket Club“.

At the A.G.M. On the 4th April 1952, Wally was elected Skipper and Theo, Hon. Sec / Fixture Secretary, with Mr W. Rushton, Chairman. After the completion of the cricket section the members hurriedly informed staff at other hospitals within the local health authority of its formation and agreed a ground share and amalgamation with St Martins C.C at St Martins Hospital, Combe Down, Bath.

Mr R Andrews & Mr N Tucker were the appointed ground committee, Mr W Westwood in charge of the purchasing of equipment, finally care and maintenance, the responsibility taken on by Mr F Bourne. Annual subscriptions were set at 10/6 (52p) players, 2/6 (13p) non players.

Although described as “Friendlies”, games were competitive and hotly contested and throughout the years the fixture list contained matches against many local, more senior sides, such as Bath, Lansdown and Hampset to which the Hospital side more than held their own. Also incorporated were any other hospital teams such as Frenchay, Roundway, Mendip and Barrow and it is sad that so few have survived.

After 38 years of “Friendly” cricket, the Hospitals had nurtured a young side who were looking for pastures new and in 1989, under the guidance of then Chairman Brian Wetten the club entered the “Wiltshire Cricket League” . The young Hospital side won promotion in 3 consecutive years and settled in Division 3 of a very strong league which comprised of first & second elevens that represented their towns such as, Warminster, Trowbridge, Marlborough, Devizes, Wooten Bassett and Swindon, also villages such as Goatacre, Shrewton, Lacock, Burbage, Biddestone and Minety.

A major blow to the club was when they learnt that their ancestral home at St Martins was to be sold for development and after 50 happy seasons, in 2001, they had to withdraw from the league. Although disheartened, the search went ahead for a new ground to be found and after much letter writing a positive response was granted from Captain Charles Freeman, Bursar and Clerk to the Governors at Prior Park College.... Bath Hospitals C.C. had a new home.

The North Somerset Cricket League was the new challenge and after joining in 2003 they won 5 promotions and now play in Division 1. Over the last year an influx of new players, including staff and pupils from the college has strengthened the squad, although, a very warm welcome always awaits new talent who wish to to join the club.

Many a fine players has donned the Hospital colours, too many to chronicle in this brief history, but two in particular, Stuart Priscott and Mark Thorburn went on to play first class cricket, Stuart with Somerset and Mark at both Durham and Hampshire, they both also went on to captain their home city at Bath C.C. to which we are all immensely proud.

The club is match day competitive, it values cricketing traditions, but importantly promotes and encourages family participation.