The Grammar School. Tottenham

In 1929 some young men founded a rugby club. They had learnt to play the game at school in Tottenham and wished to continue playing rugby together rather than joining Upper Clapton or Saracens, which were the other local options. They called the Club 'Old Grammarians RFC' because, although their old school was generally known as Tottenham Grammar School its official title was in fact 'The Grammar School, Tottenham'. The badge of the school which was the crest of its seventeenth-century benefactor, Sarah, Duchess of Somerset, became the emblem of the Club.

Of course the school now no longer exists and we have been an open Club for many years, but the name and the badge have been maintained by way of a reminder and acknowledgement that the ongoing tradition, spirit and friendliness of the Club were formed by its origins in a shared background and experience.

Early Years - Old Ladysmithians

Fixtures were obtained for the following season and the first match played by the Club was against Gravesend on 20th September 1930. By December of that year there were two XVs playing regularly. All that season's games were played away as we had no base but in September 1931 our first home was established at Ladysmith Road, Enfield.

At that time the Club played in navy-blue shirts with the school badge on the breast. In 1934 the familiar light-blue and red hoops were added. The main Honours Awards took the form of the customary caps - pillbox in shape with tassels - as can be seen in the team photograph of the period. At this time the skipper of the First XV was designated Captain of the Club.

In those early years the Club was gradually establishing itself on the rugby scene of the day, but the location in Enfield was causing difficulties in recruiting and in 1936 we began to use the school pitches at Queen Street, Tottenham. The pavilion at Ladysmith Road was sold (we received £65 in due course) and the Old Boys Association headquarters at Percy House on the High Road near White Hart Lane became our clubhouse. We remained there until the outbreak of war.
The Minute Book of the period shows surprisingly familiar concerns about lack of players and the reluctance to pay subscriptions, but by the end of our tenth season the Club was fielding three XVs. Fixtures had appeared on our card which were maintained until the advent of the leagues; amongst them were the Gaytonians, Old Westcliffians and, of course, the Old Tottonians.
There was then an unfortunate interruption in our activities until 1946 although a joint team with the Old Totts was fielded from time to time during the war years. It was known as Tottenham RFC.

Post-war - The Bruce Grove Cellar

Post-war and the Club was back on its feet. In March 1946 an AGM was held and by the end of the 1946 -1947 season three XVs were again taking the field. It was during the following years that the Club took up residence in the now-legendary cellar at 11 Bruce Grove. The premises left something to be desired in comfort, convenience and hygiene but the atmosphere was unparalleled and our visitors too enjoyed the hearty welcome they received. Our strength and reputation was growing and some fine rugby was played. Our Jubilee Year of 1954 coincided with a very strong side and to celebrate the occasion we took on and beat the Saracens Extra First XV As with all junior clubs in those days our playing strength ebbed and flowed but our
fixtures were maintained and three or four sides were put out on a regular basis. We even survived the winter of 1962 - 1963 with our spirit and finances intact when adverse weather conditions prevented play for almost half the season.

Swain and Post-Swain

For five years, starting in 1965, the Club was fortunate to be led by the late, great John Swain. By sheer enthusiasm and rugby brain he transformed, built up and guided the First XV to unprecedented success, at our local level and beyond when on tour. This had the further benefit of raising standards throughout the Club so that, for instance in one season the A XV were unbeaten even though they were occasionally pitched against the First XV of other clubs. The high quality of play which was John's influence had bred success and the 1970's and 1980's we continued to flourish. A fifth side irregularly, and for a while a successful Colts team.

A number of individuals went on to appear regularly in the First teams of various senior clubs, including Wasps and Harlequins. Representative honours were achieved by Old G's and ex-Old G's at both junior and senior club level, as well as at Colts and Under-21s. We provided a First Class Referee and long serving Committeeman for the Combined London Old Boys for many years. Thus the Old Grammarians continued to flourish as an established junior club which was always happy to promote the careers of those with the ability and desire to play first class level rugby whilst providing a good standard of play and a great social life for the less ambitious. And we were equally happy to benefit from the abilities and experience of those who returned to the fold. One such was Keith McGuinness who, since retiring from London Irish, has served so outstandingly well both on and off the field and is our on-going and longest serving President. The Club has always been fortunate in its officers and it was in 1974 that our current, longestserving Secretary, Brian Calderwood, began his stint.

Moving House

In 1974 the Club lost the use of the Bruce Grove Cellar and consequently for some years we were to be found after the game at the British Legion, The Railway Tavern et al. However our finances had been built up with an eye to the future by the establishment of the 100 Club by Barry Nicholl. With grant aid and generous contributions from the Old Boys, players and ex-players we eventually managed to purchase the Church Hall at Denmark Street. Finally, in 1979, the sterling efforts of working parties harnessed largely by Ken Stapleton, enabled us to occupy our new home under the shadow of the Spurs ground. At the same time began the long and continuing association of Ian Pitcher, his family and the Clubhouse fabric.

Modern Times - The Leagues

On the field the advent of the league system and latterly the impact of professionalism in the game have altered the old landscape of junior rugby forever, whether for good or ill. Some of our opponents now grace the National and London Leagues, while many others have disappeared altogether.
At our own level we have generally given a good account of ourselves amid the constant restructuring of the leagues - winning our Division in 1988-89 comes to mind - and in Cup competitions we have on occasion given a fright to clubs more highly regarded than ourselves. It is true to say that to have survived the changes and still have maintained our self-respect and reputation is the best testament the Club could have.

The Present - Another Move and Middlesex University

The Queen Street pitches had been our home ground from 1936, but for many years it was clear that our tenure was under threat from the local council. It was time for yet another move and this time there was an opportunity to consolidate pitches and Clubhouse once again.
Thus we moved to Worlds End Lane and in 1996 our refurbished pavilion was opened by Peter Winterbottom. Under the direction of Graham Kantorowicz and others, mutually acceptable arrangements were made between the Club, the landlords, Middlesex University and the other users of the ground. We are now firmly established in Winchmore Hill and looking to the future.
The move has brought us into association with Middlesex University rugby players, some of whom have chosen to play for us and have become stalwarts of the Club including, of course, the present First XV captain, David Abbott Jnr.

The Seventieth Season

In our seventieth year, our members include Old Boys of the School (still a few!), old boys of other local schools and ex-members of other clubs who have been drawn into our circle. There are friends and friends of friends, sons of ex-players, students and ex-students of the university and many others - and we are still concerned about numbers and the failure to pay subscriptions.
The Captaincy of the Club is now a co-ordinating post and the role is amply filled by Paul Rose, that 'Old G's Junkie', whose services to the Club have been so valuable. With his encouragement many members of the Club are producing new initiatives and are aiming to make this season memorable worthy of the previous ones.

Note

The writer wishes to apologise to all the many, many individuals who have contributed so much in administrative and playing capacities over the years but have not been named above. We could not have survived without you and anonymity does not indicate lack of appreciation.

Old Grammarians RFC

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