From the Archives - The Forty Club

THE FORTY CLUB ...inspiring cricketers to enjoy a lifelong love of cricket. Such is the aim, as described on the opening page of its official website.

The website notes that since its foundation in 1936, the Club has been ‘taking cricket into the schools’ by offering State and Public Schools, and Youth XIs, fixtures against experienced cricketers. Further, it aims to encourage the youngsters to play the game to the highest standards of performance and behaviour and in the best spirit of the game. It is reputed to be the largest wandering cricket Club in the world and, as a wandering or nomadic club, it does not own its own ground so always “plays away”.

Having been created originally for men of over 40 years of age, it now also accepts membership from women and has also extended the age limit to all from the age of 18 years. The logo of the Forty Club is XL - the Roman numerals for 40 – but, more importantly, it shouts out the essence of the message that the Club wishes to impart to young cricketers in the earlier seasons of their cricketing experience ……... EXCEL!

The inaugural match between the Club and Alleyn’s pupils took place in 1949. One alumnus who was heavily involved in the Club started when he reached the age of forty in 1972 was John Williams (Roper’s 1949). He was a Committee member for 28 years (at the time a record), served on the Cricket & Dinner committees and played many games for them. He was also Results Secretary and was only the second Chairman of the West district since the Club was formed; he match-managed numerous games and played for them at Alleyn’s School in 1999. John is now a life member of the Club and an Honorary Fellow.

Another of our former pupils, David Hankin (Spurgeon’s 1978) has a continuing association with the Club; he was the Match Manager in 2003 and periodically was Umpire and also the team Scorer. He has advised that two other Club members with strong Alleyn’s connections preceded him as Match Manager and has also confirmed the names other of our School Alumni that are, or have been, keen and active members of The Forty Club. These include Martin Bartlett (Tyson’s 1968), Peter Wharton (Spurgeon’s 1974), Peter Blackler (Spurgeon’s 1957), who was a Forty Club umpire, Simon Banfield (Roper’s 1981), Jim Bridgeman (Spurgeon’s 1985), John Coleman (Roper’s 1949), John Rice (Brading’s 1958), Ken Slater (Brading’s 1978), Duncan Tyler (Dutton’s 1979), Richard Godfrey (Brading’s 1974) and Keith Rodwell (Tyson’s 1963).

In 2016 the School team was honoured with the Kent and East Sussex District’s nomination for the Forty Club Trophy, based not only on their cricket but, just as importantly, their turn out, demonstrating the highest standards of behaviour both on and off the field, as well as the leadership of their captain and their play, evidencing the highest standards of sportsmanship.

In recent years the annual fixture has become an opportunity for cricketing alumni to attend a reunion lunch at Alleyn’s. This year’s fixture will take place on Wednesday 14 June. To book your place please click here.