History of the Club: 5

Those who returned after the war were keen to get cricket under way again, and Mr. Mackeson once more took a prominent role. Gerry Walter, who shared his memories with us in 1995, became Captain, and James Gibson set up a Ground Committee to undertake the mammoth task of getting the ground fit to play. The Club had acquired a new asset - a Dennis mower, which broke down regularly - and enthusiastic member Bert Dunkin of the Hythe Motor Cab Company constantly came to the rescue and kept it in regular repair.

Some years after the Second World War, it was felt that efforts should be made to revive Cricket Week. The first of the post-war Cricket Weeks was held to mark the Coronation of Elizabeth II in 1953. An impressive Pageant of English History took place on Monday, the Venetian Fête as usual on Wednesday and on Friday there was a Grand Military Display.

Many old friends to recognise here, at a Club Dinner in the 1960s, including our former President Neil Duncombe.

Of all the various clubs that visited in the post-war period, there is no doubt the 'Googlies' were the most entertaining. Sometimes it was a two-day game and saw the appearance of several ex first-class county players, including George Heane, former skipper of Notts, Monty Garland Wells, E.R.T. Holmes and P.G.H. Fender. One year, when Kent did not have a game, Doug Wright and Colin Cowdrey turned out for them.

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