THE EARLY YEARS

Although cricket was first played in the area as early as 1789, the earliest specific record of Bitteswell Cricket Club dates back to 1903 with the first silverware, the Aikman Cup, arriving just two years later.

Like many clubs, Bitteswell paused during the First World War but later reformed in 1919. ‘Bib’ Peabody was both Treasurer and Secretary, roles he remarkably held for 58 and 65 years respectively. In fact, just four people have been Secretary across the entire 120+ years of club history.

The Second World War, once again punctuated play but just as before, the Club quickly resumed in 1946, with an opening bank balance of £9 collected from ten shilling subscriptions. That was the last break in consecutive playing years, with the season continuing in 2020, despite Covid, thanks to revised playing conditions.

LOCATIONS & FACILITIES

The Club originally played on a field, in nearby Ashby Lane but in 1936 it moved to the current farm location on Ullesthorpe Road, which was then owned by Eric Scotton.

In 1951, Mr Scotton acquired an ex RAF hut for use as a pavilion and the then President, Mr Clark, offered a £100 donation towards its erection. This pavilion was opened in 1952 but by the mid 1970s it was on its last legs so plans were hatched for a modern brick built structure. Through fund raising, member loans, donations and some external grants, the pavilion, which is still in use today, was opened in 1979 by Leicestershire and England player, Roger Tolchard. In 1985, a small extension was built to install an additional toilet, umpire room and equipment garage.

Some with long memories may recall two electricity poles in the outfield. After several unsuccessful attempts to have them removed, an upgrade finally presented an opportunity to do so and with it, connection of the pavilion to electricity, for the first time in 1994. Previously all heating and lighting had been reliant on gas cylinders.

Over time, the Club Committee has overseen various improvements including dual sight screens, roll on covers, brick scorebox, electronic scoreboard and thanks to Notts Sport in the early 2010s two artificial strips – one for a net lane and one for junior matches.

In 2023, following his untimely passing, one year before, the ground was appropriately named The Peter Smith Ground in recognition of his decades of dedicated playing service and skilled husbandry of the square and outfield.

FURTHER READING

Much of the above is taken from the wonderful Centenary Booklet, researched and curated by Brian Burningham in 2003. If you would like to read the whole version, with additional photos, scorecards and other artefacts, it can be downloaded below.