He Helped To Carry Turf From Old “Donkey Pitch”

September 1957

South Yorkshire Times September 14, 1957

He Helped To Carry Turf From Old “Donkey Pitch”

Present at the formal opening of a new sports pavilion at Denaby and Cadeby Miners’ Welfare Cricket Ground, Tickhill Square, on Saturday, was the man who helped to bring the turf from the old pitch to the new one 60 years ago, 79-year-old Mr. Bob Lapidge, a retired horse-keeper.

Tho opening ceremony was performed by Mr. J. A. Hall, C.B.E., I J.P.. Divisional social Welfare officer, who referred to the advances that had been made Iinn miners’ welfare and the work that still remained to be done In that field.

“Denaby now has most of its needs, but there remains ono thing that I would like to see here,” said Mr. Hall. “That is some place of rest for those people who can no longer enjoy sport—a welfare centre for the old people,” he added.

Mr. Hall was introduced by Mr. R. Miller, chairman of the Welfare Trustees, and present were members of the Trustees, representatives of C.I.S.W.O. (the organisation which has supplied the £4.500 grant for the building) and players and members of Denaby and Cadeby Cricket Club.

Mr. Lapidge told a “South Yorkshire Times” reporter of the days when cricket was played on the  “donkey pitch,” on the site of the, present clinic, and about 300 yards from the present ground.

“It’s about 60 years since I carried the turf over to the present pitch,” said Mr. Lapidge.

Mr. Lapidge and his friends used to watch cricket when a rope surrounded the lower part of the Tickhill Square ground.

The new pavilion is trim and compact; it comprises a shop, kitchen, conveniences, tea room and changing rooms. It is intended to cater for cricketers, athletes and tennis, players.

It is sited in the south west corner of the ground, and provides  a view over the whole of the playing area. It is built of brick, and has a green bituminous felt roof  upon compressed strawboard to give as insulation. The internal wall surfaces are of buff brick.