There were originally two cricket clubs in Thornbury who merged in 1850 to form the Thornbury United Cricket Club. It was some twenty years later in 1871 that the club was re-formed by the local GP Dr Edward Mills Grace, also known as the Little Doctor. Dr Grace was elected as Captain, Treasurer and Secretary and the club took the lease on the new ground overlooked by the Ship Inn at Alveston.

 

In those days a four had to hit the boundary walls and sixes had to clear the walls. There was no cricket at the Ship during the first world war but in 1919 Thornbury CC merged with Thornbury Castle CC enabling a 2nd XI to be established. In 1929 there was yet another amalgamation when Thornbury CC merged with the newly formed Thornbury Town CC.

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Dr Edward Mills Grace was one of a large cricket loving family from Downend. His younger and more famous brother Dr William Gilbert Grace (WG) played for Thornbury CC on 51 occasions scoring 3519 runs and taking 194 wickets. In 1880 these two brothers, together with a third brother Gerald Frederick, all played together in the first test match against Australia at the Oval. Over the years 24 Grace's played for Thornbury, the last being Edward Michael who is currently an Honorary Vice President of Thornbury CC and lives in Newport, visiting our club occasionally. It is our historical connection with the Grace family that makes our club unique, a heritage we can all enjoy and be proud of.

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COVID arrived just before the start of the 2020 season resulting in a very limited 6 week programme of cricket with no promotion or relegation. A big thank you to all the members who helped us to tick over during that difficult time. The Covid restrictions were eased for the 2021 season enabling a full programme of cricket to be enjoyed. 2021 was our 150th year but many of our planned celebrations had to be cancelled or postponed due to the remaining restrictions. On the bright side we were delighted to re-start Women’s cricket, and I welcome all our new female members, I sincerely hope you will enjoy your time and integrate well at TCC.  It is encouraging to see we already have three women members on the management committee.  

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After 49 years associated with Thornbury CC I am still impressed by our atmospheric and historic ground. It is a really special place, which I am honoured to be part of. However the club is more than the ground and clubhouse: it’s the people, the players, members, sponsors, barmen and women, parents, coaches, committee and everyone who does their bit to make it work.

 

Thank you and well done to all involved, too numerous to mention.

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Les Summerfield

2022