Ashton Lacrosse Club

Club's earliest minutes book records a large attendance at the general meeting held on the 7th September 1896 at the Hop Pole Hotel, Oldham Road, Ashton. The following week a rule was made that three black balls excluded any person proposed for membership! The criteria for membership was not spelled out, so we shall never know how many of today's members would pass that test! The first recorded social event was a smoking concert in November 1896, entertainment being provided by a Mr. Don Favior for a fee of 5/-. There was no warning that the function could be a health hazard. The only business in those Victorian days appeared to be team selection against long since forgotten clubs such as Old Woodlanders, Blackley, Didsbury, Werneth, St Helens, Whitworth, Heaton Moor, Bowden and Albert park. However, there were fixtures against Oldham, Old Hulmeians and Rochdale. It would seem that committee business followed the same pattern for many years with the occasional mention of rabbit pie suppers, hot pots and pre-season potatoes pie suppers until prestigious dances and dinners were introduced in the 1920's, the era of the Charleston and solidified brilliantine. In May 1947 the committee was instructed to investigate the location of a permanent site and the Stamford estates were asked if there was any land available for purchase. The offer of Bank Top was subsequently declined as being unsuitable. Approaches were then made to Ashton Cricket Club to rent part of the land 'now under cultivation' and, in the meantime, games were being played at Audenshaw Grammar School, King George Playing Fields, Denton Cricket Club and even as far away as Mottram. The quest for a permanent home was now on but the 1950s saw us managing with the two pitches and a ditch on Lower Crowhill. In 1995, Ashton Lacrosse Club acquired on a long term rental a pitch at Ashton Cricket Club. Mounting costs, following the opening of their new pavilion obliged the cricket club to increase their charges each year and it seemed logical at the time for a merger to be negotiated. however, this was not to be, even though both committees recommended the merger. The club responded to this disappointment by forming a small sub-committee to consider future facilities and a comprehensive report was prepared in may 1978 setting out all the options available, one of which was to develop land on Mossley road; on the site of an old wartime Army camp. An EGM was held in December 1979 for a final decision to be taken on the future of the club, the result of which was the eventual opening, on Saturday 14th may 1983, by Sir Robert mark, of the open purpose built lacrosse clubhouse in the country. In the thirteen years or so since the clubhouse was opened, Ashton LAcrosse Club has benefited from the sole use of the premises. In the early 1980s five teams were regularly fielded, with an occasional sixth 'E' team! In 1986 a junior section was formed with the club fielding teams at U13 and U15 levels respectively. In 1992, a ladies team was formed which was very successful in the NELLA league. Both these developments were greatly assisted by the club's decision to employ and host a professional America lacrosse coach, or Local Development Office (LDO) as they are now known. The LDO's coach in local schools promoting and teaching lacrosse whilst recruiting for the clubs junior section. Ever since 1933, when the first team was promoted to the first division, now the premiership, the club has been in and out of the top flight. The first team last was last promoted in 1991 after an outstanding season in 1990 in which they won the 2nd division and the Junior Flags without losing a game! Since then Ashton players have appeared for both the English and Welsh national teams at both the World and European Championships. More recently, the first team is re-building in the third division with the future looking strong plus the club is again fielding junior teams at U12 and for the first time in 14 years U14 levels. Adapted from a brief history of Ashton Lacrosse Club by Syd Rhodes, printed in the centenary handbook of 1996.