Christmas 1912

With today's game off here is the Way Back Then article I wrote for the programme

If one wanted to stock up on drinks for Christmas 1912 then wine importer and spirit merchant W R Mann had plenty to offer, including fine old brandies, special old Scotch and Irish whiskies, light old port (recommended for invalids) and champagne. At the cheaper end of the spectrum, there was British wine, cooking sherry and cooking brandy. Beers on offer included Bass, Allsipp and Worthington, as well as Guiness’s Extra Stout, but no Brakes Fluid. In addition, there were Havana and British cigars and Turkish and Virginia cigarettes.

W.J. Randall in Regent Street West were offering ‘useful’ Christmas presents which included palm stands; coal boxes; Japanese and Chinese vases, plaques and bowls; and draught screens. In similar vein one could visit Lee Longland in Birmingham for ‘useful and artistic gifts’ which included ‘a nice cushion, pretty table covers, occasional tables, palm stands, book racks and easy chairs.’

Cinderella was the pantomime on offer at the Theatre Royal. As the Courier noted, ‘We look forward to the timely entertainment with as keen an appetite as we look forward to turkey, Christmas pudding, mince pies, and all the other gastronomic bon-touches of the season.’ The Courier spent more time describing the appearance and condition of the theatre, although it was full of praise for the production as well.

The decorations of the theatre received particular attention, in particular a floral design that reflected the spirit of the age by depicting ‘an aeronaut on a monoplane.’ It will be recalled that earlier that year the first heavier-than-air machine had landed in Leamington on the old football pitch. On entering the foyer of the theatre, patrons saw ‘a glorious fully-berried holly tree, groups of the choicest hothouse flowers, in which lilies and poinsettias are conspicuous amidst delicate pink blooms on the staircase, a graceful floral swan under the spreading leaves of a Kentia palm in one corner.’ Further praise was given to the way in which draughts had been excluded, in particular by the installation of a warm carpet.

Over at the Colonade Theatre, the evening’s entertainment started with moving pictures, including ‘The Hand of Fate’, a story of German duelling, and the ‘Physician of Silver Gulch’ which apparently offered a mixture of cowboy and medical themes with the story of ‘a doctor’s temptation’. Other films on offer included the seasonal ‘A Christmas Messenger’ and an ‘instructive’ film called ‘Unique Nature Studies’ (this was believed not to be an early venture into nudism films). Having enjoyed the miracle of moving pictures, the live bill included The Murrati Brothers, ‘a trio of expert clog dancers, including a marvellously clever roller-skater’. The following week offered acrobats and gymnasts and Tyrolean vocalists.

If one wanted more sober entertainment, one could go to the Town Hall to view the portrait of the ex-Mayor, apparently an ‘esteemed and popular figure’. The Courier advised its readers that it was well worth a visit, despite having been hung in bad light.

On Christmas morning, carol singers who have been ‘remarkably quiet’ in the preceding week started to sing at 2 a.m. in the morning and continued to do so until daybreak. One of the wettest years on record ended with a cold, wet and windy Christmas, ‘leading the fireside to hold its traditional place in the esteem of English people at Yuletide.’ A Happy Christmas to you.

Leamington back to winning ways - just

Leamington won a tightly fought encounter at the New Windmill Ground this afternoon, beating 'the pride of North Devon', Bideford Town, 2-1 in front of a depleted pre-Christmas crowd of 429. (I'm assuming the collie dog doesn't count, but he certainly takes a keen interest in the match). There were those who thought that the Brakes rode their luck and that a draw would have been a fair result, but it was a spirited and committed performance in the second half a rather disappointing first half.

Brakes started well and were camped out in the opposition's half for the opening phase of the game, but then the visitors started to apply some pressure. A defensive error by Mace gave the ball away and keeper Niall Cooper had to make the first of a number of excellent saves. Batchelor received a yellow card after he advised the referee where he could put himself.

Bideford went ahead on 25 minutes after a miss kick by Batchelor in front of goal. But then a penalty gave Brakes the chance to level on 38 minutes and it was well taken by Dodd to make it 1-1. In the first half as a whole there was too much hoofing of the ball and not enough getting it down, controlling it and passing it.

Half time: Brakes 1, Robins 1

Bideford were dangerous in their counter attacks throughout the game and Cooper had to make a vital save from one such break. On 56 minutes Jimmy Husband was able to burst through and put the ball in the corner of the net to make it 2-1.

Cooper had to make good save from a corner. The young referee was enthusiastic, but did not always have a grip and there was an outbreak of handbags away from him which led to two yellow cards after consultation with the linesman. Bideford forward Matt Andrew may work for Ambrosia, but he was far from being an example of creamy charm and picked up a yellow card for a foul on Daly.

Leamington then saw the ball come off the inside of the post, allowing the keeper to gather. Not long afterwards Berwick hit the post, possibly he should have done better. The yellow cards continued to be handed out to both teams, including one for Daly: at least the referee by now did not make the mistake he nearly made earlier in the game by showing a green card.

Bideford continued to threaten and my heart was in mouth as a free kick was driven across the front of the Brakes goal. The Bideford keeper then made an excellent stop from a strong shot from distance which would have gone in. The referee found plenty of time to add on, but then the whistle was blown and Paul Holleran bowed to acknowledge the chants of the Harbury Lane end.

Brakes hunt down Stags

Leamington secured an emphatic 2-1 victory over AFC Totton in front of a crowd of 554 on an icy afternoon at the New Windmill Ground.

Totton threatened just after 10 minutes but the ball was kept out and Brakes raced up the other end, Chilton scoring the opener on 12 minutes. Then a Daly header went just wide and Batchelor got injured and required attention.

Cooper then gave away an avoidable penalty, but redeemed himself by saving the shot. Magunda and Batchelor picked up yellow cards from the referee who was well up himself. Brakes created some pressure from two successive corners, but the score remained 1-0 at the break.

Shortly into the second half there was an outbreak of pinball in front of the Totton goal with shots by Leamington being blocked three or four times. Then on 54 minutes Chris Mason equalised for Totton with a strong shot from distance.

On 60 minutes Jimmy Husband put in a first rate cross and Dodd sent the ball skimming along the bar as Leamington sought to restore their lead. Eventually Dodd scored for the home side on 66 minutes, the move starting with a free kick for offside. Totton charm merchant Jonathan Davies charged in and was shown the red card.

Totton continued to play fluently and always looked as if they might equalise, but Brakes stood firm and launched a number of attacks.

Liam Daly was my man of the match, always stalwart in defence.