Darts at Lamb Inn Photos courtesy Rose Ledbury November 2023
The two teams in 1947-48 mostly suited, all with collar and tie and few flat caps.
For several years around the Second World War, the Lamb Inn took part in the Chippenham Hospital League of Friends Darts Knockout Cup. The competition was run by Ushers Brewery to fundraise for St Andrews Hospital, Chippenham, in the years before and shortly after the formation of the National Health Service. Early rounds were split into geographical divisions: Chippenham Area, Corsham Area and Calne Area, and most locations submitted more than one team.[1]
In the 1947-48 season, the team from the Lamb Inn reached the final against the White Lion, Corsham. The pub continued to compete annually and in 1953 again reached the final defeating Chippenham British Legion.[2]
In the 1947-48 season, the team from the Lamb Inn reached the final against the White Lion, Corsham. The pub continued to compete annually and in 1953 again reached the final defeating Chippenham British Legion.[2]
Probably the Lamb Inn clientel. Can readers help to identify any people please?
The event was popular as a social event for ex-servicemen but the exclusivity was challenged in 1949 with the proposition “Should Women Play in Matches?”[3] The question was raised at the annual general meeting of the organisation, along with more specific issues such banning teams who arrived late and increasing the number of players in each side. The reply about including women had some prejudiced replies – that some clubs banned women entrants and men who played against women would not concentrate on the game. So much for women’s contributions in World War II.
The Lamb Inn was not the only Box organisation to participate. In 1935 the Quarryman’s Arms entered a side and in 1939-1940 The Rising Sun.[4] Some Box pubs did not enter either because they were banned by their own brewery or were on the western side of the village where their allegiance was more to the Bath Hospitals.
Both photos originally came from Sidney Oliver who was the landlord of the Lamb Inn between 1942 and 1949.
The Lamb Inn was not the only Box organisation to participate. In 1935 the Quarryman’s Arms entered a side and in 1939-1940 The Rising Sun.[4] Some Box pubs did not enter either because they were banned by their own brewery or were on the western side of the village where their allegiance was more to the Bath Hospitals.
Both photos originally came from Sidney Oliver who was the landlord of the Lamb Inn between 1942 and 1949.
References
[1] North Wilts Herald, 1 March 1940
[2] The Wiltshire Times, 5 September 1953
[3] The Wiltshire Times, 13 August 1949
[4] The Wiltshire Times, 6 May 1935 and North Wilts Herald, 1 March 1940
[1] North Wilts Herald, 1 March 1940
[2] The Wiltshire Times, 5 September 1953
[3] The Wiltshire Times, 13 August 1949
[4] The Wiltshire Times, 6 May 1935 and North Wilts Herald, 1 March 1940