The pictures below show how the books changed through the years and specific books are highlighted.  To take a closer look at any of these books click on the pictures for a larger version. 

1874

This is the oldest book we currently have, and comes from a time before the club was also the home of Cheshire County Cricket Club.  The club ran two teams playing against local sides, including a match against Cheshire County and a fixture at Old Trafford.  The front of the card also lists the season's professional, in this case James Buchanan.

1889

This is one of the most ornate books we have found, and comes from a time when the club was also the home of Cheshire Cricket.  The card lists not only the 1st and 2nd XI cricket fixtures for Stockport, but also bowling fixtures and the county cricket fixtures for Cheshire, including 4 home games played at Stockport against Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Northamptonshire and Lancashire.  The President of the club is listed as His Grace the Duke of Westminster KG, and one of the Vice Presidents of the club is Stockport's Mayor, Joseph Leigh.  The book is numbered 547 and signed by Frank Tyler as its owner.

1894

This is another very decorative book, produced by Bracher's and decorated on both sides in gold leaf.  This book shows the club had formed a 3rd XI which played against local sides.  The Cheshire fixtures are still present, with Stockport hosting a fixture against Leicestershire, while Crewe, Oxton and Birkenhead Park share the fixtures.

1899

In this year Stockport are seen to play a fixture with Manchester at Old Trafford, which was (and still is) also the home of Lancashire County Cricket Club.  In this book the club has 3 named professionals - Brown, Disney and Naylor.  Bowling fixtures and the "Athletic Sports" day are still listed on the fixtures, and the full committee and officers are detailed, including Thos. Webb, Mayor of Stockport as one of the vice presidents.

1916

During the first world war cricket was no longer a priority, although efforts were made to continue as normal.  In 1915 a full schedule was organised, but the was a warning that the schedule may have to be changed.  By 1916 the club did not arrange any fixtures, with a notice in the membership card saying "Owing to the war no cricket fixtures have been arranged, but it is hoped some matches may be played during the season."  There was clearly some optimism within the cricket section however, as A Williams is still listed as professional for the season.  In 1917 and 1918 no fixtures were arranged, and the professional was no longer required either.

1937

This is the first members book for Stockport as a CLL team, and the 1st and 2nd XI fixtures are those of the CLL.  The 'A' XI has replaced the 3rd XI but continues to play the same opposition.  The club professional BJ Tobin is listed inside the cover, and members are informed when the card is valid.  The club day is highlighted throughout the book as the major club event of the summer.

1971

This is the most recent book in our possession and holds fixtures for the 1st, 2nd and junior XI, bowling fixtures and details of entertainments including monthly whist drives.  The book lists the subscription fees for the season's membership, ranging from £3.25 for full members to 75p for under 18s.

SPONSOR THIS BANNER