Club History

The East Lancashire Paper Mill (ELPM) was the first limited paper mill to be founded in Lancashire Cricket Club started out as the cricket section of the ELPM recreation club which allowed workers from the mill and opportunity to explore their leisure interests.
A lane passes east west through the site, which was called ‘The Green’ at this time and later became Church Street. However, one of the most interesting aspects of the 1843 plan is the line of the original Roman Road, which runs north/south through the site on the line of Croft Lane. Historically there were seven lodges of which the five largest remain (although they are currently being drained). The area between the lodges was originally used for filter beds but in the early 20th century became a cricket pitch connected to the works.

Snippets of Club History

• The cricket club have played in a number of different leagues including the Bolton and District Association, Saddleworth league, North Manchester Cricket League.
• It was not before the club decided that they should be able to enjoy a pint or two after matches and so from 1935 they applied for a licence.
• Players didn’t own their own equipment and so the club bought for the 1935 season 1 bag, 2 bats, 1 ball (for practicing), 2 pairs batting gloves, 2 pairs of batting pads and 1 bag of balls. The scorer was paid extra for away matches as they had to ensure the safe return of the equipment bag.
• The first professional at the club was G Smith in 1936, 1937 and this was funded by Mr John Seddon
• Season tickets introduced at 3/6d for men and 2/-d for women
• The club played a number of friendly matches against Radcliffe C.C., Little Lever, Bolton C.C., Bury C.C., Stand C.C. and Worsley C.C.
• Playing subscriptions were in force by the 1939 season and anyone not paying 3/6d before the end of May did not play ! (sound familiar Nigel?).
• 1939 Mr John Seddon succeeded the late C.R. Seddon as club president.
• 1940 Bar business was booming so the club opened a bank account with Martins Bank Ltd
• 1940 with the start of the war Mr Leslie Prestwich was appointed deputy secretary with the view to taking over the role of current secretary Mr Allen Openshaw (not Oppy, could you imagine his as secretary!) when he was called up for service with H.M. Forces.
• H.M. force could be admitted to cricket matches for 2d 1941.
• 1941 Champions
• Ordered taxis to take players to away matches 1942
• Ladies allowed to be elected members at a subscription of 1/-d year. This allowed them to use the club on Saturday evenings & social evenings & use of the bowling green.
• Friendly with an Army XI (based at Lowercroft) on Sunday 31st May 1942.
• Difficult to get hold of any cricket gear so players had to repair before ordering any new 1942
• 18th August 1942 – Bar committee won vote to have pumps in the bar as it was thought “this would keep the beer in better condition”.
• 25th May 1943 – RAF Heaton park applied for a friendly cricket match.
• Charity match with Royal British legion Radcliffe branch with proceeds going to the Legion Cigarette Fund and the Bury infirmary.
• Club practices were held on Tuesd and Thurs and only players with correct footwear be allowed to practice and the practice should be carried out “in an orderly manner”.
• 1944 champions
• Mill closed in 2000