Warrington Bridge Lane Story

This is again taken verbatim from the Souvenir Brochure and included in full for Club historical purposes.

In the years following the 1939/45 War, the playing membership of the Warrington Rugby Union Football club grew rapidly and in consequence the Committee were faced with either expanding or improving the facilities at Loushers Lane or eventually moving to a new ground where the future of the club could be established on a permanent basis.

With this problem in mind, two meetings were arranged at different periods with Warrington Town Council and their advisory Officials, to see if a solution of the problem could be reached and a long term lease granted to the Club. Senior Officials of the Warrington Club on both occasions put forward logical and fair proposals to the Council. Although given sympathetic hearings, no practical help was forthcoming, particularly as to the granting of a long term lease, which was eventually rejected.

It was only after this set back the Committee began to look around for another site which would enable the Club to develop on the lines desired.

Initially the American Hospital site at Appleton was viewed but agreement could not be reached with the owners and the scheme was dropped in 1952. From 1955 to 1957 hopes were held for a site on the old Stockton Heath Cricket ground at Appleton. However, this site would have proved too costly and the Committee had reluctantly to look elsewhere.

In February 1958, 'feelers' were put out to Runcorn R.D.C. by the President, Mr. C.C.C. Burch about any land which they might have available. The Council proved to be very helpful and understanding about the needs of the Club and in May 1958 they came forward with the area of land which has now been taken over and developed.

It has taken 3 ½ years of very hard work, to get the site developed to the present condition as you see it today. One feels that it is appropriate to make mention here of the ready co-operation of the various officials of the Runcorn R.D.C. in the numerous approaches which have been made to them, particularly Messrs. R. Patrick Williams the Clerk to the Council, B.G. Preston the Surveyor and M. Yates of his department.

Months of quotation chasing and meetings followed and not a few strings were pulled in efforts to keep the cost of the scheme down as much as possible, but it was only in October 1958 that Ministry approval was obtained.

Approaches were then made to the Rugby Football Union about the possibility of a loan, to enable the Club to go ahead with the Ground scheme. The controlling body, realising the urgency of the request, were most helpful.

At a Committee meeting on the 8th January 1959, the good news from the Rugby Football Union was announced - 'Loan approved'!

In April, the draft Lease from Runcorn R.D.C. was received and studied by the Committee and their legal advisers. A few minor points were cleared up and the Agreement of the Trustees of the Club obtained that they would join in the Lease.

The next hurdle to be overcome was the question of Guarantors to the Rugby Football Union for the Loan they had agreed upon. In addition to the Trustees six other Members were approached for their help which was very willingly given.

The Club must remain indebted for a long time to the ten very generous members who so readily agreed to act as Guarantors. On such an occasion as the opening of the new ground tonight, it is fitting that their names be mentioned here, as a token of the Club's appreciation. They are Messrs. R. Baker, C.C.C. Burch, G.N. England, M. Fairclough, J.R. Locker,, A.W. Marsden, G.A. Marshall, H. Pitchford, H. Simcock and A.W. Tennant all of whom have played for the Club in the past and have retained their interest in it for 38 years - a record to be truly proud of.

On the 30th September 1959 an Extraordinary General Meeting of Members was held. Questions were fired from all quarters. How much? How are we going to raise the money? Have we a layout plan of the Pavilion? And many other questions were raised until at last the Chairman W.H. Land was able to receive a proposition from Stanley Jones seconded by Jack McIntyre that 'This meeting give their sanction to the change of ground from Loushers Lane to Bridge Lane, Appleton, Cheshire, to obtaining a Loan of £3,000 from the Rugby Football Union and to various other steps the Committee were negotiating'. The vote was taken and the result announced 34 votes in favour; 0 against with 5 abstentions, and the Committee received the vote of confidence they required.

'Get moving' the cry had been so the President and the Secretary met Directors of E.M. Smith & Co. Limited during the week following to discuss the levelling of the site. Could we rely on them to do a first class job at their quoted price? "Yes" was the reply and accordingly the contract was approved by the General Committee.

In October work commenced but the weather decided to take a hand. Weeks of heavy rain prevented the Bulldozer and Scraper from working on the site but soon after Christmas it was obvious that the contracting equipment was winning and the local Press even sent a photographer to take photographs of the progress.

A special Ground Sub-Committee was appointed to go into the various work required. They held their first meeting in January 1960. Every aspect was discussed until a late hour, and the General Committee accepted the recommendations made.

Plans were drawn up and submitted for approval to the Planning Authorities. Weeks elapsed and the telephone wires became re hot from incessant chasing of the Authorities. Thursday April 28th saw yet another meeting with the officials concerned. Then out of the blue it came 'If the Club agree to eight amendments to the submitted plans, then permission would be given.' The President and the Secretary were aghast- By how much would the amendments increase the cost of the scheme? The additional costs were investigated and found reasonable and the General Committee accepted the various amendments to the plans on 11th May, 1960, and the road ahead was clear.

Marvellous- all the Summer months for work to forge ahead. Mr. William Hankey had kindly harrowed and seeded the pitches. The grass grew well with an exceptionally good take, Messrs. Gartons had fulfilled their promise that the seed would germinate well. During this period the fencing was erected and completely enclosed the ground. June saw the foundations of the pavilion being laid and then-Halt!! Weeks turned into months and progress became 'snail like'. The Secretary's blood pressure was never so high. Then, as if by a miracle, action recommenced. In August the drains were laid and the building shot up. By September the work was far enough ahead for the joiners and electricians to move in and do their work.

'Open Bonfire night' was the aim. Six weeks left, could it be done? The lining, insulation, wiring and partitioning were finished, near to the end of October. Alan Peaker was plumbing and glazing, whilst vociferously enlightening his young apprentice about the finer points of the trade. Ten days to go, the workmen from Messrs. Val de Travers arrived, and the Rock asphalt floor was laid in a day and a half.

Then came one of the biggest lifts the Club had received when Norman Cumings met Bill Baines and Alan James in the Clubhouse one night and offered to help with the decoration and painting. True to his word the job was well and truly done. Sunday October 13th saw a very large work party mustered. Bonfire wood was brought from all the district and all day long Bernard Bretherton and his helpers fetched and carried. Bob Young, ably assisted by a horde of youngsters, stacked and re-stacked the Bonfire. Other laid the drive and finished off other work.

Suddenly, panic stations. It was realised that 'the Bar', the hub of the Club's facilities, was still to be installed. Fingers were crossed but as promised, Greenall Whitley & Co. Limited came along and fitted the bar counter, display shelves etc. Right through Saturday morning work went on until the band of helpers could do no more so at 12-45 p.m. on Bonfire day, those who were due to play at Bury in the afternoon dashed off for a quick snack, change and hectic collecting of their kit.

Triumph all along the line for the 1st team won 12-11 and then a rush back to the ground.
Spectators came in their hundreds to see the gigantic bonfire and Firework display. Now to relax over a quiet drink in our new home. Some hopes. A struggle through ten rows of friends and visitors to the bar. Sorry, no glasses left. A hectic chase round and you grabbed the first empty glass and pushed through to the front again, served, you were glad the reach the comparative peace and quiet of the dressing rooms to enjoy the fruits of your efforts.

An extension licence enabled the cash to pour into the till giving the Club a record first night's business.

At 12-30 a.m. the workers gathered in the Clubhouse to survey the chaotic conditions in the Clubroom which rather resembled the debris left behind after flood waters had subsided. Too late to start on the cleaning work we thought so leave it until the morning. Someone thought the fire was a bit on the big side to leave unattended. Stockton Heath Fire Brigade were telephoned, quickly arrived and agreed that if the wind had changed direction the fire might have been dangerous. 400 gallons of water were pumped on to the fire but nevertheless on Tuesday following the big night children from the neighbourhood were still sitting round the smouldering embers.

No time for relaxation yet. There was still plenty of work to be done. Work parties were organised at night time and at week ends with the help of Mr. Michael Stansfield they might have carried on throughout the Summer months with the results you see tonight.

What's that you say? It sounds like three years of hectic endeavour. You are right it certainly was on both the administrative and physical side but now at least those who have helped in any way can say that the labour has not been in vain.

1961 to 2002
The first full season at Bridge Lane was 1961-62 and was officially opened with a match against Manchester. In the early days at Bridge Lane, the rubbish under the first team pitch 'floated' to the surface, causing some terrible injuries to players. Such injuries were always referred to Warrington Hospital for anti-tetanus treatment.

2002 To The Present
In July 2002, the Clubhouse in Bridge Lane, Appleton was set on fire by vandals, causing severe damage to the centre part of the Club and serious smoke dame to the changing rooms and lounge. Much of the Club's memorabilia was lost in the fire. The decision was taken to continue playing at Warrington Sports Club in Walton, who kindly agreed to host us. Because the cricket and rugby seasons overlap, Warrington RUFC had to adjust its fixtures so that cricket and rugby were not played at the same time at Walton.