How we used to live

[Deleted member 875]

One in the poo
Two in the goo

 

[Dnblade]

That corner of Cherry St and Bramall Lane is so low, you can see the spire and tower of what must be St.Barnabas Church and Highfield Trinity on London Rd

Is that girl in the photo crossing the road by means of levitation?...or maybe I'm seeing things,after staggering out of the Royal.

 

[UnitedBlade]

You two gents may be able to help me here please!

Being a blade and a cricket fan I am big on the history of the Lane especially re cricket. I actually have written a potted history of the lane article I have submitted to Foxy.

One of many things I have read about the lane is that, especially in the early 20th century the cricket crowd had quite a reputation for being quite witty and vocal. It says this section of fans that had this reputation stood on the open terrace in between the pavillion and Bramall lane called the 'grinders stand' and the fans were known as 'grinders'. - what I can't find out is if this part of the ground was still called that after they built the Bramall Lane stand as well.

I.e. in that photo, was the terracing to the right of the pavillion as you look at it still called the grinders?

I'll butt in here ! I didn't know it was called the Grinders stand but they had wooden benches in that part of the ground to watch cricket (people didn't stand as far as I can remember). I watched all my cricket at the Lane from that vantage point and what entertainment we were served. Boycott, Sharp, Padgett, Hampshire, Close, Hutton, Illingworth, Binks, Trueman, Wilson, Nicholson. Never to be forgotten. It was still the main part after the Bramall Lane stand was built although I'm pretty sure you could sit under the stand.

Championship winning side at the Lane, who would believe it ? Happy, happy days. We'd never finished lower than 11th in Division 2 either.

 

[Silent Blade]

You two gents may be able to help me here please!

Being a blade and a cricket fan I am big on the history of the Lane especially re cricket. I actually have written a potted history of the lane article I have submitted to Foxy.

One of many things I have read about the lane is that, especially in the early 20th century the cricket crowd had quite a reputation for being quite witty and vocal. It says this section of fans that had this reputation stood on the open terrace in between the pavillion and Bramall lane called the 'grinders stand' and the fans were known as 'grinders'. - what I can't find out is if this part of the ground was still called that after they built the Bramall Lane stand.

I.e. in that photo, was the terracing to the right of the pavillion as you look at it still called the grinders?

Watched cricket only once at BDTBL. My twin uncles took me to watch Yorkshire v Worcestershire in 1971 (I was 9) cos I wanted to see Ted Hemsley. He did bat but he was out for only 6 runs (bowled by Cope) and then after that I wanted to go home. My twin uncles told me that they had come to watch for the whole day but then we had gone into an agreement that we would go home after Ron Headley got dismissed. He was out for 70 odd. We sat on the wooden seats in the open terracing on Bramall Lane (near Cherry Street corner).

Never heard of Grinders, I am afraid. Started getting really interested in cricket in 1975 (Prudential Cup)

 

[Bladepicker]

I'll butt in here ! I didn't know it was called the Grinders stand but they had wooden benches in that part of the ground to watch cricket (people didn't stand as far as I can remember). I watched all my cricket at the Lane from that vantage point and what entertainment we were served. Boycott, Sharp, Padgett, Hampshire, Close, Hutton, Illingworth, Binks, Trueman, Wilson, Nicholson. Never to be forgotten. It was still the main part after the Bramall Lane stand was built although I'm pretty sure you could sit under the stand.

Championship winning side at the Lane, who would believe it ? Happy, happy days. We'd never finished lower than 11th in Division 2 either.

Watched cricket only once at BDTBL. My twin uncles took me to watch Yorkshire v Worcestershire in 1971 (I was 9) cos I wanted to see Ted Hemsley. He did bat but he was out for only 6 runs (bowled by Cope) and then after that I wanted to go home. My twin uncles told me that they had come to watch for the whole day but then we had gone into an agreement that we would go home after Ron Headley got dismissed. He was out for 70 odd. We sat on the wooden seats in the open terracing on Bramall Lane (near Cherry Street corner).

Never heard of Grinders, I am afraid. Started getting really interested in cricket in 1975 (Prudential Cup)

This confirms what I thought from some reasearch - it was known as the Grinders Stand pre war then post war (and especially with dwindling cricket crowds) and following the building of the Lane End its name fell out of popular use.

If you read reports from around the turn of the century the 'Grinders' had quite the reputation for being less than complimentary to opposition players/fielders and often under performing Yorkshire players!

 

[raul]

This confirms what I thought from some reasearch - it was known as the Grinders Stand pre war then post war (and especially with dwindling cricket crowds) and following the building of the Lane End its name fell out of popular use.

If you read reports from around the turn of the century the 'Grinders' had quite the reputation for being less than complimentary to opposition players/fielders and often under performing Yorkshire players!

Great. Another straw for Toot and Ploot to clutch at. Thanks Beep.

 

[Bladepicker]

Great. Another straw for Toot and Ploot to clutch at. Thanks Beep.

I heard it was said by Archie McLaren, Lancashire and part time England captain in early 1901:

"We have Yorkshire in Sheffield on Saturday gentleman. Remember lads just keep them quiet for the first hour..."

 

[Woodwardfan]

This confirms what I thought from some reasearch - it was known as the Grinders Stand pre war then post war (and especially with dwindling cricket crowds) and following the building of the Lane End its name fell out of popular use.

If you read reports from around the turn of the century the 'Grinders' had quite the reputation for being less than complimentary to opposition players/fielders and often under performing Yorkshire players!

You two gents may be able to help me here please!

Being a blade and a cricket fan I am big on the history of the Lane especially re cricket. I actually have written a potted history of the lane article I have submitted to Foxy.

One of many things I have read about the lane is that, especially in the early 20th century the cricket crowd had quite a reputation for being quite witty and vocal. It says this section of fans that had this reputation stood on the open terrace in between the pavillion and Bramall lane called the 'grinders stand' and the fans were known as 'grinders'. - what I can't find out is if this part of the ground was still called that after they built the Bramall Lane stand.

I.e. in that photo, was the terracing to the right of the pavillion as you look at it still called the grinders?

I don't remember the name "Grinders Stand" but like you I watched from the cricket end of Bramall Lane times many, sat on those wooden benches.

My mother used to take me to matches for the day in the school holidays probably from around age 8 ( 1956) and then I used to go to games with pals around age 10.

In the mid-50's my memory is of big crowds, perpetual sunshine. packed lunch and tea, Tizer, a very happy mood of a crowd watching a top team and definitely "wags" shouting out throughout the day with loads of encouragement and laughter; never understood a word of it and neither did my Mum as I recall !! From memory the crowd on the other side of the pitch between John Street and the pavilion were far more reserved and were cordoned off so must have paid more; not many "wags" over there. Members sat in front of the pavilion and on the balcony where we sat for Sheffield United C.C. home games, just for the fun of it and wandering round the building unchecked, though we never got in the dressing rooms. I recall the "Gentlemen" and "Players" gates and gangways to the pavilion but not sure whether I saw them in use; my memory sees the two classes of players but may be playing tricks.

Trips on our own to matches around 10/11 years old tell a story of safer times gone by but we only lived just up the hill. As lads we used to sit on or near the Kop on the steps and generally play in and around the empty spaces. Later in the day we would collect Tizer and Jusoda discarded bottles and get the 3d refunds, maybe up to 10/15 bottles each and we made seat cushion mountains which attracted loads of kids.
I saw Johnny Wardle and the reason I do remember him is the reverance and adulation amongst the exceitement in the crowd ( I remember seeing Hagan for the same reason) everyone made a fuss as there was greatness present.

Freddy Trueman engendered similar adulation and I can remember him and his raging-bull run up from the Pavilion end, his histrionics and his aggression whilst bowling. I can also remember the crowd almost willing wickets to fall late in the day when Trueman was due in to bat invariably at No.7. He could bat well and was so aggressive, usually making big attempts to hit the Pavilion Clock.

I remember watching an Aussie touring side, green caps and all; the "wags" were on great form that day!!

Wonderful days plus the chance to watch the grass grow on the football pitch and dream of my heroes.

.

 

[blade too long]

I met my wife in the beer keller that was in the cricket pavillion.on new years eve 1971
If they hadnt knocked it down I would have blown it up by now

 

[HighfieldBlade]

Jusoda

With that one word you have re-awoken a long-dormant neuron in my grey matter.

I used to collect those bottles too, then take them to the corner shop that used to stand on Bramall Lane/Alderson Place for a refund.

 

[UnitedBlade]

I don't remember the name "Grinders Stand" but like you I watched from the cricket end of Bramall Lane times many, sat on those wooden benches.

My mother used to take me to matches for the day in the school holidays probably from around age 8 ( 1956) and then I used to go to games with pals around age 10.

In the mid-50's my memory is of big crowds, perpetual sunshine. packed lunch and tea, Tizer, a very happy mood of a crowd watching a top team and definitely "wags" shouting out throughout the day with loads of encouragement and laughter; never understood a word of it and neither did my Mum as I recall !! From memory the crowd on the other side of the pitch between John Street and the pavilion were far more reserved and were cordoned off so must have paid more; not many "wags" over there. Members sat in front of the pavilion and on the balcony where we sat for Sheffield United C.C. home games, just for the fun of it and wandering round the building unchecked, though we never got in the dressing rooms. I recall the "Gentlemen" and "Players" gates and gangways to the pavilion but not sure whether I saw them in use; my memory sees the two classes of players but may be playing tricks.

Trips on our own to matches around 10/11 years old tell a story of safer times gone by but we only lived just up the hill. As lads we used to sit on or near the Kop on the steps and generally play in and around the empty spaces. Later in the day we would collect Tizer and Jusoda discarded bottles and get the 3d refunds, maybe up to 10/15 bottles each and we made seat cushion mountains which attracted loads of kids.
I saw Johnny Wardle and the reason I do remember him is the reverance and adulation amongst the exceitement in the crowd ( I remember seeing Hagan for the same reason) everyone made a fuss as there was greatness present.

Freddy Trueman engendered similar adulation and I can remember him and his raging-bull run up from the Pavilion end, his histrionics and his aggression whilst bowling. I can also remember the crowd almost willing wickets to fall late in the day when Trueman was due in to bat invariably at No.7. He could bat well and was so aggressive, usually making big attempts to hit the Pavilion Clock.

I remember watching an Aussie touring side, green caps and all; the "wags" were on great form that day!!

Wonderful days plus the chance to watch the grass grow on the football pitch and dream of my heroes.

.

Wonderful, that captures the essence of cricket at the Lane especially Fred steaming in from the pavilion end.

I think it was Vic Wilson who actually hit the clock with a straight six. When you thought the day's entertainment was over I used to love watching Vic bat.

The only bit I can add was we used to like bouncing the contents of the Lane's meat pies on the terracing. I swear you could get it to bounce to head height.

 

[Longtime Blade]

Blades won 3-0 on 25th April 1966. Scorers were Hartle, Fenoughty and Mallender

I was at that game. One of the Arsenal players was George Eastham who successfully challenged the old maximum wage system

in the courts. Incidentally, it was just about a week after this defeat that Arsenal had their lowest ever gate - 4,554.

 

[Woodwardfan]

Wonderful, that captures the essence of cricket at the Lane especially Fred steaming in from the pavilion end.

I think it was Vic Wilson who actually hit the clock with a straight six. When you thought the day's entertainment was over I used to love watching Vic bat.

The only bit I can add was we used to like bouncing the contents of the Lane's meat pies on the terracing. I swear you could get it to bounce to head height.

Vic Wilson..ruddy faced mountain of a man. very upright posture, thick set, captain.

My favourites were Jimmy Binks, Don Wilson, Fred Trueman, Doug Padgett and Ray Illingworth.

 

[UnitedBlade]

Vic Wilson..ruddy faced mountain of a man. very upright posture, thick set, captain.

My favourites were Jimmy Binks, Don Wilson, Fred Trueman, Doug Padgett and Ray Illingworth.

I meant Don not Vic ! I never saw Vic play so I don't why that was the name I recalled.

It would be hard not to like all of them but I also liked Jack Hampshire and had a soft spot for Tony Nicholson, the unsung hero. Quality throughout.

 

[bornablade]

You two gents may be able to help me here please!

Being a blade and a cricket fan I am big on the history of the Lane especially re cricket. I actually have written a potted history of the lane article I have submitted to Foxy.

One of many things I have read about the lane is that, especially in the early 20th century the cricket crowd had quite a reputation for being quite witty and vocal. It says this section of fans that had this reputation stood on the open terrace in between the pavillion and Bramall lane called the 'grinders stand' and the fans were known as 'grinders'. - what I can't find out is if this part of the ground was still called that after they built the Bramall Lane stand.

I.e. in that photo, was the terracing to the right of the pavillion as you look at it still called the grinders?

I remember those old benches. During the football season they used to store them in the concourse between Bramall Lane and Cherry Street. I remember start of the the 1969/70 football season, Yorkshire had just finished playing and we were playing Middlesborough (?) on the Saturday. On the final day of the Yorkshire match we heard they were looking for volunteers to come down the next day to shift all those benches. Me and my mates all went down and during the day we heard from 'a source' that Arthur Rowley had been sacked.

First and only time I've been ITK. But no bloody internet.

 

[Grecian2000]

My favourites were Jimmy Binks, Don Wilson, Fred Trueman, Doug Padgett and Ray Illingworth.

Pah, wasn't allowed favourites in our house. They were the Gods of cricket and would be treated accordingly (with deference and respect) and were to be called sir if an autograph were to be asked for.

Having said that Sir Fred was out there on his own for the sheer perfection that was his bowling action, Phil Sharpe was the epitome of slip fielding, Close was the bravest man outside of comic books and Old Nick was the most unsung of unsung heroes.
I have numerous score books lovingly filled out with details of the play I watched. Pretty sure my dad only taught me to "score" so he could bugger off for long periods of the day knowing I would rather piss myself than miss a ball.

 

[JJ Sefton]

1962

 

[JJ Sefton]

1963

 

[Woodwardfan]

I meant Don not Vic ! I never saw Vic play so I don't why that was the name I recalled.

It would be hard not to like all of them but I also liked Jack Hampshire and had a soft spot for Tony Nicholson, the unsung hero. Quality throughout.

Never liked Hampshire much, or Close, certainly not Boycott, but you've reminded me of Nicholson -good bowler and patently a nice bloke, wonder what he's doing now - perhaps he's on this Forum!! along with so many other nice blokes.

 

[Woodwardfan]

1963

Great photo Walt.

That banking in the corner of the cricket ground used to be packed full of supporters.

That was "Fine leg" or Mid-off" depending which end was bowled from. We always sat at mid-wicket, shallower terracing but more "intimate". Always sunny, always close to the action and the "wagspeak".

 

[Woodwardfan]

Pah, wasn't allowed favourites in our house. They were the Gods of cricket and would be treated accordingly (with deference and respect) and were to be called sir if an autograph were to be asked for.

Having said that Sir Fred was out there on his own for the sheer perfection that was his bowling action, Phil Sharpe was the epitome of slip fielding, Close was the bravest man outside of comic books and Old Nick was the most unsung of unsung heroes.
I have numerous score books lovingly filled out with details of the play I watched. Pretty sure my dad only taught me to "score" so he could bugger off for long periods of the day knowing I would rather piss myself than miss a ball.

If I look back I'm sure our fathers influenced us like 99% of the time ( frightening now we are Dads and Grandads!!). My Dad hated Boycott or any player who scored at less than 3 runs an over. His hero was Bradman and so was mine for some reason!!

I never saw Close's bravery for Yorkshire that much, more for England but he was just being "Yorkshire" really!! For us he always seemed miserable and grumpy to me !!

 

[bornablade]

1962

Was this after the February 1962 gales?

 

[bornablade]

Never liked Hampshire much, or Close, certainly not Boycott, but you've reminded me of Nicholson -good bowler and patently a nice bloke, wonder what he's doing now - perhaps he's on this Forum!! along with so many other nice blokes.

Remember seeing Yorkshire play Derbyshire at Queens Park Chesterfield. Tony Nicholson enjoying the banter from the crowd as Yorkshire fielded. Giving back as much as he was taking. All in a good hearted way.

 

[raul]

Never liked Hampshire much, or Close, certainly not Boycott, but you've reminded me of Nicholson -good bowler and patently a nice bloke, wonder what he's doing now - perhaps he's on this Forum!! along with so many other nice blokes.

He died many years ago. He was in the next bed to my Grandad in hospital go a while. First person I ever got an Autograph from.

 

[JJ Sefton]

Was this after the February 1962 gales?

Yes. I think its a street by the Lane.

 

[Woodwardfan]

He died many years ago. He was in the next bed to my Grandad in hospital go a while. First person I ever got an Autograph from.

And doesn't that add poignancy to the here and now!

 

[Woodwardfan]

Remember seeing Yorkshire play Derbyshire at Queens Park Chesterfield. Tony Nicholson enjoying the banter from the crowd as Yorkshire fielded. Giving back as much as he was taking. All in a good hearted way.

Cricket at Queens Park Chesterfield - Heaven on Earth, sort of like serious sport set in a theme park of Green, Classic, English Parkland. Great, great days, so long ago. again, the sun was always shining, otherwise we wouldn't have been at the cricket match.

 

[Bladebri]

Old Meets new.

The old and the new collide at Bramall Lane in the mid seventies. In 1971 the board of the Sheffield United Cricket and Football Club voted to expell cricket from Bramall Lane. The last cricket match, Yorkshire v Lancashire, was played in August 1973 and the cricket pitch was dug up and a new stand constructed that was opened in 1975. The cricket pavilion, opened at the turn of the 20th century survived for sometime after until it was demolished in the early eighties to make way for an extension of the Bramall Lane car park.

• Here are some links to images of the pavilion in it’s hey day.

• Bramall Lane cricket pavilion - in all it’s glory
• View from Bramall Lane/John St - view from Bramall Lane end.
• Looking towards Shoreham St - view from the Grinders Stand
• Pavilion from Grinders Stand - the new hotel covers some of what was the Grinders Stand.
• Pavilion from John St - looking out across the football and cricket pitches. To the right you can see the cricket square roped off.

 

[Woodwaaard]

Yes. I think its a street by the Lane.

I reckon that the picture is of Shoreham St. Cherry St is further up, to the right

 

[blade too long]

I remember going to the Manor picture house saturday morning to watch rocketman woody woodpecker , tom and jerry rob roy and assorted cowboy and indian shorts.
Wed go in Barnards sweet shop first for some chocolate drops with bits on , pineapple chunks or a Frys 5 boys bar of chocolate and a jubbly to see us through.

some weeks wed go to the Ball in to watch the juniors then down to the Lane for the game
was a full itenary