Stowupland Corinthians Football Club

Funds for a new football club was raised at a fete reported in August 1935 –

“STOWUPLAND FOOTBALL CLUB FETE AND SPORTS For the purpose of raising funds towards the launching of a new football club in the village, a successful event, taking the form of fete and sports, was held, by permission of Mr. Carter, at “The Elms,” Stowupland. on Saturday. Preparatory arrangements had been carried out by a committee with Mr. D. Potten acting as general secretary and treasurer, and Mr. Dudley Brame was sports secretary. The side-shows and competitions were managed by the following; Aunt. Sally, Mr. Jack Horrex and Mr. A. Buckle: rifle ranges. Mr. Eric Rampley and Mr. C. Diaper; Saucy Sam and deck quoits. Mr. Wm. Buxton; bagatelle. Mr. Wm. Rowe; Corinthian bagatelle. Mr. C. Reason; hoop-la, Mr. Bertie Forsdike; kicking football. Mr. E. Hill; weight of coal. Master Teddy Barber; staking claim. Mr. James Manning; covering coin. Mr. J. Rowe; soft drinks. Miss E. Forsdike and Miss I. Bird; dips. Miss Forsdike. Teas were served by Mrs. Herbert Wilden (supervisor), Miss L. Abbott, Mrs. Hector Wilden, Mrs. F. Cubbitt, Mrs. A. G. Rayson, Mrs. E. Forsdike. Mrs. E. Williams, and Mrs. H. Manning. Mr. N. Robinson acted as gate steward. During the evening sports events were decided for children and adults”

Later in Aug 1935 they were admitted to the Stowmarket and District League. The report of the 1937 club dinner reads as follows –

FOOTBALL CLUB DINNER. “Members of Stowupland Corinthians Football Club celebrated a successful season a dinner at the Retreat Inn Mr. Robert Allard (President of the Club) presided, and toasted the host and hostess (Mr. and Mrs. Leigh Wilden). He hoped the Club would be able to turn out a good team next season and bring home a cup. He offered the club the use of his meadow, instead of playing on the village green, which would enable them have a gate,” instead of relying on collections. Mr. Allard thanked the host and hostess for the support they had given the Club. Mr. Dennis (secretary) thanked the President for his offer, and commented on the keen interest which he took in the Club. During the evening friends joined the members, had a convivial time was spent. For community singing Miss Hazel Forsdike was the pianist. Songs were given by Mr. Stanley Denny and others. Mr. Ephraim Sheldrake played accordion solos, and Mr. Dick Pryke entertained with the jazz set.”

There are no references to the club between 1939 and 1946 due to the war.

Neil Langridge adds

In “Stowmarket Town F.C. – The First Hundred Years” by Bill Dixon a team
called Stowupland Corinthians is mentioned as winning the Woolpit
Nursing Cup in 1939, there is a photo of the team with names which I ll
send later. John Scarfe was secretary from 1935 other committee members
were Messrs Horrex, Allard, Wilden and Pryke and players included Harry
Owen, Jack Cresswell, Vic Emmerson, and Ken Laflin (later a top class
referee). This club was the embryo of a new Stowmarket F.C.

During 1945-46 season the committee was Messrs Mins, Cresswell, Rampley,
Oldman, Hill, Pryke, Owen, Allard (President) and Scarfe (Secretary).
Robert Allard was chairman from 1935- – 1946 and the club played on his
meadow. Games after 1946 were played on the cricket meadow in Stowmarket
and in 1947 the name was changed to Stowmarket Corinthians then
Stowmarket Town.