Thanks for the Memories – the Story of a Warwickshire Village Cricket Team, 1874-2024 – The history of Hockley Heath Cricket Club

The year 2024 marks the 150th anniversary of the formation of Hockley Heath village cricket club. Local man Dave Bullivant has written the history of the club, its association with village life and the impact it has had on so many individuals.

The book - Far more than just the story of a cricket team, Dave has produced a social history of village life over a century and a half. It runs to 272 A4 pages and has over 300 photos and images.

The story takes us down forgotten by-ways. Dave introduces us to heroes and villains, teas, tears and beers, and even more beers. He pinpoints the location of the different grounds that the club has called home.  And in amongst the anecdotes and stories, most of which have at least a foundation of truth, there are, for those who love them, plenty of statistics.

Most of all, this is a celebration of the skill, companionship, fun and frustrations of playing village cricket. It is a lovingly researched record of seasons in the sun (and the rain). More importantly, it captures the colourful characters and the often life-long relationships that have flourished at Hockley Heath Cricket Club for 150 years.

The author - Dave Bullivant grew up in Hockley Heath, Solihull. He attended the local Junior School and played both cricket and football for the village teams. Since he first played for the village cricket team sixty years ago, Dave has fulfilled many roles. These include batting with varying degrees of success, fielding ridiculously close at short leg, secretary, fixture secretary and Club captain, before finally becoming President. Dave has spent many years researching the club’s history, interviewing old players and uncovering long lost photographs.

Opinions

“There will be a lot of very envious Cricket Clubs when they see this publication.”- Ged Scott (BBC Sports Journalist and Broadcaster)

“I think it looks great, has definitely got the wow! Factor…….and reads amazing. I’ve done quite a few club and league histories over the years and, for many reasons, this is the best I’ve done.” - Andy Searle (published author and typesetter)

“Brought up in the village, I have been lucky enough to play cricket all over the world. Of all the clubs I have played for, Hockley Heath is the one dearest to my heart. Dave’s book tells a great story of 150 years of village life, both on and off the cricket field. It will surely resonate with those living in Hockley Heath today.” - Phil Dawes (Hockley Heath Cricket Club member)

 

How to buy the book - The book retails at £25 and can be purchased from this shop or at the following Hockley Heath village outlets; One Stop, John Buckley, Mills the Butchers and the Social Club. All profits will go to Hockley Heath Cricket Club.

Anyone wishing to play for the Club or serve in an administrative capacity contact Dave Bullivant at thebullivants@blueyonder.co.uk.

Comments on the book

“Dave’s book has arrived today – and what a monster! I hadn’t realised how much research and collation of details Dave was taking on: a fantastic achievement. All I have been able to do just now is to scan through it and get a feel of what is there because it will take some time to read and digest it. However, I often wondered what happened to “Crusty” Curtiss so I now know of his sad end. It’s good to be reminded of Claverdon’s feared foes like Gerald White, George Webb and Phil Dawes, and I hadn’t realised what an immense run-maker Terry Wright became. And I didn’t know that Hubert Southwood (brother of Derek and John) had been treasurer in the 1970s.” - Ricky Gunn (Claverdon C.C.)

“Can't put the book down and only got to early post 2nd world war.

Just finished the book. What a read !!!

Full of wonderful memories and nostalgia.

David you have done such a great job. Ably assisted by Terry of course

Thanks to you both.

Hockley Heath Cricket Club means so much to me.” - Phil Dawes

“I can highly recommend the book, an amazing piece of work. You don't need to have played cricket to enjoy Dave Bullivant's outstanding book about the history of HHCC ('Thanks for the Memories'), it's a great read.” - Mike Lane

“Certainly is. Can't believe the amount of research and it's so well written.” - John Lane

“Everyone, this book is an absolute must-have! Dave Bullivant has poured an incredible 50 years of effort into creating something truly special - a beautiful and meticulously crafted book that captures the history of our club, the village, and all the fantastic players that have played for the club over the past 150yrs. We are so fortunate to have this treasure. Other clubs would love to have something like this, so let’s show our appreciation and pride. This is a piece of history we all should own.” - Richard King

“Your book is a great read; it's a credit to you, absolutely outstanding stuff.” - Garry Eathorne

“Making my way through the book Dave. It’s an excellent read. Well done you.” - Geoff Hill

“The book has safely arrived. I’ve loved dipping into it. You have created a great mix of anecdotes, personal recollections and history. I’ve learnt a lot about the club already! I’m very honoured to be keeping close company with Phil and Terry but who on earth is that lad in photo?! I recognise the bat. Huge congratulations Dave. What a labour of love! And actually, apart from the runs and wickets it’s so nice to read how many players really loved their time at the club. Mine was relatively short but I was so lucky to be around such hugely talented and fun cricketers. HHCC taught me much about life and drinking. I’m very grateful for both and wonderfully your book has brought it all flooding back. Thank you and you should be very proud of the book.” - Richard Farmer

“Opened it last night - amazing book! It's really entertaining, and I can't wait to read it fully. Well done.” - Neil Taylor

Review by Martin Chandler

Hockley Heath is a village in Warwickshire of around 2,000 souls and its population of something in excess of 5,000, which makes it a small town. The club has both been around a long time and the publication of Bullivant’s book coincides with his club’s 150th anniversary.

I decided at the outset that, at least at the present time, I am not going to find the time to read Thanks for the Memories from cover to cover, but I have spent a good hour going through the book, which is long enough to develop the utmost respect for the effort Bullivant has put in and to get very much more than just a flavour of what the book is about. This one certainly exceeded my expectations and I cannot see any reason why anyone with a connection with Hockley Heath would not want to own a copy of this substantial source of information about the club and those who have been involved with it. Bullivant has not had access to a great deal in the way of written archives, so has had to rely a good deal on press reports for the club’s early history. That said having been associated with the club since the 1960s he has over many years had the opportunity to talk to plenty of people whose memories went back a long way.

There are a large number of profiles of the men who have played for Hockley Heath down the years, and many quotes about them from their teammates and others. Perhaps unsurprising, but still impressive, are the number of members of some individual families who feature, the Bullivants being one such.

The major surprise as I leafed through the book was learning that the club effectively ceased to exist in 2007 as it merged with near neighbours Dorridge, a community more than five times the size of Hockley Heath. That was a situation that lasted until 2020 when, at what must be the most difficult time to do so, the Hockley Heath club was reformed due principally to the efforts of Richard King.

And what of the years ahead? That is a slightly worrying aspect. Currently the club lacks a home ground and sounds as if it is reliant on too few individuals for its future to be considered in any way secure. Village cricket is one of the very finest British institutions and I sincerely hope it survives and, Bullivant taking nothing from the book and passing all profits on to the club, that in itself is reason enough to buy this one.