Something to remember

[Whistle Blower]

"In October 1950, Fanfare wrote in his column in the Newquay Express, "I have been accused of being unduly jittery in a recent article about the menace of the South Western League. When the names of the Devon and Cornish clubs who heartily support the idea, are published, they have not as yet for fear of victimisation for the rest of the season, there will be plenty of surprises. You see gentlemen there's a whale and not a red herring in the offing"

These words sum up the uncertainty felt within the Duchy with regard to the formation of the new league, the clubs about to leave the old Senior League were regarded as 'rebels', but nevertheless the SWL was formed in December 1950 with six Cornish and six Devon clubs. The founder member clubs were Barnstaple, Bideford, Falmouth, St Austell, St Blazey, Newquay, Newton Abbot, Penzance, Plymouth Argyle, Torquay United, Truro City and Saltash.

Mr R.J.R. Blindell was the League's first president, Mr G.H. Gillin chairman, Mr F.C. James of St Austell vice chairman, Mr R.J. Butler of Newton Abbot secretary and treasurer, and Mr A. Jewels of Chagford registration secretary. Mr Blindell donated a silver bowl for the league winners and  the Sunday Chronicle donated the SWL Challenge Cup.

In season 1955/56 the SWL was at loggerheads with the CCFA due to the fact that the SWL sought precedence over the Senior League, perhaps not surprisingly as the Senior League was composed of the reserve sides of SWL clubs. The SWL threatened to start a second division of the league, but in the event the Cornish clubs did not support the idea.

Despite these initial teething problems and Fanfare's prophesies of doom, time has proved that the league was soundly constituted as it remains today thirty seven  years on the premier league within the County.

 

Taken from the 1987/88 South Western League Cup Final programme.

[Martin Eddy]

Interesting article and almost sums up the feeling today, not that clubs are being rebel’s, just the uncertainty of a new league