| The World-Rugby-Museum is pleased to exhibit the Neath RFC Committee Minute books 1887 - 1892. These are the oldest known records of the club which as we all know is the oldest club in Wales. These came up at auction in the late 1990s, we were concerned that they would fall into the wrong hands and notified the club that they were being offered for sale. We suggested that the club purchase these unique historical artefacts and that we were happy to bid on their behalf as we would be at the auction. There was initial interest but when told that they could expect to pay £500 for the pair of books the club declined to bid. (Soon after it was made public that there were huge debts at the club and they were summarily taken over by the Welsh Rugby Union). We were determined to keep these books in Neath and were successful at the auction. Our feelings are that records of this importance should be available to the public for research and viewing. Below you will find several pages which have been transcribed (Our thanks to Edgar Burns of Wellington, New Zealand for transcribing the majority of these pages) from the minute books and the next few pages as photographs. If you are able to help by transcribing any of these pages, please do and email the text to us at museum@rugbyrelics.com. We will then add the text to this page and acknowledge your contribution. (The text in red are our notes) | |||||||||||
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Neath Football Club Minute Book 1887 - 1891 (1)
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS PAGE AS IT APPEARS IN THE MINUTE BOOK Before the conclusion of season 1886-7 the Hon. Secretary Mr J. Harry Hawkins resigned his office and at a General Meeting held at the Town Hall - Council Chambers - in the month of November 1886 Mr. A. Russell Thomas at the unanimous request of the meeting, which was largely attended , consented to accept the office of Honorary Secretary for a few months at least in order - as he explained - to work up (if possible) the affairs and the standard of the club. From this date to the end of the season sundry committee meetings were held both at The Llewellyn Arms Coffee Tavern and at the Young Men's Christian Association Rooms but no record of these meetings was kept. At a Committee Meeting held at the Llewellyn Arms Coffee Tavern on Tuesday Evening 24th May1887 8.30 Present: Mr. S.S.Clarke in the Chair Mr H.A.Bowen Mr E.G.Jones Mr W. E. Rees Mr H. Langford Mr J.Williams Mr A Russell Thomas
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS PAGE AS IT APPEARS IN THE MINUTE BOOK The Hon Sec read the Balance Sheet which he proposed to produce at the General Meeting when the committee expressed satisfaction with same. Friday evening 3rd. June was decided to hold General Meeting at Town Hall - Council Chambers - The question of a Northern Tour was discussed when it was arranged that the Secretary write to the Northern Teams & try if possible to come to terms with them. The following places were mentioned. Bradford, Swinton, Hull, Broughton Rangers, Wakefield Trinity, Dewsbury, Manningham, Wigan, Batley, Leeds, St Johns, Moseley, Brighouse Rangers. signature of S.S. Clark - Chairman
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At the Annual General Meeting of the Neath Football Club held at the Town Hall, Council Chambers, on Friday Evening 3rd June 1887 at 8 o,clock Present Mr Tom Williams in the chair & a large number of gentlemen present. The Secretary read the Balance Sheet which showed a balance of 3/7 in hand Moved by Mr E.G Jones Seconded by Mr Langford Resolved that the balance sheet be passed
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS PAGE AS IT APPEARS IN THE MINUTE BOOK Mr Russell Thomas proposed that Mr Tom Williams be elected President Seconded by Mr J. Williams unanimously carried
Moved by Mr Tom Williams Sec d Mr Walter Rees Resolved that the Mayor's name head the list of Patrons
Moved by Mr A Russell Thomas Seconded by Mr S.S. Clark Resolved that any gentlemen who is Disposed to subscribe1/2 a guinea towards the club be elected Vice President
Moved by Mr J Williams Seconded by Mr Walter E Rees Resolved that Mr S.S Clark (Sam Clark, Neath's first ever international) be appointed Captain of The Neath Football Club & supported by Mr J.G. Davies & Mr Harry Langford
Moved By Mr Tom Williams Seconded by Mr Langford Resolved that Mr Fred Kempthorne be elected Vice Captain CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS PAGE AS IT APPEARS IN THE MINUTE BOOK
Moved & Seconded & Resolved that Mr Thomas Jones be Captain of the 2nd Fifteen
Moved by Mr Tom Williams 2nd by Mr S.S. Clark Resolved that Mr Russell Thomas be re-elected Hon Sec of the Club
Moved by Mr A Russel Thomas 2nd by Mr E.G. Jones Resolved That Mr Walter Rees be elected Assistant Sec'y
Moved by Mr ???? (both Jones and Williams crossed out) Seconded by Mr Tom Williams Resolved that the Committee consist of seven members with power to add to their number The following Gentlemen were elected upon the committee Messers H. Langford J.E Jones, E.G. Jones, H.A Bowen, D Williams J.G. Davies + Johnny Williams Votes of thanks to the officers of the year 1886-7 & to the chairman brought the meeting to a close signature of T or J Williams Chairman ***** At
a General Meeting of the Club held at Council Chamber on Tuesday 30th
Aug. 1887 Mr. J. G. Davies Chairman, Mr E. G. Jones proposed that the
resignation of Mr. S. S. Clark be accepted & as seconded by Mr. S.
Williams. Proposed by Mr. H.
Langford seconded by Mr. E. G. Jones & carried unanimously that Mr.
R. J. Thomas be elected Captain of 1st XV.
The Chairman then read a letter from the Secretary of Neath
Harlequins Mr. E. G. Jones proposed & Mr. Walter E. Rees seconded
& carried that Mr. Stanley Elt be appointed Captain of 2nd
XV.
It was decided to give Mr. Sam Clark a Testimonial
for the services rendered by him to the Club. Chairman At a Committee meeting of the Club held at the Council Chamber prior to the holding of the General Meeting on Tuesday 20th Septr. 1887. Mr.
E. George Jones in the Chair Stanley Elt, Walter E. Rees, H. A. Bowen, J. Williams, A. Russell Thomas, Dd.
Williams ***** CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS PAGE AS IT APPEARS IN THE MINUTE BOOK The
first business of the meeting was to elect 2 representatives to journey to
Proposed by Mr. Walter Rees that Mr. A Russell Thomas & Mr. H.
A. Bowen be elected to represent the Club at
Proposed by Mr. H. A. Bowen & seconded by Mr. Walter Rees that
Mr. A Russell Thomas stand for the post of Committeeman on the Welsh
Football Union at the meeting to be held next Saturday, & referred to
above.
Proposed by Mr. Stanley Elt that Mr. Edward Morgan be appointed
Printer for Season. Seconded by Mr, H. A. Bowen & carried. Proposed
by Mr. H. A. Bowen Seconded
by Mr. Dd Williams
That the terms of the Cricket Club be accepted viz: ₤15 for
use of Field & Pavilion during Season.
Carried unan: E. Gwyn
Jones (Chairman) CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS PAGE AS IT APPEARS IN THE MINUTE BOOK At a General Meeting held at the
Council Chamber on Tuesday evening 20th Septr. 1887 for the
purpose of electing a Captain Mr. R. J. Thomas not accepting the office
bestowed upon him at the last General Meeting.
Present Mr. E. Gwyn Jones in the Chair & a large number of
members.
Mr Chas. Harris proposed that Mr. Bowen be elected Captain.
Mr. Fred. Kempthorne seconded & carried unanimously.
Mr. Bowen briefly acknowledged the honour & accepted the
office.
In the move? of Mr. Bowen on the Committee Mr. Dd
Watkins was elected by a large majority.
Mr. Dd Watkins protested against the member of the
Committee representing
Mr. E. George Jones & Mr. A. Russell Thomas’ names were
proposed to be recommended to the
Mr Russell Thomas was elected by 31 votes to 13. E.
Gwyn Jones Chairman CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS PAGE AS IT APPEARS IN THE MINUTE BOOK A Committee Meeting of this Club was
held at the Y.M.C.A. Rooms on
Tuesday Evening 27th Septr. 1887 when the chief business was the
selection of the team to play the first match against
A Committee Meeting held at Y.M.C.A. Rooms on 4th Octr. 1889
present Messrs: H. A. Bowen, E.G. Jones, Walter E. Rees, Dd
Watkins, & A. Russell Thomas.
Upon the motion of Mr A. Russell Thomas it as decided that the
Secretary write Mr. T. J. Carlisle of Swansea thanking him for his gratuitous
services as Referee in the last week’s match Cardiff v Neath.
The amount presented the late Captain Mr. Sam S. Clark at the close of
the match above referred to was ₤8.11.6 together with the illuminated
address.
The Secretary produced a written undertaking proposed to be signed by
one or two members of the Club guaranteeing the sum of ₤15 to the
Cadoxton Cricket Club as Ground Rent for Season 1887-8.
Mr. Russell Thomas was asked to sign the undertaking which he agreed to
do upon the understanding that if the funds of the Club would not allow the
payment of this amount the members of the Committee would do their utmost
to raise the money so that Mr. Russell Thomas should be at no personal loss. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS PAGE AS IT APPEARS IN THE MINUTE BOOK At a Committee Meeting held at the
Y.M.C.A. Rooms on Tuesday Evening 11th Octr. 1887 Present: Messrs.
J. G. Davies, E. G. Jones, Harry
Langford, Dd. Watkins, Walter E. Rees, G. Williams & A. Russell
Thomas. The Question of the
amalgamation of Skewen with Neath
was much discussed & it as ultimately decided that Messrs. J. G. Davies,
E. G. Jones & A. Russell Thomas attend the meeting of the Skewen Club
Committee called for Thursday evening next at the “Crown” Skewen as a
deputation to get at the real feeling of the Skewen members.
Several members having objected to the Coffee Tavern as “Head
Quarters” the desirability of moving to the Mackworth Hotel was discussed.
A member of the Committee had had interviews with Mr. Andrews the
proprietor of the Hotel and he had agreed to give the Club the use of the
necessary Rooms with accommodation for a month to see whether it would pay him
& that a Notice Board should be placed outside his premises at the expense
of the Club. It was unanimously
decided that Mr. Andrews’ offer be accepted. Upon the motion of Mr. J. G.
Davies it was resolved that the Committee Meetings in future commence at 8.0
’clock & not 7.0 ’clock.
A Committee Meeting of the Club was held at the Mackworth Hotel on
Tuesday Evening 18th Octr. 1887 when the business transacted was of
an unimportant nature: Present: - CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS PAGE AS IT APPEARS IN THE MINUTE BOOK missing page 1 - to follow ***** CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS PAGE AS IT APPEARS IN THE MINUTE BOOK missing page 2 - to follow ***** CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS PAGE AS IT APPEARS IN THE MINUTE BOOK deemed
it desirable that a Room should be obtained for the use of the Players so that
“Runs” might more regularly be indulged in. Mr.
Andrews was called into the Committee Room & asked if he could grant the
necessary accommodation when it was found to be quite out of the question on
his premises. After an inspection
of the “Crown” premises kept by the Misses Messenger it was ultimately
decided to make the “Crown” Hotel the Club’s “Head Quarters”. At
a Committee Meeting held at the Crown Hotel on Tuesday Evening 22nd
Novr. 1887 Present: H. A. Bowen (Captain) in the Chair, Messrs. J. G. Davies,
E. G. Jones, W.
An application having been made by the “Institute” Club for the use
of the Field on Saturday next for which they were prepared the pay the sum of
5/-.
It was decided that the application be granted. Moved
by H. Langford & 2nd d by J. Williams.
That the Newport Club be asked to supply the Neath Team with a cheap
tea on Saturday next when Neath purposes visiting Carried
without dissent. Mr. E. G. Jones have intimated that it would not be convenient CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS PAGE AS IT APPEARS IN THE MINUTE BOOK
It was ordered that the extra sum of 2/6 paid by the Secretary for the
17th man to Penarth last Saturday be paid.
At a Meeting of Delegates held at the Crown Hotel on The
Chairman explained the objectives of bringing the cup out. Proposed by Pontardawe, seconded by Mynyddbach that each team bring their own Umpire. ***** CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS PAGE AS IT APPEARS IN THE MINUTE BOOK
Moved by Mr. Albert Rees seconded by Mr. Jho
Evans (Institute) that Minor Clubs whether consisting of 1st 15 men
or not should be eligible. Carried
Proposed by Mr. Cole seconded by Mr. Albert Rees that Home members
should only play. The word Home
meaning that playing members should be at home at least twice a week.
Carried unanimously. A.
N.
Institute
v.
Pontardawe. B.
Morriston
v. N.
G.
A. Y. (N.G.A.Y - possibly Neath Artillery - mentioned later in the book ???) C.
Skewen
v. Aberavon. D.
Resolven
v. Neath 2nds E.
Melyn Rovers
v. Neath Abbey. F.
Glantawe
v. Manselton. G.
Mynyddbach
a bye.
2nd Tie H.
Winner of A. to play G. I.
Do
“
B.
“
“
D. ***** CLICK
HERE TO VIEW THIS PAGE AS IT APPEARS IN THE MINUTE BOOK I.
E
a bye. J.
H
to play winner of K. K.
I
to
“
“
“
J. Final Winner
of L to play winner of M. J.
G. Davies Chairman. At
a General Meeting of members held on Tuesday March 27th. 1888 at
the Guildhall for the purposes of electing a Secretary in the place of Mr. A.
Russell Thomas who has resigned. Mr.
J. G. Davies was voted to the Chair. It
was proposed by Mr. Fred Kempthorne & seconded by Mr. D. J. Price that Mr.
Walter E. Rees be elected. Carried unanimously. ***** CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS PAGE AS IT APPEARS IN THE MINUTE BOOK
Resolved.
That the Balance Sheet of the Yorkshire Tour be passed.
Moved by Mr. Langford, seconded by Mr. J. G. Davies & carried
unanimously that the Secretary write to the Wortley Club Leeds thanking them
for the excellent manner they received the Neath Team when on Tour.
Proposed by Mr. D. Watkins & seconded by Mr. J. Williams that the
following gentlemen act as a sub committee to arrange matches for the ensuing
season.
Mr. H. Langford, Mr. J. G. Davies, Mr. H. A. Bowen & Mr. Walter E.
Rees. (Carried) J.
G. Davies Chairman.
At the Annual General Meeting of the Neath Football Club held at the
Council Chamber on Friday June 29/88.
Mr J. G. Davies in the Chair.
The late secretary (Mr A. R. Thomas) read the Balance Sheet which
showed a deficit of ₤4.15.10.
Proposed by the chairman and seconded by Mr. J. Williams.
Resolved that the Balance Sheet be passed.
Moved by Mr. T.
Griffiths seconded by Mr. David Davies. Resolved that Mr. H. A. Bowen be
re-elected Captain.
Moved by Mr. Hopkins.
Seconded by Mr. D/H.
Davies.
Resolved that Mr. A. Brooks be Vice Captain. Moved
by Mr. Russell Thomas & seconded by Mr. H. Denby.
Resolved that Mr. S. F. Elt be re-elected Captain of 2nds. ***** CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS PAGE AS IT APPEARS IN THE MINUTE BOOK Moved
by Mr. Fred Kempthorne & seconded by Mr. C. H.
Elt. Resolved that Mr. Walter E. Rees be re-elected with Mr. A. Tench
to act as Joint Club Secretaries.
The following gentlemen were elected on the committee Mr. J. G. Davies,
Mr N. N. Mills, Mr. A. Russell Thomas, Mr. Hugh Price, Mr. David N. Rees, Mr.
Ben Griffiths & Mr. R. Jones & H. L. Langford
Vote of thanks to the chairman brought the Meeting to a close. Chairman. |
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Present Mr. J. G. Davies in the Chair.
“ A.
Russell Thomas.
“ H. A.
Bowen.
“ H.
Langford.
“ D. N.
Rees.
“ H.
Mills.
“ A. Tench.
“ R.
Jones
The Gentlemen who were deputed to see Mr. Bevan with a view to
arrange terms for the holding of a Football Context & Sports on Aug 6th
in one of his Fields reported their interview with that gentleman when.
It was decided that the Sec write Mr. Bevan accepting his terms of
₤5 for the use of his field & an intimation
was to be sent to Mr Thos Jones of the Bird-in-hand.
Mr. Bevan’s offer of a prize of ₤2.2.0 & Mr. Thos
Jones’ of ₤1.1.0 are gratefully accepted. 11 missing pages between 17 & 18 to follow
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS PAGE AS IT APPEARS IN THE MINUTE BOOK Neath (Mills’) Challenge Cup take
place at the Anchor Hotel on Saturday Sept 22nd at It was unanimously resolved that the following gentlemen be added to the list of V.P.’s Mr. D. L Davies Mr. Ernest Jones "
David Rees “
R. A.
Browning “
J.
B. Davies
Mr J. G. Davies (who was deputed to see the Secretary of the
Cricket Club with reference to the Field) gave the result of his interview
with Mr Fred Kempthorne who Mr. H. A. Bowen proposed & Mr. Mills
seconded that the terms offered by the Cricket Club be not accepted.
(Carried)
signature
of H. A. Bowen
Chairman CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS PAGE AS IT APPEARS IN THE MINUTE BOOK “
Rich Jones. “
C. H. Elt. “
B. Griffiths. “ W. E. Rees.
Moved by Mr. Griffiths, seconded by Mr. C. H. Elt & carried
that the Minutes of last meeting be confirmed.
It was unanimously resolved that the following gentlemen be added
to the list of VP’s
Moved by Mr. C. H. Elt & seconded
by Mr. Rich Jones that the terms offered by
Newport
be accepted (Carried)
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS PAGE AS IT APPEARS IN THE MINUTE BOOK
Proposed by Mr. Griffiths & seconded by Mr. C. H. Elt that the
Subscription be raised to 3/- (Carried)
Proposed by Nr Griffiths, seconded by Mr. Elt that only the Secs be
allowed to sell Membership Cards. (Carried) Chairman CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS PAGE AS IT APPEARS IN THE MINUTE BOOK
Resolved that the Minutes of last meeting be confirmed.
Moved by the Chairman seconded by Mr. H. Langford & unanimously
carried that Mr. Walter R. Evans be elected Vice Captain.
Proposed by Mr. H. A. Bowen & Seconded by Mr. H. Langford that
the offer of 4/- made by the Secretary of Melyn Rovers for the goal posts
be accepted (Carried)
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS PAGE AS IT APPEARS IN THE MINUTE BOOK
Proposed by Mr. H. A. Bowen Seconded by Mr. D. N. Rees that Mr. E. G. Jones be the
recognised Umpire for the Neath 1st XV (Carried).
Moved by Mr. D. N. Rees, seconded by Mr. N. H. Mills, that in
future the Umpire’s fare for the 2nd XV be paid by the Club. Chairman CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS PAGE AS IT APPEARS IN THE MINUTE BOOK
Present Mr. J. G. Davies (in the Chair)
Resolved that the minutes of last meeting be confirmed. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS PAGE AS IT APPEARS IN THE MINUTE BOOK Chairman
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS PAGE AS IT APPEARS IN THE MINUTE BOOK
Present Mr. J. G. Davies (in the Chair)
It was resolved that the Minutes of last meeting be confirmed.
Proposed by Mr. Langford & seconded by Mr. D. N. Rees that the
Secretaries be instructed to forward the list of players to the South
Wales Daily News and Western Mail for every match & that telegrams be
also sent at the close of game giving the result. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS PAGE AS IT APPEARS IN THE MINUTE BOOK CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS PAGE AS IT APPEARS IN THE MINUTE BOOK
Present Mr. Hugh Price
(in the chair)
It was unanimously resolved that the minutes of the last meeting be
confirmed.
Moved by Mr H. A. Bowen & seconded by Mr. H. Langford that the
Secretaries be instructed to provide ten flags for the touch line.
Proposed by Mr. H. A. Bowen seconded by Mr. H. Langford that the
Neath Institute take the place of the Neath Artillery in the first round
of the Mills Local Cup Matches. signature of Alfred
Tench Chairman CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS PAGE AS IT APPEARS IN THE MINUTE BOOK
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| ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The following have helped with the development of this page................. Dale Thomas, Simon Thomas, Dai Richards, Edgar Burns (Wellington, NZ) |
RUGBY IN THE TOWN OF NEATH - CLICK HERE
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The World-Rugby-Museum is hosted and supported by Rugby Gifts & Rugby Relics |
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