Greatest Moment

The first Parish Cup victory in 1948.

Local Hero

George Woodhead – leading player and official in the post-war period.

Bizarre Fact

In 1985 Booth took part in a rain-affected Parish Cup final at Barkisland. A helicopter was needed to help dry the pitch!

Valley's Luscious Greenery

High above Luddenden and Luddendenfoot, and just down the road from Wainstalls and Mount Tabor, lies Booth, known primarily for cotton and silk and its handsome Congregational chapel (built in 1869 and likened by one architectural historian to a 'miniature cathedral'). Writer James Birdsall comments: 'Scarcely a village, but a twin row of old terraced weavers' cottages, Booth clings on to the flank of a ravine in the hills above the Calder Valley.'

The cricket ground, set amid luscious greenery, is only a matter of yards from the bus terminus and the narrow, winding road that is Dean House Lane.

If there was an award for well-kept cricket grounds, just as there is one for well-kept railway stations, Booth would have to be in with a shout.

Trees and Bridleways

The playing area resembles a large, slightly sloping putting green, and the tall emerald green trees that surround the venue are handsome. The sightscreens are sturdy and wheeled, and there's a lovely curved wall on the far side of the ground, on top of which hardy supporters congregate - even when it's raining. There's also a public bridleway running nearby.

Booth CC was established in 1893. One of their first recorded matches pitted them against St. Mary's at Luddenden Foot, and they were bowled out for just 8. However, seven years later in 1900, the club had turned the corner and were crowned Sowerby Divisional Champions. The high point of the last century was probably 1967, when the 1st XI claimed the league and cup double.

Groundless Early Years

In the early years of their existence, Booth were ground-less and tended to play in farmers' fields that were also inhabited by cows. (A photo of the Congregational church taken in 1911 shows a game of cricket being played in a hillside field beyond the village).

However, in 1946 permission was granted to construct a permanent headquarters at Broadfold. Building work took place in 1947, which meant that all the club's 'home' games during that season had to be played away.

The new ground was opened on 24 April 1948, and Mr RH. Murgatroyd, owner of the local mill, bowled the first ball on the new turf to Bob Midgley. (Today, a framed photo of club officials in 1948 hangs proudly in the pavilion tea room).

In 1950 work was carried out to reduce the slope, and in 1972 builders started on the pavilion. Thirty years on, the kitchen is always busy, the walls are awash with team photos - from 1912, 1948, 1949, 1952, 1958 and later - and a blue club flag flatters from the building's roof.

Clocks and Boxes

There were further developments in the 1980s: the pavilion was extended, a new car park was built, and showers were installed. Today, there's a BBQ by the changing rooms, pretty flowers in the hanging baskets, and cut-price teas available for kids on matchdays.

The new scorebox clock is dedicated to the memory of Rod Warhurst, a long-serving club member.

Over the years Booth have struck up a fierce but friendly local rivalry with Luddendenfoot (primarily) and Mytholmroyd.

Booth may be a small village, with only a few rows of terraces, but its cricket ground is definitely worth a visit. Club secretary Mike Barnett says: 'It's a small venue but very attractive. The ground is overlooked by a big manor house and, all in all, it's a lovely setting. The wicket has a tendency to keep low and I'd say that 200 is a decent par score. Our current groundsman has been with us for seven or eight years and he's done a very good job.'

Finally, a story that sums up the essence of local league cricket. Many years ago, a match between Booth and Northowram was abandoned due to thunder and lightning. The umpire was wearing metal glasses and said he didn’t want them 'welding to his face'. Bob Midgley, batting for Booth, agreed. He was wearing a metal box!