The following is from Much Binding at Clayhall by Mr R.A. Pearson a wonderful man who has been a member for Clayhall/Hainault & Clayhall from 1946.
Pre War Days and War Days
I have no knowledge of any post war Clayhall stories, however i do know that Clayhalls efforts to keep the Club together during the war by means of news letters, issued by members who were not in the forces, known as "The Scorers". These news letters were posted to members in the forces all over the world and a complete set was preserved & eventually, in 1987, given to the Councillor Cobb for use in a museum on the history of Ilford.
Post War
It seems Clayhall were reforming after the war and through the igenuity of Freddie Clarke (The Admiral) had organised a fixture list for one team only, Saturday & Sundays. Charles Hisock was General Secretary and treasurer and Ken Skinner was captain, having recently been relaeased from a Japanese of war camp. Occassionally two teams were fielded in that year.
At the AGM of 1946 Laurance Stringer was elected President, Bob Pearson was elected secretary & treasurer. Due to other members demobilisation Clayhall fielded two sides both on Saturdays & Sundays and were very successful. The ones only losing 2 games all season.
The first cricket tour was in 1953 to Kent. Games were played against Broadstairs, Margate, nonington, Gore Court, Margate again and finally the R.A.F.
Other points of interest are that 2 West Ham managers have played for Clayhall. Ted Fenton & John Lyall, I am not 100 percent but I think Bobby Moore played too. At the New years Eve party of 1957 a song was sung in celebration of West Ham getting promoted to Division One. We even had a celebration party in 1958 where the song was sung to the players and the choir all wore West Ham Shirts.
Later that Century
In 1985 the club celebrated its Ruby anniversary. However we need more news/dates/leagues etc we have played in to make up the history a little better. Anyone who has infomation/merger dates etc please let me know and email me at the website.
Regards
Frenchie