SINCE March 2014, YT has been charting life in Thurrock during World War One. Sometimes the news touches directly on the war and sometimes it does not.
This month, it is the Grays Athletic annual dinner of June 1915.
At the headquarters, the Queen’s Hotel, Grays, on Wednesday [16 June 1915], the annual dinner in connection with the Grays Athletic Football Club was held, being confined to players, members and the committee.
The President (Mr. E.F.G. Warne} occupied the chair, and was supported by an enthusiastic gathering, including Mr. Eaton (London League) and Mr. A.P. Nield (South Essex League}.
After about 30 had partaken of a substantial repast, the Chairman spoke of the unfortunate war and the trying times the club had passed through during the past season.
Mr. Eaton and M. Nield were then introduced, the former, in an eloquent speech, congratulating the club on their success. In reference to the London League, Grays had created a record in South of England football. They were one of the most sporting sides in existence, in the way they had dealt with clubs less fortunate than themselves. (Hear, Hear}.
It was on account of the efficiency and willingness of their secretary (Mr. John W. Joyce} that they had been able to get through the fixtures for the season in the way they had. (Applause).
In closing the speaker stated that when football started again, and international matches were held, he would guarantee that Grays would have two representatives for the London League team against Paris, for the London-Paris trophy.
Owing to the war the competition was dropped last season, but the London Club were holders so it was still in their hands. It would be on show at the headquarters of the club very shortly.
Mr Nield, on behalf of the South Essex League, spoke a few congratulatory words and added that the club also had the honour of winning the Essex Senior Cup. It was more honourable to them than the capturing of the League Championship, because of the clubs they had to meet and also in the beating of the holders of the Amateur Cup.
The Secretary presented a resume of the club’s doings, and said there was a small balance on the right side of matters.
Twenty-five players and officers of the club were serving the colours, and of those he regretted to report two (Messrs. Ellison and Dunn) had lost their lives.
Mrs Warne then presented the players with the South Essex League, Division I and II medals, amid applause, and the announcement made that the London League medals would be distributed at the club’s general meeting in a fortnight’s time.
The meeting closed with votes of thanks to Messrs A.P. Nield and Eaton, Mrs Warne, the Chairman and officers.
