Carnival 1932

The Sefton Rugby Club carnival was held at Leyfield –road, West Derby. The miniature T.T. event was most spectacular, for competitors had to negotiate several trick bends, while the excitement of jumping the famous humped back bridges in the Tourist Trophy races was provided by a wooden structure which made an excellent substitute. In the first heat F.Webster created some excitement with a side slip off the “bridge.” Yet the real thrills were reversed for the final, in which L. Stowers (A.J.S.) accelerated spectacularly to pas E.Lambert (Vincent H.R.D.) like a flying rocket over the raised obstacle, and by some cute cornering won a brilliant race. J.E.Murtha (Sunbeam) finished third.

[Jack Leslie on his Levis]

Youtube Clip 1 here
Youtube Clip 2 here

Much amusement was created by the motorcycle musical chairs event, the final placings being: 1. E.Webster and Miss Burnet (Royal Enfield); 2. E.Lambert and Miss Leith (Vincent H.R.D.).
The mock Rugby match between Lady Godiva’s Fashion Rangers and The Vin Ordinaires had a happy send off when the Lord Mayor, Alderman J.C.Cross kicked off. The game finished amicably in a pointless draw. The programme included a display of aerobatics by the Liverpool and District Aero Club;

Liverpool Corporation held an Air Pageant at Hooton as part of its Civic Week, this lead to the formation of the Liverpool & District Aero Club.
1928 to 1939, Hooton Park became the centre for civil aviation in the north of England. For three years it was also Liverpool's airport, being the first civic aerodrome in the North.
1933, Liverpool Corporation opened Speke Airfield as Liverpool Airport and the Aero Club moved there.[ControlTowers.co.uk]

Comper C.L.A.7 Swift [AviaDejaVu]
Youtube Clip here

tumbling by “The Balfourians,” boxing exhibitions; and fire extinguishing exhibitions; gymnastics by the boys of Steers-street School, and also a series of amusing juvenile races. Over seventy entries were received for the baby show, the awards being:-
Class1 (under 12 months): 1. Pamela Ball; 2. Catherine O’Brien.
Class2 (under 12 months to 2 years): 1. Barbara Davies; 2. Derek Parker.
Class3 (best in either class): 1. Ms Williamson; 2. Miss J.Mooney.

In 1907 a group of Liverpool schoolmasters decided to form a new Rugby club. At the inaugural meeting it was discovered that, of all those present, not one was Liverpool born. Some wag suggested that the club should be called "The Aliens," and the name was adopted.

The fixtures for the first season were all played away. There was no subscription; the expenses-less than £4-were met by levies when necessary.

For the following season a pitch was obtained on the Clubmoor Cricket Ground and a second XV. was formed. Later a larger ground adjoining Breck Road Station was obtained, and there the club played until the outbreak of war in 1914. Every playing member volunteered for active service, and eight made the supreme sacrifice.

On resumption, after peace was declared, the full playing strength of the club was found to be seven, but it was decided to carry on. Men were waylaid and forced to become Rugby players. Results were naturally very poor, but the membership increased. The name was changed to "Sefton," and the novices, under the capable guidance of N. W. Hutchings became a little less inexpert, while a more experienced class of recruit began to join the club.

The aim of the officials had always been to purchase a suitable ground. Mr. W. J. Smith arrived in Liverpool from Bristol, and Sefton made a brilliant capture. He immediately brought forward a scheme which, mainly through his own efforts and those of Mr. J. Milbourn, the treasurer, realised over £100, which was set aside as the beginning of a fund for the ultimate purchase of a ground. Mr. Smith and Mr. H. A. Munro were appointed trustees of this fund.

In 1928 Mr. A. N. Lockier discovered the present ground. Some members made handsome donations, others lent sums of of varying amounts, and Mr. Croxford successfully negotiated loans of £8oo from the Rugby Union, and £250 from Lancashire. We at last had a ground of our own. The playing abilities of the members began to improve. T. J. Llewellyn had joined the club, and his example and instruction had a marked effect in the open game which the team began to play. By the continuance of this type of game, the club hopes to secure the support of the surrounding district, and so provide a modern sports arena, which will be a permanent lung for the neighbourhood.

Three members of the club have obtained county honours, S. Dumbell and R. A. O'Donnell have represented Lancashire, and W. H. Masheter, Cumberland. The present captain, E. Winter, sets a fine example to his men both on and off the field.

In addition to the names mentioned above, no history of the Sefton Club would be complete without a word of appreciation for the hard work and long service which have been rendered to the club by Mr. R. L. Knipe, the president of this carnival, and by our ever-popular and efficient assistant treasurer, "Bert Bayliss."

Written and researched by David Bohl