Moira MacQuaide’s history of Burpham

Burpham Football Club was established in 1956, using the newly opened Playing Fields. Local builder, Percy Howard, built the small pavilion as changing rooms – plus a place for a barrel of beer after matches! The Green Man also had a team that played on Sundays. After Guildford City FC ceased playing at Joseph Road in 1996 Burpham FC were asked to move to the Spectrum to represent Guildford, becoming AFC Guildford. Burpham FC now plays in the Guildford & Woking Alliance Football League. In 2000 a group of Burpham fathers started Burpham Juniors FC.

Burpham Cricket Club was established in 1957, also using the Playing Fields. In 1999 they merged with Worplesdon and since 2011 have played their matches at Worplesdon, where there is a pavilion with more facilities, including bar & kitchen – essential for cricket teas.

Burpham Tennis Club was started in 1990 by Jane Hill and benefits from the facilities in the Sutherland Memorial Park extension. They provide coaching, have a junior section and the all-weather courts allow them to play all year round.

Burpham Bowling Club, established 1990, is one of the largest in Guildford. They benefit from a recently refurbished clubhouse, with bar, enabling club members to enjoy a full social programme in addition to matches.

Table Tennis had been played in Burpham since at least 1938, when a team from the Kingpost played in the league. PC Fred Oliver taught youngsters to play at Burpham Youth Club. The Burpham Table Tennis Club started in 1966 and Fred’s children, Derek and Christine won many tournaments. Susan and Linda Howard, Percy’s daughters, played both tennis and table tennis, going on to become top UK players. The club closed in the 80s.

During the 1980s the Anchor & Horseshoes had an Aunt Sally team that played in the pub garden and competed in matches with several other local pubs. The pub also had a darts team.

Both Burpham Primary School and George Abbot provide a range of sporting activities for pupils and some have gone on to represent their country at their sports.

There was a swimming pool at the Kingpost from the 30s until the 50s, but this was purely a social activity for Burpham. And finally, when the Duke of Sutherland lived at Sutton Place, he kept his polo ponies alongside Clay Lane and Prince Phillip came here to play the game.

If you are willing to share your memories and/or photos to tell us more about Burpham then please contact Moira MacQuaide, either by e-mail (moira.macquaide@gmail.com) or by phone or text (07963 756543). My two books (‘The History of Burpham Primary School’ and ‘Burpham – A Gateway to Guildford’) are still available from me for £10 (free delivery locally) or on Amazon.