More Club History

... More words taken from The Westbury Harriers 75th Anniversary Club History Book, compiled by the late Peter Griffin.

The following is an extract from the first Minute Book:

"At a meeting of sportsmen at the 'White Lion Hotel', Westbury, Feb. 8th 1924, it was proposed by Mr. P. Ubank, seconded by Mr. Busby that a Harriers Club be formed and that it should be called "Westbury Harriers" carried unanimously.

"The following officers were elected "pro-term":

Chairman: J. Chambers. Prop. by Mr. G. R. Walker, seconded by Mr. G. Pyke carried.

Secretary and Tres.: G. R. Walker, Prop. Mr. G. Pyke. seconded by Mr. Ritchings carried.

Captain: Mr. J. Chambers, Prop. by Mr. G. Pyke, seconded Mr. Clarke carried.

Vice Capt. Mr. W. Busby. Prop. Mr. H. Whyati, seconded Mr. Ritchings carried.

Proposed by Mr. G. Pike that the entrance fee and sub at present be 2/- over 18 years of age and 1/6d those under 18 years. After carefully considering the different points raised over this it was seconded by Mr. W. Ritchings and carried unanimously.  Several details were given in a speech by the Chairman, on the best way to carry on.  Points of his own experience were given and if carried out should be of great benefit to the Junior Section of the Club. Other matters were thrashed out in detail and when the meeting closed it was felt by all present that the Club was going to be a huge success. Proposed that the Minutes be accepted Mr. G. Pyke, seconded Mr. Busby carried."

It is interesting to note that 'The White Lion Hotel' was originally an old Inn and Posting Station in whose courtyard it was customary for the local lads to settle their disputes in the old-fashioned way, with their coats off and their sleeves rolled up. Surrounded by their partisans, cheered on and well primed with 'Dutch courage' they would set to in right earnest, and usually in consequence, as disturbers of the peace, they would be hauled off to spend an uncomfortable night in 'The Cooler'.