GORTON STREET GAZETTE Dark Days Ahead : Part 2 of the WW2 story of Eccles RFC... 80 years ago this week Eccles RFC was facing an uncertain future. Following the declaration of war September 1939, the club committee met each week at the Rock House Hotel on Peel Green Road to discuss the national emergency and instructions from the Lancashire County Union for the cancellation of all fixtures for 1939-40 season. With consideration to the difficulties the club had faced with re-establishment following WWI, the committee investigated the possibility of arranging friendly fixtures with local clubs. However, Mr Farnworth, owner of Bromyhurst Farm, Redclyffe Road, Barton where Eccles played its games, informed the club he anticipated the land being put under the plough for the growth of crops in response to Government requests. It was therefore agreed that members would be sent their newly printed fixture cards with a letter explaining no subs would be requested for the abandoned season but all donations to help cover costs would be appreciated. With the imminent threat of the pitch turned over to farming, the shrewd minds of the committee offered use of the Eccles ground and facilities to the military authorities. Three Army officers, Mr Farnworth and club representatives held negotiations and on 3rd October 1939, the 356th Searchlight Company (39th Lancashire Fusiliers Regt) took over the occupancy of the Eccles pavilion and manned Lewis Gun positions at Barton Locks and the Power Station. The Ship Canal, Salford Docks and Trafford Park were of great importance and searchlight batteries were deployed to illuminate enemy bombers for the anti-aircraft guns. The ever assiduous Club Treasurer Arthur Gilbody wrote to Lt. Hilton meticulously listing the articles on loan from Eccles RFC (including 1 notice board, 1 card table, 1 oil lamp, 1 enamel tea-pot) and enclosing conditions for the army’s occupation! In his response Lt. Hilton expressed his appreciation and reassured him “that there would definitely be no use of the pavilion as a dance hall or cinema by the army whilst in use”! To be continued… A story in instalments, by Sheila Thomas and Chris Gaffey
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