The History of Charney Bassett

In 1956, a public meeting was held in Charney Chapel (now the Village Hall) to discuss the formation of a cricket club. Denchworth Cricket Club had recently folded and it was agreed that the Charney & Denchworth Cricket Club be formed.

The Club played on land owned by local farmer Basil Sharpus which was situated south of the village bridge and adjacent to the River Ock. A shepherd’s hut provided changing facilities and teas were served in the village hall or occasionally from a small caravan which was towed to the field. The last league match on this ground was against Kingston Bagpuize on 4^th September, 1960. A ‘married v singles’ friendly match the following week brought use of the field to an end.

In 1961, the Club was offered a new ground in Denchworth on land owned by Mr F.S. Barratt. Officers and members levelled and seeded the ground. All matches in the 1961 season were played away until the ground was ready. Three years later a pavilion was built.

The club played on Saturdays and Sundays against neighbouring villages and additionally in the Vale Midweek League.

Information on when the Club folded is awaited. Records show one further match was played on the Denchworth ground in the mid 1980’s – a friendly match between members of Charney Youth Club and Charney villagers.

28/10/2016