Welcome to Cheshire Polo Club

Cheshire Polo Club can claim through a ‘direct line of succession’ to be the oldest polo club in England. It has been under its present name only since 1957 - a brief period in polo terms - but is actually an amalgamation of three much older clubs; Manchester (founded in 1872), Wirral (1885) and Bowdon (1891). Manchester, one of the very first in the British Isles, was founded by the Cholmondeley family, more recent representatives of whom were leading English players. In 1877, the Club moved to Trafford Park, Manchester, following a revival by the 18th Hussars, and came back into the county of Cheshire - to grounds at Ashley - in 1906. The annual subscription in those days, it might be noted was ten guineas.

At Ashley, Manchester Polo Club amalgamated with Bowdon and in 1939, having transferred to Oulton, Little Budworth, grounds joined forces with Wirral Polo Club. The name of Manchester Polo Club, as the oldest of three, was retained. That final amalgamation came to the start of the last season before the outbreak of the Second World War. Post-war austerity and other factors painted a gloomy picture for the survival of polo but, thanks to enthusiasts such as the late Micky Moseley and Francis Spiegelberg, the club was revived under its present name in time for the 1951 season. It now has five grounds - at Little Budworth and on the estate of the patron, Sebastian de Ferranti at Henbury.

Many links with the past are retained and valued at Cheshire Polo Club. One of the top trophies is the Cheshire Champion Cup, presented originally to Liverpool Club, by lady members, in 1911. Cheshire is also the home of the Junior County Cup, first presented by Blackmore Vale Polo Club in 1905 and now one of the oldest surviving civilian tournaments. There are also links, through Wirral Polo Club, with one of the greatest pre-war dynasties, the Locketts. Colonel Vivian Lockett (1880 - 1962), was a 10 goal player and a member of the celebrated ’Big Four’ 17th 21st Lancers team. He was four times a member of the England team contesting the Westchester Cup, including 1914, our last victory until 1997.

Cheshire Polo Club today has over 65 playing members and is a well known playground for the rich and famous, in the months from May to September, sportsmen and women from around the world head to England to play the summer season.

David Irlam
Chairman 2006 / 2007 / 2008

I must say that I am really looking forward to the 2008 season, not just the taking part in some of the most prestigious tournaments in the UK, but also the challenges that accompanies the Chairmanship of any Polo Club.

Everybody involved has done a fabulous job over the past two years of growing the profile of the Club and I truly believe that we now have some of the best grounds, which are the envy of many other polo clubs. Feedback from visiting teams has been excellent, so I must thank Nick Rayner and Miguel for their dedication in ensuring the playing areas are in first class condition.

It is great to see the younger members progressing, which is key to the future of the Club and to hear that enquiries regarding social membership and lessons have increased. I feel we have a great team of people in place to ensure that any newcomers are welcomed into a highly professional, affordable and well respected Club.

Focus this year will be on costs, including savings and revenue increases, with the aim of reaching a profitable outcome at the end of the year. To achieve this, I need everyone to work together to promote ticket sales, sponsorship and corporate event opportunities.

Last year we were honoured to have Harvey Nichols sponsor the Wirral Ladies Finals, which from the notes received, was one of the most enjoyable and well-supported events held. I am pleased to report that DAF are once again sponsoring the National 8 Goal, hopefully in better weather, and Boodles Jewellers will support the 2008 Wirral Ladies. I would like to thank all our sponsors for the support they have shown and hope that they will continue to be associated with CPC for many more years to come.

A surprise visit from Their Royal Highness’s The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall must be the highlight of the year for the Club. The Prince was extremely interested to hear all about the history and future plans and I took the opportunity to invite his sons to play in one of the tournaments should they have the time. Seeing one of the helicopters from the Queen’s Flight taking off from No. 2 ground was quite an experience for David Rollinson and myself.

I sincerely hope everyone has an enjoyable and successful 2008 and I look forward to catching up with you at the pre-season drinks tournament.

David Irlam
Chairman