1958 saw the installation of the inimitable DCH Jones as Hon. Treasurer, a post in which he went on to achieve legendary status in the Club. The Secretary’s report states:
David is doing an excellent job, although we must say that we find his expoundings on the finances of the Club preferable to his limitless orations on the virtues of Tranmere Rovers, Everton, Liverpool and all points North-West
A new club pavilion had been erected for the start of the season from the shell of former wash-houses, with the old club pavilion relegated to tea hut. Cliff Crafer had been the man to make this all happen.
The Square Cut Society was going strong as membership passed the 1000 mark.
50 years on, nothing has changed as a pre-season issue of The Guardian stated that:
The Club plans fielding improvements, under a policy of “catches win matches”
Meanwhile the Express and Independent, previewing the season reported:
“Hopes are high in Chingford this season that the strength of the Club is increasing. That is the opinion of Ken Dowding, captain again for the fifth time who says there is likely to be keen competition for places in the 1st XI.
Again there will be a number of young players including Norman Fowler, a batsman, Buddy Jessop already an experienced 1st XI all rounder, Ted Sandrock, one of the mainstays of the batting and of course there is pleasure that Ron Lynch will have a full season. This young left arm slow bowler joined the Club late last season from Ilford. Some consider he is the best bowler of his type in club cricket in the district.
In addition Rex Vickers is back from his spell in the forces and should add hostility to the opening attack; Bernard Earl it is hoped will be back to his batting form of two seasons ago. Last year he was unfit to play. Both of these will start in the 2nd XI.
Leading the 2nd XI will be Frank Mixter that experienced and knowledgeable cricketer who should be able to pick out promising youngsters.
Add to all this a new clubhouse and it is apparent why optimism runs high at Forest Side. The new pavilion should attack waverers to associate membership. It is hoped it will increase the social aspect. Again there will be a Minor Counties match at Forest Side – Essex 2nd XI v Kent 2nd XI. This is on May 21 and 22 while on Aug 12 the MCC are sending a team down. Otherwise fixtures are much as previous years.
The coaching scheme for boys (over 9 ½ years) will continue on Mondays with the Club’s qualified coaches. It is hoped that many youngsters will be found. Here will be a number of Colts XI matches during the school holidays”
On the field, several younger players were available again after carrying out their National Service.
Ken Dowding once again scored over 1000 runs and capped a fine season with 103 against Essex Club and Ground, Essex finishing with 131-9 in reply to Chingford’s 223-8.
The extremely formidable 1st XI bowling attack at this time comprised Ron Lynch, Buddy Jessop, Les Warner and Rex Vickers in a season of 7 wins. A match against Arthur Sedgwick’s XI, which included eight Essex first or second team players saw Chingford go down by just 30 runs, putting up a “grand scrap” after the Jessop (6)-Lynch(4) pairing captured all 10 wickets between them. The same pairing was at it again in the July match v Wanstead when according to The Guardian they helped themselves to the bargain basement batsmen !
The match against Winchmore Hill on 9 August incredibly saw the first six Chingford batsmen all caught in the slips by the Middlesex player, Colin Metson.
For the 2nd eleven in a rare appearance, Rex Vickers showed his quality to capture 8-25 v Winchmore Hill.
For the first time, the Extra 3rd XI Vice Captain was one DCH Jones, and he turned in a number of big wicket hauls.
Noel Westerhout also scored over 1000 runs and the evergreen Buddy Jessop was just short of 100 wickets over the season.