National news
Queen Victoria Bows Out
In an article in the 1983/84 Annual Report, Derrick Corry* lamented the demise of the Football Grandstand at Chiswick: "An old and respected friend has departed from the Headquarters ground at Chiswick. Time expired so to say". Built in 1926, it had witnessed the coming and goings of many famous players and teams pre- and post-war. However, by the late 1960s it was starting to feel its age – plans to replace it came to nought and the old “Queen Victoria” was abandoned to decay and vandalism.
Its swift removal by a demolition contractor in May 1984 went largely unnoticed and with it a wealth of history. In addition to annual Lewis Cup competitions, the stand had played host to numerous famous teams and players such as Ipswich Town in the 1930s, full international stars such as Pilkington (Burnley and England) and amateur internationals like Jim Ward (Queens Park and Scotland), Gerry Cakebread (Brentford and England ) and Derek Evans (Houslow and England). ((p18-19 including some photos)
Corry reminisced “It has provided succour in the form of hot baths, shelter from the biting wind and cups of tea for the ardent fans who braved the elements on many a winter’s day way back in 1927. Things won't be quite the same after this summer”.
*The History of the CSFC (September 2013) lists Corry as a past Hon Match Secretary, Club Captain and winner of the FA Commemorative Medallion Award for 50 years service in the game.
