Rugby Union in Coventry

I have just added the Guardian's obituary to David Duckham on his entry in our 'Famous Coventrians'.

Spotted round Tesco. I know that they don't play at the CBS Arena in Coventry anymore but this is a bit harsh.

They've been eradicated

Dear all. I've been sent this family photograph from the start of the 20th century. It shows the Oldham family. Lynne mcCourt has sent it, with one of the men being Levi Oldham, her grandfather. Another is WL Oldham, who played for Cov and England in 1908. This is after, clearly wartime. Could any of you wonderful sleuths find out more on the Oldham rugby boys?

Hi Ben, the short answer is 'no'. In the 1900 directory there were no Oldhams at all. In 1896 there was only a Thomas Oldham a shopkeeper living at 27 Thomas Street in the Butts area. In 1912 there were quite a few Oldhams. Courtesy of Heathite. In 1921 there was an Earnest James Levi Oldham at 8 Britannia Street (building still there). The William Oldham was still at 15 Adderley Street (here).

1965 from the Birmingham Post In 1911 he was still living with his family at the Hertford Arms, Hertford Place and in 1939 he was living in Springfield Road 1911 Father James Mother Emily Ann Brothers Ernest, Peter, Tom Sister Winnifred

1947 CET. In 1913 the licence of the Bablake Boy in Cow Lane was transferred from Ernest James Levi Oldham

Sorry not very clear, the picture mentioned in the previous article.

Anne, brilliant as always

From the Illustrated Sports News, 18th September 1915. Netley Hospital lying wounded is the Coventry and English forward Lance Corporal W L Oldham, Warwickshire Yeomanry. This Picture is also from The ISN. Looking at this I would say that he is the tall soldier on the back of the original picture In different articles the brothers seem to be known as their various different names ! Levi as Jim and WL as Bill or even Leonard !

Was very lucky to have been taken by my Dad up Coundon Road, I would guess in the mid 1950's. Coventry were certainly a force in those days. I can recall a Saturday when I think we had 5 players playing for England, 1 for Wales, and 1 for Scotland. Sure that that would have been Ian Swan. Was lucky enough to have seen Ivor Preece play, even though it was towards the end of his career, he was still an exceptionally skilled and gifted player. Without doubt, the most skilled and gifted player that I have ever seen in my lifetime. Had everything that a Stand-off, needed to have. At school I played Scrum Half, being a very small chap, so obviously George Cole was my hero. Was very lucky to meet him in later life, as he lived near my sister in Ash Green. Interestingly enough, a former Welsh international was a near neighbour too. I recall a conversation with George Cole. He told me, at 15, he had 3 choices: Coventry City FC, Warwickshire County Cricket club, or Coventry Rugby club. His Dad told him to get a proper job and play Rugby!!! My love of the game made me learn everything about it. Sure that others my age will recall having to do projects at school where you had to talk about a subject, for say an hour. I chose Rugby Union. Remember drawing a pitch and all the lines on the blackboard. Also having to explain all the rules, some of which were quite complicated. I remember another occasion, whilst watching an inter house game at Caludon, was obviously within headshot of our housemaster and rugby teacher Jeff Bennett. I was obviously commenting on every infringement. He took me to one side, told me to go on and referee for 1/2 hour. Loved it. Sadly, to me, the modern game is totally not recognisable with the game of that time. Seems to me, to be mostly grabbing around the neck. Very little proper tackling as we were taught at school.

Hi Slash1 Did you go onto playing local Rugby after you left school?

Dear Anne - this is wonderful research, thank you!

No not really. Played a bit at Caludon, but there were generally better players in my position. After a while I left Coventry to join the RN. Mr Strong, did your father work at E.Laxon & Company, in Gas Street, Coventry?