Description:Pictured from left to right are: Sydney Barnes, Peter Warren (Secretary, Stafford Cricket Club), J.T.W. (Wallace) Neville (President, Stafford Cricket Club) and Norman Browning (Stafford Cricket Club).
This photograph was probably taken around the time of Sydney Barnes' 80th birthday celebrations and testimonial match at Stafford Cricket Club's ground at the Hough on 26th April 1953. We are not sure where this photograph was taken but around this time Barnes was living at his son's home at Coppice House, Teddesley, near Penkridge.
S.F. (Sydney) Barnes was born in Smethwick, Staffordshire in 1873 and died in Chadsmoor, Staffordshire in 1967. He was described by Wisden as the world's greatest bowler. Even though he was a regular player for England, he continued playing for Staffordshire throughout his career. For England, he took 189 wickets at an average of 16.43 between 1901 and 1914. He retired from cricket while playing for Stone Cricket Club and coaching at Alleyne's Grammar School in 1940, when he was 67. He then worked for Staffordshire County Council as a copperplate writer until he was well over 90.
Norman Browning was Director of Education for Staffordshire County Council during the 1960s and 1970s.
Reproduced by Kind Permission of the Staffordshire Newsletter who retain copyright.