Appeal to find players’ families

The Canterbury and District Bat and Trap League are looking for any family members of Mr Charles Skam, and Mr Henry Court.

We have four finals on Friday, September 24 at 8pm. Two will be held at the Golden Lion, Broad Oak and two at the Red Lion, Dunkirk.

The cup finals are the Charles Skam cup and the Charles Skam plate at one venue, and the Henry Court cup and the Henry Court plate at the other, (to be confirmed at which venue once we know the finalists).

We are hoping that the family members can come along and witness their relatives’ competitions, still being played. Hopefully a family member can present their relative’s trophy and medals to the winners and runners up on the night.

Charles Skam was captain of the Beverlie bat and trap club. He was the proprietor of the then largest taxi firm in the area, and the only one for a wide area to possess a Rolls Royce as part of the taxi fleet!

Charles Skam presented a cup to the league, and the Skam cup began. In 1929, the gas and water social club became the first winners, and the competition has been played ever since, spanning 85 years.

Henry Court, who was from the family that founded Court the furnishers, also donated a cup to the league. Court Brothers social club became the first winners in 1933. They also won the Charles Skam cup in 1933 - the first team to win both cups in the same season.

Next season will be the league’s centenary, and by moving the finals to a Friday night we are hoping to attract spectators to finals - the more the merrier!

Bat and trap is a Canterbury sport, first reported way back in the 13th century, played by monks.

Anyone wishing to contact the league can call Lord Alfred of Sealand on 07721 579718.

Jakey Janes

Canterbury and District Bat and Trap League