The East Lancashire Paper Mill (ELPM) was the first limited paper mill to be founded in Lancashire. The mill opened in XXXX and closed in XXXX. OTHER MILL HISTORY

The  cricket club started out in 1930 as the cricket section of the ELPM recreation club which allowed workers from the mill an opportunity to explore their leisure interests.

A lane passes east west through the site, which was called ‘The Green’ at this time and later became Church Street. However, one of the most interesting aspects of the 1843 plan is the line of the original Roman Road, which runs north/south through the site on the line of Croft Lane.

Historically there were seven lodges (now drained). The area between the lodges was originally used for filter beds but in the early 20th century became a cricket pitch connected to the works.

ELPMCC were previously a member of the Bolton and District Association, the Saddleworth league, and the North Manchester League. They currently play in the Greater Manchester Cricket League.

The ELPM Millers rounders team was formed in 2016 with support from the cricket club and funding from the “I will if you will” campaign. They are affiliated to the Bury and District Rounders League and play on a Wednesday Evening.

Junior cricket restarted at the club in XXXX with All Stars cricket and we currently have an under 9’s and under 11’s teams.

The mill and club is currently the subject of a planning application to build houses on the site and move the adjacent to Radcliffe Tower.

It was not before the club decided that they should be able to enjoy a pint or two after matches and so from 1935 they applied for a licence.

Players didn’t own their own equipment and so the club bought for the 1935 season 1 bag, 2 bats, 1 ball (for practicing), 2 pairs batting gloves, 2 pairs of batting pads and 1 bag of balls. The scorer was paid extra for away matches as they had to ensure the safe return of the equipment bag.

The first professional at the club was G Smith in 1936, 1937 and this was funded by Mr John Seddon

Season tickets introduced at 3/6d for men and 2/-d for women

Playing subscriptions were in force by the 1939 season and anyone not paying 3/6d before the end of May did not play !

1939 Mr John Seddon succeeded the late C.R. Seddon as club president.

1940 Bar business was booming so the club opened a bank account with Martins Bank Ltd

1940 with the start of the war Mr Leslie Prestwich was appointed deputy secretary with the view to taking over the role of current secretary Mr Allen Openshaw when he was called up for service with H.M. Forces.

H.M. forces could be admitted to cricket matches for 2d 1941.

1941 Champions

Ordered taxis to take players to away matches 1942

Ladies allowed to be elected members at a subscription of 1/-d year. This allowed them to use the club on Saturday evenings & social evenings & use of the bowling green.

Friendly with an Army XI (based at Lowercroft) on Sunday 31st May 1942.

18th August 1942 – Bar committee won vote to have pumps in the bar as it was thought “this would keep the beer in better condition”.

25th May 1943 – RAF Heaton park applied for a friendly cricket match.

Charity match with Royal British legion Radcliffe branch with proceeds going to the Legion Cigarette Fund and the Bury infirmary.

Club practices were held on Tues and Thurs and only players with correct footwear be allowed to practice and the practice should be carried out “in an orderly manner”.

1944 champions