As can be seen from the attached transcriptions of extracts from the Lowerhouse Committee Minute book, 1936 AGM report and the Burnley Express obituary, the sudden death of secretary Matt Walker on 15th June 1936 was a huge blow to Lowerhouse and the wider community.
By co-incidence the next game on 20th June, 1936 was at home to Burnley, in front of a huge crowd, on a very hot day.
The newspaper match report said that before the game, the players wore black armbands, the fielding side took up their positions in the field, and the batting team, and both sets of officials, lined up in front of the pavilion, for the two minutes’ silence, as shown in Stan’s wonderful recent photo. As there is no sign of Lowerhouse’s famously rotund pro Dick Tyldesley, and Lowerhouse fielded first, the photo would seem to show the Burnley players.
The result was described as a humiliating loss for Burnley, who batted first and were 41 all out after 24 overs, mainly due to the bowling of Lowerhouse’s veteran pro Dick Tyldesley, who took 5 for 25 off 12 overs and Ernie Smith who took 4 for 14 off 12 overs. Burnley’s pro, and future Lowerhouse favourite, Manny Martindale was controversially given out caught to what might have been a bump ball. Also playing for Burnley was Burnley FC favourite Tommy Lawton. Lowerhouse then knocked the runs off easily, and as it was timed cricket, played on, making 123 all out.
The lengthy but fascinating newspaper obituary reveals that Matt was not only a good cricketer, he was an excellent goalkeeper, and amazingly, although only 58 when he died, he had worked at Drew’s Calico print works in Lowerhouse for 47 years.
Obituary, Burnley Express 17 June 1936
“LATE MR. M. J WALKER
Mr. Walker, who had been off work for about two months owing to ill-health, was walking across the recreation ground, which is only a few yards away from his home, 169 Lowerhouse Lane, when he collapsed. People who had seen him fall ran to his assistance, but he died almost immediately. The news of his death came as great shock to all in the Rosegrove and Lowerhouse districts, where Matt Walker, as everybody knew him, was held in universal esteem. The sincere sympathy of all is extended to his widow and to his three daughters and three sons. Fifty-eight years of age, Mr. Walker was born in Bombay, where his father was the Army. He was brought to Burnley when he was only three years of age, and had lived here ever since. The whole of his working career, 47 years, had been spent in the employment of the Printworks (Messrs. Alexander Drew and Sons), where he was on the office staff. From the early part of 1915 to 1919 he served with the Royal Field Artillery in France, and it is remarkable that his eldest son, Mr James Walker, was with him in the same battery. Mr. Walker frequently refused promotion in order to remain with his son who was then not out of his teens.
As a footballer and cricketer, Mr. Walker was a player of no mean prowess in his younger days. As a goalkeeper, he played with Burnley West End, Hapton, Accrington Stanley, Accrington, Nelson, Haslingden, and Oswaldtwistle Rovers, and older spectators will recall the many fine exhibitions he gave for the various clubs. Such was his prowess, indeed, that Manchester United gave him the opportunity of joining their playing staff, but Mr. Walker preferred to remain at Lowerhouse.
It was with cricket, however, that Mr. Walker was closely identified for well over 40 years. It was impossible to think of the West End club without thinking of its capable secretary. For 17 years he had held that position, which he still occupied at the time of his death. Quietly efficient, he never courted publicity, but he was always seeking to further the best interests of the summer game, and of the Lowerhouse Cricket Club particularly. With the West End ground almost on his doorstep as it were, the club was a real part his life, and he devoted hours upon hours to the work of the club and to the game. He played with the club 31 years, starting when he was only 16. His reputation as a big hitter lives on and the older Lowerhouse enthusiasts frequently recall with enthusiasm his exploits in that direction. Many an apparently hopeless game has he saved for his side by lifting the leather out of the field. Against East Lancashire, when “Billy” Mitchell was the Blackburn club’s professional he rattled up 40 in under ten minutes. Rishton, during the days of Sinfield, had a taste of his quality when he put 71 runs to his account in 35 minutes. A skipper who heartened his men more by example than words, he was also handy with the stumping gloves and smart in the field.
The funeral will take place to-morrow (Thursday) afternoon, the interment in Altham Cemetery being preceded by a service All Saints’ Church.”
From the Lowerhouse Committee Minute Book
In red ink, underneath the minutes for the 9th June 1936 is written
Club Secretary M.J. Walker died (suddenly) 15 June 1936 between 2 and 3 pm.
The next day, 16th June, was the regular committee meeting, and almost all the agenda is concerned with Matt Walker’s death.
At the top of the page, again in red ink:
Resolution of condolence on death of Secretary M.J. Walker.
Then after they had dealt with routine matters :
- That F. Constantine* arrange for Deputy Umpire to act for J. Walker**, Sat. 20 June.
- That letter of condolence be sent to Mrs. Walker.
- That Treasurer arrange for suitable floral emblem for late Secretary.
- That as many Committee as possible attend Mr. Walker’s funeral.
- That F. Constantine give invitations to various League Clubs.
- That bearers be F. Constantine, T. Waterworth, T. Brown and W.J. Fisher.
- That two minutes’ silence be observed before commencement of Sat. Match.
*F. (Fred) Constantine, Vice-Chairman.
**J. (James Walker), Matt’s son.
From the 1936 Season AGM Report
“The opening of the season found our late genial Secretary Mr. M.J. Walker in a poor state of health, and we suffered a big blow when he collapsed and died on 15th June.”
There was also an “In Memoriam, Matt Walker” notice under the statement of accounts.
