The first is a photo of the 1934/35 Banbury Spencer team which was made into a postcard and some technology was presumably used to colour in the jerseys on the photo, the photo obviously being originally in black and white.

Note the red and white jerseys of the club at the time.

The players in the photo are:

Back Row Left to Right: Eric Lowe, Aubrey Grant, Norman Walls, Frank Clarke, Jim Martin, Jim Hodson, Horace Williams (manager)

Front Row Left to Right: Arnold Mobley, George Bate, Reg Wallis, Bob Kinder, Jesse Twynham

Any archive photos of any period in the club’s history that you have and would be willing to share would be gratefully received and of course returned

Further details of events to recognise the anniversary will be advised later

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Initially formed in 1931 as the Spencer Sports Club, after two seasons of friendlies the club joined the Banbury Division of the Oxfordshire Junior League for season 1933/34 beginning that season as “Spencer Villa” though changing the name to “Banbury Spencer” part way through that initial season. The Club changed its name to Banbury United from Banbury Spencer in the summer of 1965.

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The following notice appeared in the Banbury Guardian Thursday 3rd September 1931

“A new club has been formed in connection with Spencer Corsets Ltd, with the following officers:-

President, Mr Robert Allen:
Captain, Mr H. Manning
Treasurer, Mr B. H. S. Gell
Secretary: Mr E. Salmons

They will play on the ground on the Middleton Road which was at one time used by the Nomads. They opened their programme there on Saturday with a match against St. Johns when they were represented by:

W.K. Gregory
J. Hobbs, G.W. Carter
A. Bywater, E. Salmons, H. Mannning
F.J. Varney, S.M. Laver, J.F. Harper, A. Hartwell, J.H. Barratt.

The Sports Club kicked off against a fairly stiff breeze and, though midfield play was fairly even, were in arrears at half time by 4 goals to 1. The Saints were more skilful in rounding off their attacks and in the second half doubled their interval score and won 8-2. Harper played a forceful game for the losers in his first soccer match and Hobbs and Carter were a sound pair of backs.

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The following notice appeared in the Banbury Advertiser on Thursday 3rd September 1931

Spencer Sports Club – F.C.

This newly-inaugurated Club will this year participate in “friendly” matches only, but it is hoped that they will prosper and finally find their way into the Junior League. They have acquired a ground along the Middleton Road and are playing in green jerseys and white sleeves.

Mr H. Manning has been elected Captain and Mr G.W. Carter vice-captain. The club still require fixtures and communications should be sent to Mr Salmons at Spencer House, Banbury.

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