Picture this scene. It is a vibrant hub of community spirit where sports and camaraderie intertwine. This is the West Herts & Watford Sports Club.
Founded with the purchase of freehold land by a trust, the West Herts & Watford Sports Club united cricket hockey rugby union and tennis. Five grass court tennis clubs joined including Watford West Herts and Whitefriars. Holyrood and Marlborough also joined.
The West Herts & Watford Sports Club has a rich history. Its grounds have witnessed sporting events and significant moments. The first football and cricket matches were played here.
During the War the ground was used by the Home Guard. Sport was very limited. After the war clubs re-commenced as before. A corner of the ground was reclaimed. It became an extra hockey pitch creating two grass hockey pitches. West Herts Tennis Club then got three hard courts.
Tragedy struck when the original clubhouse burned down. But from the ashes a new clubhouse opened. Seven squash courts were built. The rugby club left when the courts encroached on their pitch area. Three more hard tennis courts were constructed. Marlborough tennis club folded. West Herts and Watford tennis clubs then merged.
Real ale was introduced at the West Herts & Watford Sports Club and social membership was created. The squash section grew to over 1000 members. Four squash courts were added. The club employed its first full-time groundsman.
The West Herts & Watford Sports Club earned accolades. It won the CAMRA National Club-of-the-Year Award. It was also the Mirror Club-of-the-Year. West Herts Cricket Club celebrated its Centenary year.
Squash declined to 100 members and four courts closed. A fitness section was started. Tennis added one Euroclay court. The Hockey Club won the National HA Trophy for the third year. The Cricket Club reached the Club Quarter Finals of the Evening Standard Challenge Trophy.
Two squash courts were converted. Aerobics and martial arts classes were accommodated. The West Herts & Watford Sports Club won the CAMRA London Award. Hockey began using an Astro pitch at New Field.
The club reduced to one grass hockey pitch. It was the last year hockey was played at the club. New members clubhouse and changing rooms opened. A new tennis pavilion was built. West Herts Football Club returned.
The West Herts & Watford Sports Club was named CAMRA Regional Club of the Year. A Junior Football Section was started. Watford Joggers moved to the club.
Floodlights were added to three more tennis courts. There were now seven all-weather floodlit tennis courts plus three grass courts. A floodlit Multi Use Games Area opened. An irrigation system was installed along with new cricket nets and a new grounds shed.
The West Herts & Watford Sports Club celebrated its Centenary year. A new first-floor members bar with a balcony overlooking the sports field was opened. Forest House Health and Rackets Club also opened.
Today the West Herts & Watford Sports Club stands as a testament to community spirit. It is a place where sports thrive and friendships are forged. The club has excellent sports facilities. The grounds team maintains the cricket tennis and football pitches to a very high standard.
Located a short walk from Watford High Street the West Herts & Watford Sports Club welcomes everyone. Join a sports section or become a social member. The whole family is welcome. The club boasts a diverse membership. There is a great community spirit. The bar is open seven days a week. The West Herts & Watford Sports Club continues to evolve. It remains a cornerstone of the community. It provides opportunities for sport recreation and social interaction.