the History of
Jalgos
by Stephen Poleon
The Cricketers made history in both 1962 and 1963. In 1962 they joined the Church League as the first Non churched based team. The following year they became the first West Indian team in the Preston Ameteur and District League. Jalgos also played host to Capricorn which stood for Caribbean Community in the early 1980's. Capricorn had a ready made permanent home but Jalgos did not and it took the club a 14 year journey to find their home on Rose Street, but that is not to say the club didn't have facilities available to use.
The first home of the club was a rented room at St Peters Club on Fylde Road. Arkwright House on Stoneygate was utilised by members of the community as was the Foxton Youth Centre for dances and fundraising activities. Central Methodist church on Lune Street also played a part in the fundraising activites. Bring and Buy sales organised by John Daley and other members of the community with the help of Rev. Ron Marshall and Councellor Bunker were held in the basement of the church. It would be these bring and buy sales and other events that paved the way for the club to purchase their home on Rose Street in 1976 from the Hibernian Club.
The Hibernian Club originally purchased the building from the Ribble Bus Company. Tommy Meade who was Jalgos Secretary at the time heard that the Hibernian was up for sale. He then approached them and asked them not to sell to anyone else as Jalgos would buy it from them. Whilst negotiating with Mrs Catherine Hunt from the Hibernain, Mr Meade boldy asked the Hibernian for a loan to cover the cost of buying their building. Thankfully the Hibernian agreed to this proposal and Jalgos did indeed buy the club and found a perminent home. A Home from Home for the members of the small but vibrant West Indian community. A place where everyone regardless of the colour of their skin were welcomed with open arms.
Jalgos is under threat from the proposed Tithebarn redevelopment in Preston , It could be argued that the developers see Jalgos as just another building standing in their way.
My friends Jalgos is more than just a building. Jalgos is a historical and cultural institution within our community. Please support us by signing our online petition or by joining us on facebook. Go to the save our club section to find out how.
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