Benfleet Junior School Netball Teams 1945 -1960

Miss Bass Leads Girls to Netball Triumph

Miss Bass specialised in PE and had a few triumphs with the Netball Team.  After World War II many things were in short supply, so much so that the PE skirts the netball team wore were made from blackout material.  Benfleet School at this time taught pupils until they were of an age to start work.  The pupils in the pictures shortly after the war were about 13 years old.

also see Boys Sports Teams Benfleet School

“Final. South Benfleet V Markham’s Chase”.  This was, as should be the case, the outstanding match of the Rally for thrills as well as play.   Markham’s Chase, with some excellent passing and shooting leapt into the lead at the beginning, and were winning at half – time by 8 goals to 6.  The second half brought a change of tactics by the Benfleet players and really inspired play, which Markham’s Chase could not combat. South Benfleet were very worthy winners by 16 goals to 13.

The trophies and medals were presented by Miss B. M. Rains, County Physical Education Advisor, who congratulated all players, not only on their play, but on the cheerfulness of the losers.”

From the South East Essex Primary Schools’ Sports Association

Handbook 1959 – 60

Can you add any names to the pupils in these pictures?

Benfleet School Netball Team 1945. Miss Bass in centre in back row. Front row from left to right Joy Eason, in centre Iris Kenny, Vera Winfield.
From the collection of Miss Bass
Winners of The Benfleet Shield 1946 (Netball) Rear left to right Miss Bass, Centre Marion Roberts. Front Row Mirran Bone, Val ? with Ball Iris Kenny, Joy Therlow.
From the collection of Miss Bass
South Benfleet School Netball Team 1947 - 48. From left to right at rear Miss Bass, Iris Nicholls, Iris? Clark (had a twin sister?), ? Pilgrim, Joan Baker. Front row left to right , centre Valda Baker, Murial Price.
From the collection of Miss Bass
South Benfleet School Netball Team 1957 Back row left to right; Ann Summers, Naomi Wilde (See comment below byNaomi Stuart-Smith), Susan Davies, Margaret ? Front row; Jennifer Watson [I think] Veronica Cunningham, Christine Collie, Lesley ?
From the collection of Miss Bass
South Benfleet Junior School Netball Team 1959 - 1960. Having won their semi final with Pitsea 11 goals to 3, Benfleet went on to play Markham’s Chase in the final of the large schools.
The Handbook of South East Essex School's Sports Association, 1959 -60

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  • South Benfleet School Girls Netball Team 1957 – back row second left is Naomi Wilde not Naomi Watts.

    By Naomi Stuart-Smith (04/03/2018)
  • In the 1957 netball team photo, the two missing names are Margaret Spickett and Lesley Dickens

    By Pat Hemmings (Stiff) (14/03/2015)
  • 1957 netball team names; Back row left to right; Ann Summers, Naomi Watts, Susan Davies, Margaret ? Front row; Jennifer Watson [I think] Veronica Cunningham, Christine Collie, Lesley ?

    By Veronica Tidiman [Cunningham] (05/03/2013)
  • Vera Winfield is in the front row 2nd from the right.

    By Bob Smith (04/05/2012)
  • Thank you for the corrections. In the 1945 picture is Vera front or back row? Then I can add that name.

    By Margaret March (19/04/2012)
  • In the 1945 team 2nd from the right is Vera Winfield.

    By Robert (Bob) Smith (15/04/2012)
  • In the girls netball teams some names are incorrect ie Joy Easdon should be Eason, & Jay Thirlow should be Joy Thirlow.

    By Robert Smith (14/04/2012)

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