End of The Line: Havering Sports Council Dissolved After More Than 60 Years.

17th September 202617th September 2026 Francesca Lilleystone 0 Comments Havering Sports Council, Meeting, Sport min read

After more than six decades at the heart of sport in the borough, Havering Sports Council has come to an end. On Tuesday evening, 15th September, representatives gathered at Hornchurch Cricket Club’s pavilion in Harrow Lodge for what would be the final meeting of the long established organisation, with former Havering Mayor Melvin Wallace in the Chair.

Mr. Wallace, Havering Sports Council Chairman said:

“At a Special General meeting representatives unanimously agreed to dissolve and wind-up Havering Sports Council. Sadly the level of support and participation had reduced to a point where it was no longer practical to continue. This was not an easy decision to make. The remaining funds will be ringfenced for sports activities by way of sports bursaries.”

Mr. Wallace praised the many who, over decades, had given their time and effort to support the Organisation.

The decision marks the end of an organisation with a remarkable history stretching back to 1964, when the “Havering Sports Advisory Council” was first formed.

Former long standing Hon. Press Officer Dave Ainsworth said a number of Havering Clubs, Organisations and Societies had folded in recent times mainly as newcomers weren’t coming through to take on tasks vacated by long serving stalwarts.

He said Havering Sports Council had suffered a similar fate as other neighbouring Borough Sports Councils.

But while the organisation may now have reached the end of the line, its history reflects the important role it played in supporting and celebrating sport across Havering for generations.

Havering Sports Council History

The following history was written by founder member and former President Peter Bruce RIP, who died in 2021.

1964

“Havering Sports Advisory Council” formed.

Affiliation fee was 5/- (or 25p) per Club per year.

1969

First Awards held.

There was only 1 category – “Sports Personality-of-the-Year”.

It was open to all Havering residents and those who were members of Havering-based Sports Clubs.

There were 6 finalists chosen – with 1 winner. The non-winning 5 received runners-up awards.

Awards were presented at a “Grand Ball” held at Campion School.

Tickets were priced at £1-and-10 shillings, which included dinner.

It’s a large hall – and there was a waiting list of applicants after a “sold out” sign went up.

Peter Bruce said it was easier to get cup-final tickets than a ticket for the Havering Sports Awards.

The first winner was Martin Smith.

This award was presented by guest of honour – professional heavyweight boxer Billy Walker.

Also in 1969 the first Havering Sports Council Handbook was published.

It listed 94 affiliated Clubs and was financed by 28 adverts.

1970

The word “Advisory” was dropped from the title.

From then on it was the “Havering Sports Council”.

1974

The 10th Anniversary was celebrated of Havering Sports Council by holding a public meeting at Upminster Windmill Hall at which guest speaker Ron Pickering OBE, the respected athletics coach and BBC athletics commentator, was guest speaker.

Admission was free to all and his lecture was about sport in general and covered all aspects of nearly all sports.

1980

This year saw the first major change to our Annual Havering Sports Council Sports Awards, as for a first time, other categories were added to alter the format.

Now, after more than 60 years, the organisation has held its final meeting.

The decision to wind up Havering Sports Council brings to a close a chapter in Havering’s sporting history, but the remaining funds will be ringfenced for sports activities by way of sports bursaries.

The organisation may have come to an end, but its decades of work, the people who gave their time to it and the clubs and sporting organisations it represented remain an important part of Havering’s sporting story.

Let us also pay tribute to Dave Ainsworth who has been a key figure across Havering for his dedication to sport. He is a stalwart for race walking, as a member of the RWA and being a voice for all Havering sport.

THANK YOU Dave for your dedication and commitment to sport across Havering.

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