The Club's ground was then The Royal Northern Agricultural Society's show ground at St. Machar Drive. Prior to this a list of the previous home grounds sounds rather like a mini geographical tour of Aberdeen:- Holbum, former home of Aberdeenshire Cricket Club, was the club's first ground, succeeded by Mannofield, Rosewell, Summerhill and Duthie Park, Stewart Park, Links and Braeside. The quest for a ground was almost an annual ritual and the club's minute books have constant references to disappointments but no final success before practically every season's start. In 1896 the secretary was to approach a Mr. Middleton with a view to obtaining the use of Westbum as a ground for a rent of not more than £5. If the application was refused £15 (in desperation? Ed.) were to be offered for Mannofield. Both offers were turned down maybe the latter with deep regret in view of the princely sum. The Nomads had already spoken for it. A successful approach, however, was made to their secretary for its use for as many matches as possible. The cost is not recorded. Season 1897-98 records four 'Shire fixtures arranged for Mannofield. In 1899 the secretary is instructed to advertise for a field and in 1903 he is making arrangements for obtaining the use of King's College grounds for practice games. In 1905 the Committee is asked "To look out for a field in a more central position than the last one" In 1907 the secretary is directed to hire a field for practice near Mannofield or King's Gate at a reasonable figure either for the whole season or until the New Year". 1908 echoes this directive in almost the same terms "It was agreed to hire a practice field at Summerhill if one could be obtained at a reasonable figure". In 1909 and in 1910 "it was agreed to hire a field at Rosewell on the same terms as last year." In 1911 a united effort was under way. A resolution at the commencement of the season states "It was agreed to hire a field along with Queen's Cross and Gordon'sCollege F.Ps." In 1912 there is no detail of the hunt for a field but the increased rent for the one already obtained contributed to the deficit for the season. |
