Trentham Trumpet ‘The Ponsford Connection’
The TDHS has regularly been contributing articles to the The Trentham Trumpet in recent years. This story, written by Elizabeth Toomey was published in the Trumpet in December 2021.
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The Ponsford Connection
Written by Elizabeth Toomey
Over the last few weeks locals may have noticed the recruiting drive by the local Trentham Cricket Club. The club currently has three junior teams represented in the Gisborne District Cricket Association and judging by these pictures there are some real enthusiasts vying for selection.
The Trentham Saints have had varying success over the years since the club was established in xxxx but have always managed to field teams and remained competitive. Along the way many famous cricket names would have been noted and remembered by players and spectators alike but one name that stands out is that of Ponsford, firstly as a champion player for Fitzroy and St Kilda at grade level then representing Victoria. Building on his success as a batsman Bill Ponsford, then went on to represent Australia and become one of our all-time greats in the game mostly as an opening batsman from 1924 through to 1934. In acknowledgement of his fame and contribution to Australian cricketing success, in 1981 the original Western Stand at the Melbourne Cricket Stand was named the Ponsford Stand and the name was retained when a later stand replaced it. A statue of his famous pose was also erected outside the MCG guaranteeing the Ponsford name would retain its fame.
Later in life Bill moved to Woodend to live with his son Geoff, a pharmacist in the town. It was here that an interesting connection to Trentham occurred. One of Geoff Ponsford’s children, Michael as a child growing up in Woodend would accompany his father doing the ‘drug runs’ to surrounding towns. This included to Trentham and to the famed surgery of Dr Gwen Wisewould. One could only imagine what a young Michael Ponsford would have made of Dr Gwen, her surgery, and her drug cupboard! And one could also wonder whether Michael’s peep into Dr Gwen’s life influenced him in any way to take up a career in Medicine - Dr Michael Ponsford is now an Associate Professor and Rehabilitation Physician at Epworth Hospital. Needless to say, Dr Michael doesn’t have to go far before having to explain his connection to the family’s famous name, and no, he is not a cricketer! Perhaps just waiting for one of those up-and- coming young Saints to emulate the talent and fame of his grandfather.
GO SAINTS!
Trentham CC 1935, Trentham CC Member’s Ticket 1946-1947, Trentham Junior Cricket Team 2004-2005, Mountaineer’s CC (probably 1882-91)