This captivating book not only highlights the achievements of the school’s early cricketers, but also uncovers the stories of some of the most fascinating figures who have shaped the club’s legacy. Among them is Harold Vane Baumgartner (later Percye), a schoolboy cricketer who made history by joining the school XI at just 14 and a half. His incredible journey took him from the school grounds to international cricket, where he faced off against England’s greatest batsman, Jack Hobbs, in the first Test match against South Africa in 1913. It is stories like this – full of triumph, passion, and unexpected twists – that make 180 Not Out! a must-read for cricket lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Inside 180 Not Out!, you will find more extraordinary tales from the school’s cricketing history, including:
- The colonial civil servant who became the school’s first Test cricketer.
- The founder of the world-famous XL Club.
- A cricketing schoolmaster involved in one of history’s most bizarre assassination attempts.
- The first British officer killed on D-Day.
- The school’s first cricket professional, hired in 1875.
- A legendary run-scorer who also coached the Bedford Grammar School 2nd XI.
- And many more figures who played pivotal roles in the development of cricket at Bedford School.
To celebrate this milestone, we are inviting supporters to subscribe and contribute £50 towards the production of the book. By subscribing, you’ will receive a copy of 180 Not Out! and your name will be proudly acknowledged in the book, alongside others who helped bring this tribute to life. All funds raised will go directly toward supporting the current generation of talented cricketers at Bedford School.
180 Not Out! will be released on July 4th during OB Cricket Week. Be a part of this story and support the future of cricket at Bedford School by subscribing today.
Don’t miss out! To secure your copy of the book, contact the OB Club at obclub@bedfordschool.org.uk.
